Moneypoint power station (Irish: Stáisiún cumhachta Ghob na Muine)^[1] is Ireland's largest electricity generation station (with an output 915 MW)^[2] and its only coal-fired power station.^[3] Commissioned between 1985 and 1987,^[4] it is located on the River Shannon, near Kilrush in County Clare, and was constructed at a cost of more than £700m.^[5] 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.^[6] It is capable of meeting around 25% of customer demand across the country.^[7] 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.^[4]

Three Brown Boveri four-cylinder, single-shaft impulse reaction turbines are directly connected to 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.

Moneypoint was under construction from 1979 to 1987.^[8] Before its construction, Ireland depended heavily on imported oil for its energy.^[9] 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.^[10]

A flywheel synchronous condenser to stabilize the grid was ordered for operation at Moneypoint by 2022.^[11]

In 2019, the government launched its climate action plan which included a commitment to end the burning of coal in Moneypoint by 2025,^[12] 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.^[13]

The plant was planned to be closed in 2025 but operation was extended to 2029.^[14]

• Shannon hydroelectric scheme