Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

311. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the details of the phasing out of coal burning at Moneypoint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44831/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Energy White Paper, 'Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030', published in December 2015, notes that Moneypoint, Ireland’s only coal burning power station, contributes to diversifying Ireland’s fuel mix and the provision of competitively priced electricity. The station is owned by the ESB and the White Paper recognises that key decisions on its future will have to be taken before 2020 as the station will reach the end of its operating life in its current configuration in 2025.

In addition, the White Paper recognises that increasing ‘cost of carbon’ charges on Green House Gas emissions will drive up the cost of carbon-intensive energy sources and lead firms and consumers to adopt low carbon fuels and energy efficient technologies. It is anticipated therefore that the phasing out of higher carbon fuels will be achieved by a combination of sustainable policy measures and consumer reaction to the higher price of carbon intensive fuels.

The future of Moneypoint is multifaceted and requires consideration of issues such as security of supply, system stability, competitiveness and sustainability. My Department is examining the key considerations in relation to the future of Moneypoint, including the overall fuel mix in the energy sector, analysis undertaken to date in relation to Moneypoint, and appropriate further research if considered necessary.