Why modern thermal power is key to Ireland’s renewable future

Wind and solar have together generated more power worldwide this year than coal — this marks a turning point, writes Finlay McCutcheon

SSE's site in Tarbert, Co Kerry.

The world’s wind and solar farms have generated more electricity than coal plants for the first time this year, marking a turning point for the global power system. With Ireland’s last coal-fired power station closing this past summer, the country is firmly part of that momentum.

This milestone is significant, but it’s not the finish line. It marks a turning point that calls for fresh thinking about how we generate power.