ESB has ended coal generation at Moneypoint power station in Co Clare after 40 years and earlier than planned as it shifts to generating oil instead.
Moneypoint is one of Ireland’s largest energy generation stations and was developed in the 1980s to mitigate against the then oil crisis.
Moneypoint started transitioning away from fossil fuel generation in 2017 with the construction of a 17MW onshore wind farm.
ESB announced a multi-billion-euro plans to transform the facility into one of the country's largest renewable energy hubs four years ago.
The plans included utilising its deep-water port and existing infrastructure, and the first phase was completed in 2022 with a €50m 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.
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.
Minister of State Timmy Dooley joined ESB CEO Paddy Hayes at the site to mark the milestone.
Minister for Climate, Energy and Environment Darragh O'Brien 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."
Dooley said the end of coal generation was a significant milestone and that he was delighted the site would "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.”
Hayes added that the move 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."
Cathal Marley, CEO of EirGrid, said the grid operator had agreed with ESB to make Moneypoint units available on a temporary basis as out of market units up to 31 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," he added.
Photo: Minister of State Timmy Dooley and ESB CEO Paddy Hayes at Moneypoint Power Station in Co Clare. (Pic: Supplied)
