Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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171. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will consider extending the operation of Moneypoint power station beyond the proposed closure date of 2025 to enhance the energy security of Ireland into the future; the consideration being given to converting electricity generating methods from coal to a more sustainable energy source in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36310/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Government remains committed to ending the use of coal in electricity generation by 2025.

My Department is carrying out a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems which is focusing on the period to 2030 in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050.

This review will consider a range of options to enhance security of supply including sources of electricity generation for use in the event of a shortage of natural gas. In this context the potential future use of existing power stations, such as Moneypoint, as a form of backup will be considered. ESB, who own the Moneypoint power station, will be consulted as part of the review.

The security of supply review will include a detailed technical analysis and a public consultation. A request for tender for the technical analysis was published earlier this month and I expect that the review to be completed by the end of 2021.