Ireland Ends Coal Era by Closing Last Power Plant Six Months Early
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📰 The quick summary: Ireland has closed its last coal-fired power plant six months ahead of schedule, becoming the sixth European country to completely phase out coal and marking a significant step toward a cleaner energy future.
📈 One key stat: The 915 megawatt Moneypoint coal station will continue to operate in an oil-based backup capacity until 2029, highlighting the transition period needed while renewable energy expands.
💬 One key quote: “This is the end of coal in Ireland and the start of a cleaner energy future,” said Paddy Hayes, ESB’s chief executive officer.
1️⃣ The big picture: Ireland has officially ended its use of coal by shutting down the Moneypoint coal-fired power plant ahead of schedule. This milestone makes Ireland the sixth European country to completely phase out coal power. The 915 megawatt station, which has been operating since the 1980s, won’t disappear entirely but will transition to an oil-based backup role until 2029 for emergency situations. This closure is part of a broader European movement away from coal, with Italy and Spain also set to shut down their remaining mainland coal plants in the coming months.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: Ending coal operations drastically reduces Ireland’s carbon emissions and air pollution from one of the dirtiest energy sources. The early closure signals Ireland’s commitment to climate goals and accelerates the country’s transition to renewable energy. With 23 countries in Europe now committed to phasing out coal, this represents a significant regional shift away from fossil fuels. Ireland has successfully replaced polluting coal with homegrown renewable energy sources, creating a model for other nations to follow. This transition helps protect public health while creating opportunities in the growing clean energy sector.
3️⃣ What’s next: Environmental advocates are pushing for limitations on Moneypoint’s oil-based backup role to further reduce fossil fuel dependency. Ireland must also address the growing energy demands of data centers, which environmentalists warn could increase fossil fuel reliance. The country will continue expanding its renewable energy capacity to fully replace the electricity previously generated by coal.
Read the full story here: EcoWatch – ‘This Is the End of Coal in Ireland’: Country Shuts Down Last Plant Ahead of Schedule
