How does coal generate electricity? | ESO National Grid ESO
Coal is a fossil fuel and has been generating electricity in Great Britain since the industrial revolution. But the decarbonisation of the grid will see it phased out by the end of 2024. In 1882, Thomas Edison's Holborn Viaduct coal plant started generating electricity for public use. It was the first power station of its kind, burning enough coal to provide energy to light 1,000 lamps in ...