Ireland has become the fifteenth country in Europe to eliminate coal from their electricity mix following the closure of the 915MW Moneypoint coal-fired power station.
State-owned electricity company ESB announced late last week that coal generation had ended at Moneypoint power station, marking the end of nearly 40 years at the heart of the Republic of Ireland’s electricity system.
Moneypoint is to be converted into a renewable energy hub and already consists of a 17MW onshore wind farm and a synchronous condenser, although the generators at the plant will be placed on standby – for use as an emergency backup – until 2029, using oil if necessary.
“Marking the end of coal generation in Moneypoint is an important milestone in ESB’s progress towards net zero,” said Paddy Hayes, chief executive of ESB.
“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.”
The transformation of the Moneypoint power station into what the company calls the Green Atlantic @ Moneypoint renewable energy hub has already completed its first phase, the installation and operation of Ireland’s first synchronous condenser, featuring the world’s largest flywheel.
The synchronous condenser, completed in late 2022, will provide a range of electrical services to the electricity grid which were previously supplied by thermal fired power stations.
It will also help to enable the integration of higher volumes of renewable energy into Ireland’s electricity system, including the proposed 1.4GW Moneypoint Floating Offshore wind farm.
