Work is due to get underway on the first phase of development at Moneypoint Power Station shortly.
The ESB has confirmed that the installation of the main equipment from Siemens for the Synchronous Compensator will take place in April next year.
Earlier this year, the ESB announced plans to transform Moneypoint into a green energy hub with the capacity to power 1.6 million homes by 2030.
‘Green Atlantic’ encompasses four main projects; the Synchronous Compensator, the onshore Hub, an offshore project and the medium term hydrogen facility onsite.
Installation of the main equipment for the Synchronous Compensator, from Siemens, is due to take place in April 2022, with commissioning of the new plant planned for mid-2022 and commercial operation in October 2022.
When complete, this compensator will be the first in the country and will incorporate the world’s largest flywheel which will promote the connection of greater volumes of renewable energy onto the electricity system.
The ESB says work on the onshore Hub is also progressing, with ongoing engagement with Clare County Council, Shannon Foynes Port and other key stakeholders in the region.
The planning application process has commenced with the appointment of an environmental consultant to carry out early stage site assessments and long lead ecology surveys, while an engineering consultant is due to be appointed shortly.
The utility says work is also under way for the production of a socio-economic report assessing the potential job creation and value to the economy from the project.
