Ireland shuts last coal plant, becomes 15th coal-free country in Europe
Summary
Ireland has shut down its last coal plant at Moneypoint, making it the 15th coal-free country in Europe. The move follows a decade of rising renewables, with wind contributing a significant share in 2024, while Moneypoint will operate as limited backup fuel oil until 2029. The article frames this milestone within broader European coal-exit trends and discusses implications for grid flexibility, storage, and potential gas capacity.