World Power Plants

West Offaly Power137 MW Biomass

BiomassRenewable

As the only biomass power generation facility in Ireland, West Offaly Power holds a notable position as the 14th largest power plant by capacity out of 59 facilities nationwide. With a capacity of 137 MW, it contributes approximately 1.60% to Ireland's total power generation capacity of 8,545 MW. This distinction not only highlights its importance in the Irish energy landscape but also underscores the growing significance of renewable energy sources in a country where natural gas remains the dominant fuel. West Offaly Power utilizes advanced biomass technology, converting organic materials into energy, thus contributing to a more sustainable energy future. Geographically, West Offaly Power is surrounded by a mix of energy facilities, further enhancing its role in the regional energy ecosystem. Notably, the Tynagh Power Station, which is a gas-fired facility with a capacity of 388.5 MW, stands out as a significant player nearby. Additionally, two wind farms, Monaincha Bog (32.55 MW) and Ballinlough/Ikerrin (2.55 MW), contribute to the region's renewable energy mix, although they collectively represent a smaller capacity than West Offaly Power. This diverse energy cluster demonstrates the interconnected nature of power generation in the area, with each facility playing a unique role in supporting Ireland's energy demands. On a national scale, Ireland's energy profile reflects a heavy reliance on natural gas, which accounts for a substantial share of the total capacity. However, West Offaly Power’s biomass operations represent a critical shift towards diversifying energy sources and enhancing energy security. As the only biomass plant in Ireland, it sets the precedent for future renewable projects, illustrating the potential for biomass as a viable energy solution. Operated by ESBPG, West Offaly Power has been a cornerstone of Ireland's energy strategy since its commissioning. The emphasis on biomass not only supports local economies through job creation in the renewable sector but also reduces carbon emissions, aligning with national and global climate goals. Looking ahead, West Offaly Power is poised to play a significant role in Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy. As the country strives to meet its renewable energy targets, this facility stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability, showcasing the potential of biomass energy to support both economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Capacity
137 MW
Commissioning Year
2013

13 years old

Owner
ESBPG
Location
53.2735°, -8.0403°

Ireland, Europe

Context & rankings
  • 14. largest of 59 plants in Ireland
  • #8,800 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #36 of 1,487 Biomass plants worldwide
  • 1.6% of the installed capacity of Ireland
Age & fleet comparison

13 years in operation

Biomass fleet average: 20.5 years

Operator portfolio

ESBPG operates 8 plants totalling 3,036 MW

Regional density

23 plants within 100 km, 1,493 MW combined

Nearest plant: Tynagh (25.7 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 53.273500, -8.040300
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Carbon Footprint230 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
179.4 Kt
780 GWh/year × 230 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
2.33 Mt
Over 13 years of operation
Annual emissions equivalent to
39.0K
cars per year
23.9K
homes per year
8.2M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Biomass emission factor (230 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (65%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Biomass
Energy Source
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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