Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD is accusing the ESB of playing a risky game with Moneypoint Power Station in West Clare.
It follows reports of a lack of production at the facility, near Kilrush, which is due to cease coal-burning production in five years’ time.
In response, the ESB says that generation output has declined dramatically at Moneypoint over recent years but that they remain committed to engaging on its future and that Moneypoint plays an important role in supporting the local economy.
But Meelick Deputy Cathal Crowe is still concerned and wants further clarity on the matter:
Statement from the ESB
ESB’s generation output at Moneypoint has declined dramatically over recent years as renewable electricity has progressively replaced coal-fired electricity on Ireland’s electricity system.
As a result, in July 2019, ESB announced a major realignment in Moneypoint operations to take account of this much lower running regime and has committed to cease burning coal for electricity generation no later than 2025.
Historic generation volumes at Moneypoint have been at around 4,500 GWh of electricity generation per annum and this compares to 2,069 GWh in 2018 and just 590 GWh in 2019. The Government announced an end to coal-fired generation in Ireland by 2025 and running at Moneypoint between now and then is likely to be quite low depending on market conditions.
The transition away from coal is part of ESB’s Brighter Future strategy. We are committed to moving to 40% renewable generation by 2030 which will reduce the carbon intensity of our electricity generation by more than two-thirds.
ESB recognises the role that Moneypoint Power Station plays in supporting the local economy and, at a national level, delivering secure, reliable and affordable power. ESB is committed to engaging and communicating with stakeholders on the immediate and longer term challenges arising from both the competitive environment and the planned move away from coal generation.
The site at Moneypoint occupies an important location on the electricity system and we are confident that it will continue to play a key role in Ireland’s future low carbon energy system. ESB is currently examining technology options for Moneypoint beyond 2025 that will deliver large scale electricity generation, fuel diversity and security of supply. However, the development of replacement generation for Moneypoint is contingent on a project being commercially viable and able to compete successfully in grid capacity auctions.
