Moneypoint ends coal generation early as ESB shifts focus to renewable energy hub

After four decades of coal use, Co Clare's Moneypoint power station begins a new chapter in Ireland’s green future

The ESB generating station at Moneypoint, Co. Clare. File photo

Coal generation has ended earlier than expected at Moneypoint Power Station in Co Clare.

After 40 years, the ESB, which operates the station, announced it has transformed the site into a renewable energy hub as coal generation came to a close.

Moneypoint began its transition away from fossil fuels in 2017 with the construction of a 17MW onshore wind farm.

In 2021, ESB announced a multi-billion-euro 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 handle increasing amounts of renewable electricity.

CLIMATE & SUSTAINABILITY HUB

In 2023, ESB and EirGrid signed an agreement to keep Moneypoint available (to generate electricity using oil) from 2025 to 2029. The station will only be required to operate when the electricity system is short on capacity, and only under instruction from EirGrid.

Oil generation is less carbon-intensive than coal, and the station is expected to run significantly less often during these four years.

On Friday, Minister of State at the department of agriculture, Timmy Dooley, visited the site alongside ESB Chief Executive Paddy Hayes.

Speaking about the move, Mr Dooley 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."

Mr Hayes said: "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."

Ireland's 2030 target under the EU’s Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 42% by the end of the decade.

Climate Minister Darragh O'Brien said: "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.