The ESB has announced that that coal generation has ended at Moneypoint Power Station has ceased after four decades.
Moneypoint will however continue to provide security of supply for Ireland’s electricity system as ESB actively progresses transformation of Moneypoint into one of the country’s largest renewable energy hubs.
ESB is continuing the transformation of its Moneypoint power station into a renewable energy hub with the end of coal generation earlier than planned, representing a significant milestone in the organisation’s Net Zero carbon emissions strategy.
Minister of State Timmy Dooley was joined at the Co Clare site today by Paddy Hayes, ESB Chief Executive, to mark the milestone.
Moneypoint commenced its transition away from fossil fuel generation on site in 2017 with the construction of a 17MW onshore wind farm. In 2021, ESB announced Green Atlantic @ Moneypoint, a multi-billion-euro ambitious plan to transform the site into one of the country’s largest renewable energy hubs, utilising its deep-water port and existing infrastructure. Phase one of this plan was completed in 2022 with a €50 million investment in Ireland’s first synchronous compensator, a zero-carbon technology that allows the system to utilise ever increasing amounts of use of renewable electricity.
Minister for Climate, Energy and Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD, commented: “The role that Moneypoint has played in providing Ireland with a reliable supply of electricity for more than four decades cannot be overstated. Today, the next step of the station’s journey is beginning as the shift from coal to oil takes place. This is 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. I would like to thank those who have contributed to this milestone, particularly communities in the Mid-West, and I look forward to what is to come for Moneypoint as it continues to transform into a strategic energy hub for Ireland.”
Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Timmy Dooley TD, 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. It is the people of the Mid-West that have made this possible and I am delighted that the site will continue to play a critical role in securing Ireland’s electricity supply for a number of years to come, before transforming into a renewable energy hub to meet the future zero carbon needs of the country.”
Paddy Hayes, Chief Executive of ESB, 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, supporting a low carbon future while continuing to support energy security. 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 so far – and I would like to thank all those who have played a part in that. At ESB, we look forward to continuing to work together, invested in delivering a clean energy future for all.”
Cathal Marley, Chief Executive of EirGrid, said: “Today is a significant milestone for our electricity system, marking the end of coal generation at Moneypoint and in Ireland. EirGrid has been tasked with delivering a renewable-led electricity transmission system, which will benefit our economy and society, requiring the delivery of an unprecedented level of upgrades and new infrastructure. As we transition, it’s important that we maintain a secure supply of electricity. While Moneypoint will no longer use coal, we entered an agreement with ESB, following direction from our regulator, CRU, to make Moneypoint units available on a temporary basis as out of market units up to 31st March 2029. The units will operate using oil as the primary fuel source and will support the overall adequacy position for Ireland, alongside the other measures in CRU’s Security of Supply Programme.”
Moneypoint is one of Ireland’s largest energy generation stations and was developed in the 1980s to mitigate against the then oil crisis.
In 2023, ESB and EirGrid signed an agreement to keep Moneypoint available (to generate on oil) from 2025 up to 2029 and will only be required to operate when the electricity system is short of generating capacity, and under instruction from EirGrid.
Oil generation is less carbon intensive than coal generation and the station is expected to see significantly less running during this four year period.
Moneypoint will remain a key site for ESB and for the Mid-West region as the station evolves and transforms to support the Irish government to achieve its climate targets.