Moneypoint power station
Electricity generating station in Ireland From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Moneypoint power station (Irish: Stáisiún cumhachta Ghob na Muine)[1] is Ireland's largest electricity generation station (with an output 915 MW)[2] and its only coal-fired power station.[3] Commissioned between 1985 and 1987,[4] it is located on the River Shannon, near Kilrush in County Clare, and was constructed at a cost of more than £700m.[5] The station operates largely on coal, making it both unique in the context of Irish electricity production and for a while was the country's single largest emitter of greenhouse gases.[6] At its peak, it was capable of meeting around 25% of customer demand across the country.[7] But by 2023, coal's share of the electricity fuel mix in Ireland had fallen to 4%.[8]
| Moneypoint power station | |
|---|---|
 Moneypoint Power Station as seen from County Kerry | |
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| Country | Ireland |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 52°36′27″N 9°25′27″W |
| Status | Operational |
| Commission date |
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| Owner | |
| Thermal power station | |
| Primary fuel | |
| Secondary fuel | |
| Turbine technology | |
| Site area |
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| Chimneys |
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| Power generation | |
| Units operational | 3 × 305 MW |
| Make and model | Foster Wheeler (3) |
| Nameplate capacity |
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| External links | |
| Commons | Related media on Commons |
In 2021, its owner, the ESB Group, announced the facility would be closed and replaced with a green-energy hub.[9]
It has two Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) storage tanks with a capacity of 50,000 tonnes which can be used as a back-up fuel if required.[4]
Three Brown Boveri four-cylinder, single-shaft impulse reaction turbines are directly connected to three generators which generate the power. The steam is generated by three Foster Wheeler two-pass boilers, which convert water into high pressure steam by combustion of the coal.
The power station chimneys, at 218m, are the tallest free-standing structures in Ireland.
History
Moneypoint was under construction from 1979 to 1987.[10] Before its construction, Ireland depended heavily on imported oil for its energy.[11] The 1970s sharp increase in oil prices over a short period of time led the government and the Electricity Supply Board to choose coal as a fuel, as it was seen as a plentiful resource with a stable price.[12]
A flywheel synchronous condenser to stabilize the grid was ordered for operation at Moneypoint by 2022.[13]
In 2019, the government launched its climate action plan which included a commitment to end the burning of coal in Moneypoint by 2025,[14] and replace coal-fired generation with "low-carbon and renewable technologies". One option being explored is a 400 MW floating wind farm with an onshore hydrogen facility.[15]
The plant was planned to be closed in 2025 but operation was extended to 2029.[16]
See also
References
External links
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