Plans to build a clean coal-fired generating plant at Moneypoint will help secure the future viability of Ireland's biggest electricity generation station.That is according to Minister of State and Clare T.D., Tony Killeen who has received confirmation from the ESB that it is not going to adopt a proposal to build a gas-fired generating plant. “The ESB’s announcement has consequences not only for the environment but for the local economy”, stated Minister Killeen.
He added, “For almost thirty years Moneypoint has acted as one of the largest employers in West Clare and has played a major part in the development of vibrant communities in the area. This announcement by the ESB that it is planning to invest in a clean coal-fired generating plant by 2025 will ensure the station’s viability.” Minister Killeen said that the new plant is likely to produce 700 megawatts of electricity, making it the biggest producer in the State in today’s terms.
“According to industry calculations, that is enough power to supply 700,000 average households. I am told by the ESB that a plant on this scale would cost EUR1 billion to build”, he explained. Minister Killeen said that the commencement of work on a coal-fired generating plant was dependant on one major factor.
“Clean coal is coal that has had the carbon dioxide extracted from it, thus preventing it from polluting the atmosphere. The drawback is that no one has yet arrived at a workable system of doing this, and of storing gas instead of releasing it into the atmosphere. However, I have been informed by the ESB that it is confident that such a solution will be found as huge resources are being invested on research and development”, concluded Minister Killeen.
Work started on the Moneypoint project back in 1979. The plant was commissioned to meet the growing demand across the economy for electricity. The actual location at Moneypoint was selected because of its natural features. The site has a solid rock foundation and there is a deep water berthing facility that has permitted the construction of the country's largest fuel handling facility. The jetty, which is 380 meters long, can accommodate the largest bulk carriers in the world. The station each year consumes two million tonnes of coal.
