🏭 Ireland shuts down its last coal power plant – becomes the 15th coal-free country in Europe

• Ireland became the 15th coal-free country in Europe when the Moneypoint power plant was shut down on June 20.
• The country now generates 37 percent of its electricity from wind power according to energy think tank Ember.
• Solar energy production continuously sets new records in recent months.

Wind power accounts for large share of electricity production

Ireland shut down its last coal power plant Moneypoint in County Clare and thereby became the 15th coal-free country in Europe. The 915 MW power plant was commissioned in the mid-1980s by ESB to help Ireland handle the effects of the oil crisis in the 1970s.

Energy think tank Ember reports that Ireland generated 37 percent of its electricity from wind power during 2024, equivalent to 11.4 TWh. This increased focus on renewable energy has made coal power less necessary for the country.

Solar energy contributes smaller volumes than wind power, totaling 0.97 TWh during 2024. However, solar energy production has set continuous production records during recent months. Local stakeholders expect this positive development to continue.

Other European countries follow suit

Ireland's step to shut down coal power production at Moneypoint creates precedent for upcoming coal exits in other European countries, according to Beyond Fossil Fuels. The organization tracks European countries' progress with their commitments to switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

So far, 23 European countries have committed to phasing out coal. Italy is expected to complete its coal power exit on the mainland during summer with the upcoming closure of its last two large coal power plants. Mainland Spain is also expected to declare itself coal-free during summer.

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