MONEYPOINT
- Latitude: 52.604 •
- Longitude: -9.4196 •
- UK Coast & Atlantic •
- Port in Ireland
Address: County Clare Ireland
Moneypoint is a notable port facility located on the Shannon Estuary in County Clare, Ireland. Primarily known for its power station, Moneypoint is home to Ireland's largest electricity generation complex, which plays a crucial role in the country's energy infrastructure. Here is a more detailed description and specification of the port:
Location:
- Latitude: Approximately 52.61° N
- Longitude: Approximately 9.44° W
- County: Clare
- Country: Ireland
Primary Features:
- Usage: Primary usage is for the importation of coal to fuel the Moneypoint Power Station.
- Power Station: Moneypoint Power Station is one of the largest coal-fired power stations in Europe, with a capacity of about 915 MW.
Port Specifications:
- Berths/Docks: Designed to handle large bulk carriers, particularly those carrying coal.
- Draft: Deep-water berths suitable for Panamax and Capesize vessels, typically accommodating drafts of up to 17 meters.
- Handling Equipment: Specialized equipment for unloading bulk cargo, primarily coal. The facility includes conveyor systems and storage areas.
Infrastructure:
- Storage Facilities: Bulk coal storage facilities with large stockyard areas.
- Conveyor Systems: Extensive conveyor belt systems that transport coal from the ship to the storage areas and into the power station for combustion.
- Safety and Environmental Measures: Equipped with technology to minimize environmental impact, including dust suppression systems and measures to manage coal dust and runoff.
Connectivity:
- Road: Good road access points connecting to the wider transportation network in County Clare and beyond.
- Rail: Not typically connected to a rail network, focusing mainly on road transport for any ancillary logistics.
Economic and Operational Considerations:
- Energy Hub: Serves as a critical energy hub for Ireland, contributing significantly to the national power grid.
- Employment: Provides local employment opportunities, both directly at the port and indirectly through associated logistical and service providers.
Future Outlook:
- Transition Plans: With global moves toward greener energy sources, there may be initiatives to transition away from coal dependency. Ireland has been assessing future energy strategies which may involve reducing coal usage at Moneypoint in favor of renewable energy options.
Additional Notes:
- Environmental Regulations: Operations are subject to stringent environmental regulations aiming to limit emissions and carbon footprint.
- Ownership: The facility and operations are controlled by ESB (Electricity Supply Board), the state-owned electricity company of Ireland.
In summary, Moneypoint is a key infrastructural asset for Ireland, primarily used for importing coal to fuel its large power station, though future energy transitions may influence its operations and specifications.