Moneypoint Power Station Ends Coal Use, Pivots to Backup Oil

In a major shift towards greener energy, the ESB’s Moneypoint Power Station in County Clare has ceased coal burning after four decades. The plant now focuses on backup oil generation to ensure Ireland’s electricity supply, marking a pivotal step in the organization’s carbon reduction strategy.

Transition Details

From today, the Moneypoint facility will no longer use coal for electricity generation. However, it will still provide power as a last-resort backup for the Irish grid operator, Eirgrid. The plant will use heavy oil for the next four years instead of coal.

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The site is undergoing transformation into a renewable energy hub, advancing climate goals. The move ends coal use six months earlier than planned. Two years ago, an agreement was signed to use oil from 2025 until 2029. This will only occur when the electricity system needs extra generating capacity.

“Oil generation is less carbon intensive than coal generation, and the station is expected to see significantly less running during this four-year period.”

—ESB Statement

Renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, now account for a growing share of the world’s electricity generation. In 2023, renewable energy sources generated nearly 30% of the world’s electricity (IEA 2024).

Historical Context

Moneypoint, which opened in the mid-1980s, has three coal-fired units. At its peak, the station supplied about a quarter of Ireland’s electricity needs, but its recent contribution is much lower. Before Moneypoint, Ireland relied heavily on imported oil, exposing the country to shortages.

Coal is more carbon-intensive than the heavy fuel oil that it is replacing. The decision to burn coal was made when there was little attention paid to carbon emissions. The plant is now changing its fuel source due to climate policy.

Future Plans

The power station will not participate in the wholesale market and will only operate for limited hours as a backup generator. This will still remain a critical facility for Ireland’s energy security. The ESB has installed two heavy fuel oil storage tanks with a capacity of 50,000 tonnes.

The objective is to stop heavy fuel oil generation at the plant by 2029. ESB began its move away from fossil fuels in 2017 by starting a 17MW wind farm. The “Green Atlantic at Moneypoint” plan will make the location a renewable energy hub.