The ESB is set to apply for planning permission to convert Moneypoint from a coal to an oil fired station.
Subject to approval, the plant will operate as a back-up electricity supplier to the national grid until 2029.
Back in September last year, Eirgrid and ESB signed an agreement to make Moneypoint available as an out of market generator of last resort from 2025 to 2029.
This means that the station will not be active in the wholesale electricity market but can be called into action by Eirgrid in the event that a shortfall in generation capacity elsewhere, would threaten overall consumer supply.
To allow Moneypoint to provide this emergency service, ESB requires an update to the Kilrush facility’s planning permission to enable the station to operate on 100 % oil rather than coal.
The utility intends to submit this application to An Bórd Plenála on or after February 12th.
The arrangement would also see Ireland cease burning coal to generate electricity.
By 2029, ESB is hoping to complete the Green Atlantic at Moneypoint Project, which will see the site redeveloped into a renewables hub equipped with a 1,400 MW offshore windfarm, that would have the ability to power up to 1.6 million homes.
