free from coal

No coal was burnt to make electricity in the UK yesterday:

First coal-free day in Britain since Industrial Revolution 

Friday is thought to be the first time the nation has not used coal to generate electricity since the world’s first centralised public coal-fired generator opened in 1882, at Holborn Viaduct in London. 

Cordi O’Hara of the National Grid said: "To have the first working day without coal since the start of the industrial revolution is a watershed moment in how our energy system is changing.

I think you’ll find that the industrial revolution started somewhat earlier than 1882, however.

half of British energy on Friday came from natural gas, with about a quarter coming from nuclear plants

Burning natural gas isn’t exactly carbon neutral, either.

Given Friday was cloudy where we were, we actually used a small amount of grid electricity.  It was much sunnier earlier in the week.  On Friday, our solar panels generated a mere 12.7 kWh, while on Wednesday they generated 51.4 kWh.  I assume overall demand is lower on a Friday.

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Update 6 May 2017: I see the BBC page has removed its reference to the Industrial Revolution.

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