The last coal-fired power plants in New England are set to close in the coming years, marking a transition towards green energy across the region. Environmental activists have long pushed for the closure of these plants due to health and environmental concerns, with the Sierra Club and other groups celebrating the announcement. The plants, which have been largely inactive in recent years, will be repurposed into renewable energy parks once closed.
Granite Shore Power announced the closure of its Schiller Station in 2025 and Merrimack Station by mid-2028, marking a significant shift towards renewable energy. The company has been planning this transition for six years and intends to support the regional grid during this period, as well as retain workers and potentially increase its workforce. The move towards green energy aligns with the shift in the broader market as companies, investors, and consumers show increasing interest in clean energy solutions.
However, critics have raised concerns over the reliance on intermittent sources like wind and solar, which are weather-dependent and may not provide consistent energy. Baseload, dispatchable power generation from sources like coal, natural gas, and nuclear are essential to ensuring reliable electricity supply. The closure of coal plants has sparked fears of less reliable electricity and higher costs for consumers, particularly impacting lower-income households.
ISO-New England, the region’s independent grid operator, highlights the importance of coal in ensuring power supply during peak periods, such as in winter when natural gas supplies are constrained. The shutdown of coal-fired plants could leave consumers vulnerable to power outages and reliant on natural gas, which poses risks in terms of affordability and reliability. The closures go against the guidance provided by ISO-New England and could undermine electric reliability in the region.
Despite the closure of coal-fired plants in New England and nationwide, coal still accounts for over 16% of total electricity generation in the U.S. This demonstrates the continued importance of coal in the energy mix, with coal having historically been a major source of power. However, with the increasing focus on renewable energy and the closure of coal plants due to environmental concerns, the energy landscape is rapidly evolving towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Overall, the closure of the last coal-fired power plants in New England marks a significant step towards a future dominated by renewable energy sources. While environmental activists celebrate the move, critics voice concerns over the reliability and affordability of the energy supply in the absence of coal. The transition to green energy reflects a broader shift in the market and consumer preferences, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to energy generation that ensures both reliability and sustainability.
