Moneypoint power station

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Moneypoint Power Station as seen from County Kerry

Moneypoint power station (Irish: Stáisiúin Chumhachta Ghob na Muine) is Ireland's largest electricity generation station (output 915 MW)[1] and only coal-fired power station.[citation needed] Commissioned between 1985–87,[2] it is located on the River Shannon near Kilrush, County Clare. It was constructed at a cost of more than £700m in one of the largest capital projects in the history of the state[citation needed]. The station operates largely on coal, making it both unique in the context of Irish electricity production and the country's single largest emitter of greenhouse gases.[3] It is capable of meeting around 25% of customer demand across the country.[4] 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.[2]

Three Brown Boveri four-cylinder, single-shaft impulse reaction turbines are directly connected 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[]

See also: nuclear power in the Republic of Ireland § Carnsore Point

Moneypoint was under construction from 1979 to 1987.[5] Before its construction, Ireland depended heavily on imported oil for its energy.[6] 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.[7]

A flywheel synchronous condenser to stabilize the grid was ordered for operation at Moneypoint by 2022.[8]

In 2019, the government launched its climate action plan which included a commitment to end the burning of coal in Moneypoint by 2025,[9] 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.[10]

Coordinates: 52°36′25″N 9°25′23″W / 52.607°N 9.423°W / 52.607; -9.423

References[]

  1. ^ "ESB History Timeline".
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b "ESB informational document" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-09-24.
  3. ^ http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/newtech-solution-could-clean-up-moneypoint-64089.html Irish Independent Business
  4. ^ "About ESB: Moneypoint". Archived from the original on 2011-12-11. Retrieved 2011-11-17.
  5. ^ "About ESB: Moneypoint - Station History Construction". Archived from the original on 2003-08-24. Retrieved 2014-08-27.
  6. ^ "About ESB: Moneypoint". Archived from the original on 2009-04-14. Retrieved 2009-08-17.
  7. ^ "About ESB: Moneypoint". Archived from the original on 2008-12-23. Retrieved 2009-09-24.
  8. ^ 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.
  9. ^ "Climate Action Plan 2019" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2019-07-17. Retrieved 2019-07-17.
  10. ^ "New Moneypoint offshore wind energy plan will power 1.5 million homes". The Clare Champion. 8 April 2021. Archived from the original on 8 April 2021.
Moneypoint powerstation (left)

External links[]


Stub icon

This article about a power station is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by .

  • v
  • t
Retrieved from ""