Closing the Chapter on Coal: Shuttering of New England’s Last Coal Plant
Shuttering of New England’s Last Coal Plant: Celebrating an Environmental Victory
New England is bidding farewell to its last coal-fired power plant, Merrimack Station, set to close permanently by June 2028. This monumental environmental win reflects decades of effort by activists including a lawsuit alleging violations of the Clean Water Act. But this victory is not just about shutting down a polluting plant—it's about embracing a sustainable future. Not only will the site close, but it is slated to transition to renewable battery energy storage in its place, supporting offshore wind developments.
Context for the Victory: A Brief History of Power in New England
New England, like the rest of the United States, has seen a dramatic evolution in its energy landscape over the centuries. The Industrial Revolution transitioned a predominantly wood-burning society to water power, eventually to be succeeded by coal's dominance due to its abundance and affordability by the late 19th century.
However, The Great Smog of 1952 in London led the transition away from coal as its byproducts led to the death of almost 5,000 people within just a few cold winter days. With this as the catalyst, the mid-20th century witnessed a shift toward oil and natural gas. These sources were preferable to coal due to their higher energy density, cleaner combustion, and greater ease of handling and transport compared to coal.
The Current State of Energy in New England
Coal, oil, and nuclear power plants have been rapidly closing due to high fuel, operating, and environmental compliance costs. However, oil generation persists in the region during its coldest months. Nuclear also remains a significant source of power generation at over 20% of total energy generation.
Today, natural gas dominates the energy mix, comprising about 50% of production. Its cleaner profile makes it a preferable option, emitting significantly fewer emissions than coal or oil when burned.
The region is also experiencing steady growth in renewable energy sources. There has been a major push for growth in offshore wind projects that are gaining traction. However, renewables remain a small fraction of the region’s energy mix at around 11%.
Concerns With the Current State
While natural gas may be cleaner than coal, it's still finite and poses environmental risks. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas emitted from natural gas leaks. It is estimated that methane emissions from oil and natural gas wells account for about 33% of total U.S. methane emissions and approximately 4% of total US greenhouse gas emissions.
Beyond methane, natural gas presents additional environmental concerns. Natural gas is a geologic resource that requires exploration, drilling, refining, and transportation - all of which can have both local impacts on natural resources and global impacts on air quality and climate.
Shaping the Future of Energy in New England
As New England closes the chapter on coal power in favor of cleaner energy, it is important to consider the distinction between ‘clean’ and ‘renewable’ energy resources. While natural gas is cleaner than coal, it is still finite and will eventually be depleted.
Fortunately, sustainable power sources that are both clean and renewable are on the rise, supported by renewable portfolio standard mandates. Wind energy, abundant in New England, can already power more than a million homes with all turbines spinning. Solar power also continues to grow.
Renewables face challenges, particularly in New England's unpredictable climate. Winter in the region poses significant challenges for solar power due to snow, cloud cover, and shortened daylight hours. However, wind power remains resilient, as demonstrated by ISO New England's study on extreme weather's impact. The study shows that wind energy reliably meets peak demand during severe storms, ensuring a stable power supply despite adverse conditions.
Key Takeaways From This Victory
The closure of Merrimack Station is a testament to the power of environmental activism and public pressure to change the energy landscape. As the region strives for sustainability, wind emerges as a leading clean energy source. Advocacy for transitioning from natural gas to renewables must continue, supporting environmental organizations in legal battles and protection efforts such as the Clean Water Act. Public pressure, including consumer boycotts and corporate accountability campaigns, will further support the transition. With a diverse portfolio of renewables, New England can lead the way towards a greener future.
