World Power Plants

Great Island ranks as the 12th largest power generation facility in Ireland, with a capacity of 216 MW, making it a significant player in the country's energy production landscape. As the second-largest oil plant in Ireland, it represents an essential part of the energy mix in a nation where gas dominates the generation profile, constituting a significant portion of the 8,545 MW total capacity across 59 plants. This facility's contribution of 2.53% to Ireland’s overall capacity highlights its importance in ensuring energy reliability, particularly during periods of high demand. Operated by Endesa, Great Island employs oil-fired generation technology, which, while not as environmentally friendly as renewables, plays a crucial role in providing reliable energy when other sources may be insufficient. Situated near the Castledockrell wind farm, which has a capacity of 41.4 MW, Great Island benefits from the complementary generation of renewable energy, reinforcing the grid's stability. The proximity to wind energy sources illustrates the growing trend in Ireland towards a more diverse energy portfolio, combining traditional and renewable resources to meet national goals. Despite being one of the few oil-based plants in the country, Great Island’s role is critical, particularly as Ireland transitions toward more sustainable energy solutions. Looking to the future, this facility will likely play a transitional role, balancing supply gaps as the nation invests further in wind and solar technologies. Great Island exemplifies the ongoing evolution of energy strategies in Ireland, reflecting the challenges and opportunities of integrating oil power into a cleaner energy future.

Capacity
216 MW
Commissioning Year
2006

20 years old

Owner
Endesa
Location
52.2793°, -6.9935°

Ireland, Europe

Context & rankings
  • 12. largest of 59 plants in Ireland
  • #7,157 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #287 of 2,478 Oil plants worldwide
  • 2.53% of the installed capacity of Ireland
Age & fleet comparison

20 years in operation

Oil fleet average: 28.7 years

Operator portfolio

Endesa operates 26 plants totalling 11,469 MW

Regional density

15 plants within 100 km, 2,612 MW combined

Nearest plant: Castledockrell (42.1 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 52.279300, -6.993500
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint650 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
430.5 Kt
662 GWh/year × 650 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
8.61 Mt
Over 20 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2036
10 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
93.6K
cars per year
57.4K
homes per year
19.6M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Oil emission factor (650 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (35%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Oil
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
Ireland
Continent
Europe
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

IrelandEnergy Profile

59
Total Plants
8.6 GW
Total Capacity
GasWindOilCoal
Top Fuels

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