Coal-fired generation has ended at ESB’s Moneypoint power station in County Clare, marking a major milestone in the company’s plan to transform the site into a large-scale renewable energy hub.
The move comes earlier than planned and forms part of ESB’s wider net zero carbon emissions strategy.
Speaking at the plant, ESB chief executive Paddy Hayes (pictured, right) said: “Marking the end of coal generation in Moneypoint is an important milestone in ESB’s progress towards net zero. It is a significant step in Moneypoint’s transformation into a renewable energy hub.”
Moneypoint began its transition away from fossil fuels in 2017 with a 17MW wind farm and in 2021, ESB launched the Green Atlantic @ Moneypoint programme – a multi-billion-euro plan to redevelop the deepwater site as a hub for clean power.
The first phase was completed in 2022 with a €50m investment in Ireland’s first synchronous compensator to support grid integration of renewables.
Minister for Energy Darragh O’Brien said the end of coal at Moneypoint was “not just a significant move for ESB but also for the country as a whole as Ireland powers forward to deliver the clean energy transition underpinned by a secure electricity system”.
The station will now operate on oil under a temporary arrangement with EirGrid, which will keep its units available out of market until 31 March 2029.
Cathal Marley, chief executive of EirGrid, said: “It’s important that we maintain a secure supply of electricity. While Moneypoint will no longer use coal, the units will support the overall adequacy position for Ireland.”
The site, which was built in the 1980s to reduce reliance on oil, will only run on instruction from EirGrid during supply shortages.
Oil generation is less carbon intensive than coal, and the station is expected to see “significantly less running” over the next four years.
Minister of State Timmy Dooley (pictured, left) said: “The early end of coal generation at Moneypoint represents a significant milestone for ESB and is another important step in Ireland’s energy transformation.”
Hayes added: “Moneypoint, the teams working here, and the communities across West Clare have been at the heart of powering Ireland’s electricity system for the best part of 40 years – and I would like to thank all those who have played a part in that.”