Map FAQs
What are the maps for?
We are in a renaissance period of expansion for the UK coal industry. The maps make it easy to see what mines and power stations are operational or planned in particular parts of the country. Discussion about whether a new coal-fired power station should be built at Kingsnorth has focused interest on the issue, but Kingsnorth is not the only site where new coal infrastructure is being planned. Coal in the UK shows in detail not only what is already built, but also the full scope of plans for expanding the UK coal industry.
Where does the information on the maps come from?
The data is collated from a number of different researchers, and comes largely from freedom of information requests to planning authorities across the UK for planning requests. See the ‘About‘ page for credits. Data on expected opencast applications comes from development plans submitted to local planning authorities.
How up to date is the information?
PIRC will regularly update the maps with up-to-date information from planning applications, and to reflect sites where construction starts or is halted. ‘Approved’ mines are opencast sites which have been approved as of January 2007, and construction may have already started at these sites. Visual satellite imagery comes from Google and will usually not be recent enough to show the current state of the site.
Can I correct or update information on the map?
Yes!
Sending us updates to the information contained in the map will help us keep it up-to-date. You can submit updates by clicking the ‘Send update’ link on the map’s information windows, or by going to coalintheuk.org/updates/
Who are PIRC?
The Public Interest Research Centre is an independent charity integrating key research on climate change, energy & economics - widening its audience and increasing its impact.
We sit between research organisations and campaigning groups; translating technical research into engaging material which inspires lasting change.
See pirc.info for more.
What are the plans for the map?
We will keep the map as up-to-date as possible to track the fast-changing situation, as planning applications are approved or rejected, opencast sites are opened, and perhaps as power stations are built.
