Ireland has officially closed its last operational coal plant located in County Clare, marking the end of coal-fired power generation in the country after over 40 years. This decision aligns with a broader trend across Europe, where countries like Spain and Italy are also moving to phase out coal in favor of cleaner energy sources.
The state utility, ESB, announced the closure, which follows a significant reduction in coal’s share of Europe’s energy mix—nearly halving since 2013 due to the continent’s aggressive push towards renewable energy. Before this transition, coal was the dominant fuel source for power generation in Europe.
ESB Chief Executive Officer Paddy Hayes stated, “This is the end of coal in Ireland and the start of a cleaner energy future.” This shift comes as Ireland enhances its renewable energy capacity, particularly through wind power, which now accounts for over a third of the nation’s electricity supply.
In 2025, Italy plans to decommission two major coal stations, while Spain’s remaining coal plants will either be shut down or converted into natural gas facilities, as per the nonprofit organization Beyond Fossil Fuels.
Despite the positive steps towards renewable energy, environmental advocates caution that Ireland’s increasing reliance on natural gas and the expansion of data centers could jeopardize the country’s climate objectives unless there are substantial investments in grid flexibility and energy storage solutions.
The Moneypoint coal plant, while closed for regular operations, will remain available as a standby facility. It will burn oil in emergency situations under the guidance of EirGrid, the Irish grid operator, until 2029. Plans are underway to repurpose the site for new energy transition assets, including Ireland’s first synchronous compensator, which became operational in 2022. This device helps maintain grid stability by managing inertia and frequency, especially as renewable energy sources become more prevalent.
The transition away from coal is part of a larger trend in Europe, where countries are increasingly investing in renewable technologies to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. The closure of coal plants represents a significant shift in energy policy, reflecting a commitment to a sustainable and resilient energy future for Ireland and the broader European region.
