U.K. to phase out coal-burning plants by 2025

British Energy Secretary Amber Rudd has pledged to shut all of the U.K.'s coal-burning plants by 2025 and restrict their use by 2023.

If the U.K. is successful in shutting its coal plantsby that deadline, it will be the first major country to do so.

Coal currently provides about 25 per centof the U.K.'selectrical power,

Rudd envisions replacing the U.K.'s coalpower capacity with new natural gas and nuclear plantsrather than renewable energy.

• Coal power plant shutdown could hit Alberta taxpayers
• Barack Obama sets stricter power plant emissions cuts

"Frankly, it cannot be satisfactory for an advanced economy like the U.K. to be relying on polluting, carbon-intensive 50-year-old coal-fired power stations," Rudd said in a speech Wednesday.

"We need to build a new energy infrastructure, fit for the 21st century."

She drew criticism from environmentalist for not choosing renewable alternatives.

The government cut its subsidies for solar power earlier this year, and plans to end incentives for onshore wind power next year.

Rudd said she is trying to focus on making energy affordable and secure.

She also said coal power plants that install carbon capture and storage technology might remain open. Such technology has not been fully developed.

Former U.S.vice-president Al Gore welcomed Rudd's announcement.

"With this announcement, the UK is demonstrating the type of leadership that nations around the world must take in order to craft a successful agreement in Paris and solve the climate crisis," he said in a statement.