Fact Check: Ireland becomes 15th coal-free country in Europe after closing Moneypoint plant.

Fact Check: "Ireland becomes 15th coal-free country in Europe after closing Moneypoint plant."

What We Know

Ireland has recently closed the Moneypoint power station, which was its last operational coal plant. This closure marks a significant step in the country's transition towards renewable energy sources. According to a report by the Irish Independent, the Moneypoint plant ceased burning coal after 40 years of operation, and the last crate of coal was delivered just before the shutdown. The plant will remain on standby to burn oil in emergency situations, as directed by the Irish grid operator EirGrid.

The closure of Moneypoint has led to claims that Ireland is now the 15th coal-free country in Europe. This assertion aligns with broader trends across Europe, where many countries are phasing out coal in favor of cleaner energy sources. A report from the Financial Post confirms that Ireland's move to shut down its last coal plant is part of a larger European phaseout of coal energy.

Analysis

While the claim that Ireland is the 15th coal-free country in Europe is supported by the closure of the Moneypoint plant, the exact ranking of countries can be complex and may vary depending on definitions and criteria used. The term "coal-free" can refer to countries that have completely eliminated coal from their energy mix or those that have not used coal for a certain period.

The reliability of the sources reporting this claim varies. The Irish Independent is a well-established news outlet in Ireland, known for covering local news, including environmental issues. The Financial Post is also a credible source, providing business news and analysis. However, neither source provides a comprehensive list or verification of the ranking of coal-free countries in Europe, which is essential to substantiate the claim fully.

Additionally, the definition of "coal-free" can be ambiguous. Some countries may still have coal plants that are not currently operational but have not been officially decommissioned. Therefore, while the closure of Moneypoint is a significant milestone, further research is needed to confirm the ranking and status of Ireland among other European nations.

Conclusion

Needs Research. While the closure of the Moneypoint plant is a significant step towards Ireland becoming coal-free, the claim that it is the 15th coal-free country in Europe requires further verification. The ranking of coal-free countries can vary based on definitions and the current status of coal usage across Europe. More comprehensive data and analysis are needed to substantiate this claim.

Fact Check: Ireland becomes 15th coal-free country in Europe after closing Moneypoint plant.