UK's last coal power plant in Ratcliffe-on-Soar will close on Monday, marking an end to the country's 142-year history of using coal-generated electricity. The world's first coal-fired power station, Holborn Viaduct power station, began operating in London in 1882. "Today's closure...marks the end of an era...We owe generations a debt of gratitude as a country," minister Michael Shanks said.