Calls are being made on the government and on the ESB to provide clarity on the future of Moneypoint, for the good of its workers and the wider West Clare economy.
Coal-fired operations at Moneypoint are due to come to an end by 2025, but already there are signs of a slowdown there.
It’s understood that staff have been told that the station will be running only winter operations, and that there’s no guarantee that the plant will continue to operate until 2025.
The ESB says it’s “confident” that Moneypoint will play a key role in Ireland’s future low carbon energy system, and says it’s committed to engaging with stakeholders on the challenges associated with its transition away from coal.
However, Fianna Fáil general election candidate Rita McInerney says a development plan for the site is needed.
Statement from the ESB
As part of our Brighter Future strategy, ESB is committed by 2030 to moving to 40% renewable generation by 2030.
This will reduce the carbon intensity of our electricity generation by more than two-thirds. We will cease all generation from coal no later than 2025 and complete our transition from high carbon fuels by 2030.
The Government has announced an end to coal fired generation in Ireland by 2025. This is a key milestone for ESB and an integral part of our strategy to cut carbon emissions.
ESB recognises the role that Moneypoint Power Station plays in both supporting the local economy and at a national level, Moneypoint delivers 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 a prime 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.
The development of replacement generation for Moneypoint however is contingent on a project winning an open auction for a capacity contract and on being commercially viable.
