Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
95. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether the Moneypoint plant in County Clare will cease burning coal by the end of 2025 as planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3284/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister and the Department have no decision-making role in relation to the future of ESB power stations.
The Government’s stated policy is that the retention of existing power generation is both a necessary and critical component of our energy security at this time. The State continues to work to rapidly develop enduring generation capacity, in line with our commitment to a renewables-led electricity system that is secure, affordable and sustainable.
In 2021, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities announced a suite of measures to enhance the security of Ireland’s electricity supply (CRU 21/115). Extending the life of power plants which were due to close was one such measure. As a result of these measures enhancing security of supply, Ireland's electricity security was significantly improved in Winter 2024/2025 compared to previous years.
I am advised that in 2023, ESB and EirGrid signed an agreement to keep Moneypoint available on oil rather than coal up to 2029, consistent with their strategy to cease coal-powered electricity generation by 2025. Oil generation is less carbon intensive than coal generation, and Moneypoint will not participate in the electricity markets for the duration of this agreement. From July 2025, Moneypoint will only operate on instruction from EirGrid when the electricity system is short of generating capacity, and is expected to see significantly less running and will emit significantly less carbon emissions as a result.
I am also further informed that, ESB was recently granted planning permission by An Bord Pleanála to enable Moneypoint to transition from a coal-fired station to an oil-fired station by the end of 2025 and for a limited period. ESB are currently making the plant modifications needed to safely cease coal-fired capability.
It is expected that over 2GW of new gas fired generation will come online in the late 2020s which will assist with Ireland's transition to an electricity-led energy system and will reduce Ireland's short-term and temporary reliance on older generating units to provide security of supply. This new generation capacity will end the need for Moneypoint to be available to generate on oil. Once the capacity of Moneypoint is no longer required by the system for security of supply purposes, the existing fossil fuel generating plant at Moneypoint will be fully decommissioned.
I am advised that this agreement will not impede ESB’s redevelopment of Moneypoint into an offshore wind and flexible generation energy hub as part of ESB’s Net Zero by 2040 Strategy.
Both the ESB and the CRU have dedicated email addresses for Deputies should they wish to seek further information on this matter.
