ESB Power Generation announces plans to reduce portfolio by 1300MW

At a meeting on Thursday, 21st June, the Board of ESB approved the closure of 1300MW of Power Generation plant by 2010. The approval meets with the terms set out by the CER and the Minister for Energy as part of ESB's authorisation to construct a new 430MW station at Aghada, Co. Cork.

This programme will bring ESB's Power Generation's share of the Single Energy Market to circa 27% by 2010. ESB Power Generation's market share in the ROI market currently stands at 44% by production. Following the Board approval, ESB management will continue to engage with Trade Unions around the future strategy for Power Generation.

ESB management will also meet with the CER to discuss a timeline around the proposed programme between now and 2010.

There will be no forced redundancies arising from this approval.

The 1300MW of plant to close comprises:

• Great Island (216MW) – Wexford (Oil)
• Poolbeg Thermal (461MW) – Dublin (Oil/Gas). This comprises of two separate plants. The three thermal units (461MW) and the Combined Cycle Gas Plant (460MW) which opened in 2000 will remain in operation.
• Tarbert (590MW) – Kerry (oil)
• Marina Steam Turbine (27MW) – Cork (gas). Marina Gas Turbine (85MW) will remain in operation.