Moneypoint Ends Coal Generation as It Transforms into a Renewable Energy Hub

Moneypoint, Ireland’s largest electricity generation station, has officially ended coal-powered generation—marking a major milestone in the country’s clean energy transition. The station in County Clare will continue to provide security of supply using oil as it evolves into one of Ireland’s largest renewable energy hubs.

Coal Generation in Ireland: Context

Coal generation in Ireland has historically played a key role in powering the country, with Moneypoint in County Clare being the largest coal-fired power station. Commissioned in the 1980s, Moneypoint provided a reliable base-load power supply for decades, helping to stabilise Ireland’s electricity system and support economic development.

However, coal is also one of the most carbon-intensive fuels available, producing significantly higher greenhouse gas emissions than oil or natural gas. It also contributes to air pollution and health risks through the release of particulates and sulphur dioxide. As Ireland, the EU, and the global community intensify efforts to combat climate change, coal has become incompatible with long-term sustainability goals.

Why is Coal Being Phased Out in Ireland?

1. Climate commitments – Ireland has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and generating 80% of electricity from renewables by 2030.
2. EU and National Regulations – Stricter EU emissions standards and carbon pricing under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) have made coal economically unviable. 
3. Technological Alternatives – Ireland now has growing capacity in wind, solar, and battery storage.
4. Public and Political Pressure – There is widespread political and societal support in Ireland for ending reliance on high-emission fuels and investing in clean energy alternatives that secure both climate and economic resilience.

A Major Step in Ireland’s Energy Transition

The closure of coal operations at Moneypoint took place earlier than originally planned and forms part of the ESB’s strategy to reach net-zero carbon emissions. The transformation has been ongoing since 2017, when a 17MW onshore wind farm was constructed at the site.

In 2021, ESB launched Green Atlantic @ Moneypoint, a multi-billion-euro plan to repurpose the site as a clean energy hub. The first phase, completed in 2022, included a €50 million investment in Ireland’s first synchronous compensator—a zero-carbon system that helps stabilize the electricity grid while enabling the integration of more renewables.

Continued Role in Energy Security

Although coal generation has ended, Moneypoint will remain available to the national grid using oil-fired units until March 2029. This arrangement, agreed between ESB and EirGrid in 2023, was made under the direction of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). These “out-of-market” units will only be used when electricity demand exceeds supply, helping to ensure security during the transition.

Oil, while still a fossil fuel, emits less carbon than coal. These units are expected to run far less frequently and only under instruction from EirGrid.

Government and Industry Support

The milestone was marked by Minister of State Timmy Dooley TD, ESB CEO Paddy Hayes, and representatives from EirGrid at the Moneypoint site on 20 June 2025.

Minister Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, praised Moneypoint’s four-decade contribution to Ireland’s electricity system. He called the shift away from coal a key moment in Ireland’s clean energy future, while acknowledging the role played by Mid-West communities.

Minister Dooley added, “It is the people of the Mid-West that have made this possible… The site will continue to play a critical role in securing Ireland’s electricity supply before transforming into a renewable energy hub.”

Looking Ahead: From Coal to Clean Energy

Moneypoint is being reimagined not just as a backup source of generation, but as a central player in delivering Ireland’s climate goals. Its deep-water port and existing infrastructure make it a prime location for renewable energy development—including offshore wind and green hydrogen.

Paddy Hayes, ESB’s Chief Executive, stated: “Moneypoint has been at the heart of powering Ireland for 40 years. We’re proud to mark this shift, and we remain committed to investing in a clean energy future.”

Cathal Marley, CEO of EirGrid, called the end of coal generation “a significant milestone for our electricity system” and reaffirmed the importance of Moneypoint’s temporary oil use in maintaining energy security.

Moneypoint Ends Coal Generation: Summary

The early closure of coal operations at Moneypoint reflects Ireland’s accelerating progress toward a low-carbon energy system. While temporarily using oil to support reliability, Moneypoint is set to become a cornerstone of Ireland’s renewable energy future—driving economic, environmental, and regional development.