<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/ireland-closes-last-coal-generator-becoming15th-country-in-europe-to-quit-the-fossil-fuel/>
"Ireland has become the fifteenth country in Europe to eliminate coal from
their electricity mix following the closure of the 915MW Moneypoint coal-fired
power station.
State-owned electricity company ESB announced late last week that coal
generation had ended at Moneypoint power station, marking the end of nearly 40
years at the heart of the Republic of Ireland’s electricity system.
Moneypoint is to be converted into a renewable energy hub and already consists
of a 17MW onshore wind farm and a synchronous condenser, although the
generators at the plant will be placed on standby – for use as an emergency
backup – until 2029, using oil if necessary.
“Marking the end of coal generation in Moneypoint is an important milestone in
ESB’s progress towards net zero,” said Paddy Hayes, chief executive of ESB.
“It is a significant step in Moneypoint’s transformation into a renewable
energy hub, supporting a low carbon future while continuing to support energy
security.
“Moneypoint, the teams working here, and the communities across West Clare have
been at the heart of powering Ireland’s electricity system for the best part of
40 years so far – and I would like to thank all those who have played a part in
that.”
The transformation of the Moneypoint power station into what the company calls
the Green Atlantic @ Moneypoint renewable energy hub has already completed its
first phase, the installation and operation of Ireland’s first synchronous
condenser, featuring the world’s largest flywheel.
The synchronous condenser, completed in late 2022, will provide a range of
electrical services to the electricity grid which were previously supplied by
thermal fired power stations.
It will also help to enable the integration of higher volumes of renewable
energy into Ireland’s electricity system, including the proposed 1.4GW
Moneypoint Floating Offshore wind farm.
Moneypoint will also serve as a future wind turbine construction hub, utilising
its deep-water port and existing infrastructure for the construction and
assembly of floating wind turbines."
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*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
