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] Coal's share of the electricity fuel mix in Ireland in 2022 was 11.6%.[8]
| Moneypoint power station | |
|---|---|
 Moneypoint Power Station as seen from County Kerry | |
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| Country |
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| Location | |
| Coordinates | 52°36′27″N 9°25′27″W / 52.6075°N 9.4243°W |
| Status | Operational |
| Commission date |
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| 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
editMoneypoint 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
editReferences
edit- ^ Creatphlean Comhtháite Straitéiseach d'Inbhear na Sionainne (Strategic Integrated Framework Plan for the Shannon Estuary) (PDF) (Report) (in Irish). Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council, Kerry County Council, Shannon Development, Shannon Foynes Port Company. p. 7. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ "ESB History Timeline". esb.ie. Archived from the original on 22 May 2010. Retrieved 6 July 2010.
- ^ McMahon, Páraic (24 October 2022). "Electricity generation from coal at Moneypoint up this year". clareecho.ie. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ a b "ESB informational document" (PDF). esb.ie. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 September 2015.
- ^ "Moneypoint to power on despite protests". thetimes.co.uk. The Times (UK). 15 July 2018.
- ^ "Business: New-tech solution 'could clean up' Moneypoint". Irish Independent. 12 December 2006.
- ^ "ESB Announces Green Atlantic at Moneypoint". esb.ie (Press release). 9 April 2021. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
At its peak, Moneypoint produced 25% of Ireland's electricity requirements
- ^ "ENERGY IN IRELAND 2023 Report" (PDF). seai.ie. p. 146.
- ^ "Ireland to replace last coal plant with huge green hub and floating wind farm". 12 April 2021.
- ^ "About ESB: Moneypoint - Station History Construction". esb.ie. Archived from the original on 24 August 2003. Retrieved 27 August 2014.
- ^ "About ESB: Moneypoint - The station". esb.ie. Archived from the original on 14 April 2009. Retrieved 17 August 2009.
- ^ "About ESB: Moneypoint - Fuel type". esb.ie. Archived from the original on 23 December 2008. Retrieved 24 September 2009.
- ^ Radowitz, Bernd (4 May 2021). "Siemens Energy technology to stabilise grid at giant Irish floating wind energy hub". Recharge | Latest renewable energy news. Archived from the original on 5 May 2021.
- ^ "Climate Action Plan 2019" (PDF). gov.ie. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 July 2019. Retrieved 17 July 2019.
- ^ "New Moneypoint offshore wind energy plan will power 1.5 million homes". The Clare Champion. 8 April 2021. Archived from the original on 11 April 2021.
- ^ "Moneypoint power station to be kept open until 2029 despite emissions concerns". The Irish Times. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
External links
edit
- Official Information Sheet (PDF) (archived 2015)