The final coal-fired power plants in New England are set to close in the coming years, marking the region's transition to green energy. Power provider Granite Shore Power recently announced its agreement with federal officials to shutter the Schiller Station in 2025 and the Merrimack Station by mid-2028. This momentous move follows the nationwide push towards renewable energy and comes as a victory for environmental activists.

For years, environmental organizations have advocated for the closure of the New Hampshire coal plants, citing contamination of nearby water sources and harmful soot emissions. The Sierra Club, one of these groups, lauded the announcement, proclaiming New England as the second region in the United States, after the Pacific Northwest, to be coal-free. The closure of the plants is seen as a relief for locals who have been burdened with health and safety concerns associated with the facilities.

Combined, the two coal plants have a capacity of 560 megawatts, enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes. While they once played a central role in the grid, their operation has significantly decreased, with usage limited to times of high demand. Granite Shore Power CEO Jim Andrews emphasized the company's commitment to transitioning away from coal and towards a cleaner energy future. He announced plans to redevelop the sites as renewable energy parks, incorporating solar and utility-scale energy storage facilities.

Granite Shore Power has been transparent about its intentions to shift away from coal for six years and will continue supporting the regional grid during the transition. The company aims to retain workers and potentially increase its overall workforce. The move reflects the growing demand for clean energy in the market, with companies, investors, and consumers seeking to embrace renewable alternatives.

Various organizations advocating for the development of green energy have celebrated the agreement. The American Council on Renewable Energy sees it as a significant step towards America's clean energy future, while the American Clean Power Association highlights the data indicating that most new electricity generation in the country is derived from green sources, creating numerous job opportunities.

However, critics have raised concerns over the importance of baseload, dispatchable power generation. Some argue that renewable sources like wind and solar, which are intermittent and weather-dependent, cannot provide consistent and reliable electricity. According to the Energy Information Administration, coal, natural gas, and nuclear power plants exceed their listed capacity percentages, while solar panels and wind turbines fall below theirs.

Daren Bakst, director of the Competitive Enterprise Institute's Center for Energy and Environment, warns that relying solely on intermittent sources could lead to less reliable electricity and higher prices, disproportionately affecting low-income communities. He argues the necessity of baseload electricity generation for consistent power supply.

ISO-New England, the regional independent grid operator, acknowledges the critical role of coal in ensuring power during extreme weather conditions when natural gas supply is constrained. The organization cites inadequate infrastructure for natural gas transportation as an energy-security risk. However, ISO-New England declined to comment on Granite Shore Power's coal plant closures.

Critics argue that the closure of the Merrimack and Schiller Stations is a setback for New England's energy consumers, who require a mix of baseload energy sources for electric reliability. Michelle Bloodworth, president and CEO of America's Power, a coal power trade group, warns that the closures will increase the risk of power outages and further reliance on volatile prices of natural gas.

The phase-out of coal-fired power plants in New England signals a significant shift towards renewable energy. As concerns for the environment and climate grow, numerous coal plants have been retired in recent years. However, coal remains a significant contributor to the nation's electricity generation, producing more than solar and wind combined. The transition away from coal raises questions about the balance between environmental priorities and the need for reliable power supply.

The closure of the final coal plants in New England serves as a significant milestone in the region's push towards a greener future. While challenges remain, the spotlight continues to shine on renewable energy as the nation endeavors to reduce its carbon footprint and ensure a sustainable and reliable power grid.