Ireland has officially ended its use of coal by shutting down the Moneypoint coal-fired power plant six months ahead of schedule, becoming the sixth European country to do so. The 915 MW plant, one of Ireland’s largest, will remain available as an oil-powered backup until 2029 for emergency use. The shutdown reflects a broader shift toward renewables as coal becomes obsolete globally.
While the plant no longer burns coal, it will operate temporarily on oil to support Ireland’s energy needs under a regulator-led security program. Local teams in County Clare have powered Ireland for nearly 40 years.
Environmental groups, including Friends of the Earth, welcomed the closure, noting that other European countries like Italy and Spain plan similar coal phaseouts. However, activists warn the transition isn’t complete, urging Ireland to end oil backup use and regulate fossil fuel dependence, especially from expanding data centers.
https://www.ecowatch.com/ireland-coal-plant-shutdown.html
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