Did you know?
The Ardnacrusha power station was built as part of the Shannon Scheme and is considered the most ground-breaking infrastructure project ever constructed in Ireland and it is still generating power for the ESB today.
The ESB operates across the electricity market: from generation and transmission to distribution and supply.
In Generation, ESB currently operates 11 thermal stations, 19 windfarms and 10 hydro stations in Ireland and the UK, one of which is Ardnacrusha – located on the Lower River Shannon near Limerick.
About Ardnacrusha Generating Station…
- The power station was constructed between 1925 and 1929 by the Irish Free State government under the direction of engineer Thomas McLoughlin.
- Ardnacrusha is a hydroelectric power station, meaning it generates electricity by utilising the force of falling water.
- The power station’s design was influenced by the Art Deco style popular in the 1920s.
- Ardnacrusha Power Station plays a crucial role in Ireland’s electricity production. It was the country’s first major venture into hydroelectric power generation and helped to electrify much of the nation in the early 20th century.
- At the time of its construction, Ardnacrusha was one of the largest hydroelectric schemes in the world. Its completion marked a significant achievement in the field of engineering.
- The availability of cheap electricity from Ardnacrusha helped the industrial development of Ireland, particularly in the areas of manufacturing and agriculture.
- Despite being a functional power station, Ardnacrusha is also a tourist attraction and draws tourists interested in its history, architecture, and significance in Ireland’s industrial heritage.
- Over the years, there have been efforts to preserve and protect Ardnacrusha Power Station as a historic landmark.
- Despite its age, Ardnacrusha continues to operate and contribute to Ireland’s electricity grid. It has undergone various upgrades and maintenance projects to ensure its continued functionality and efficiency.
https://esb.ie/docs/default-source/education-hub/ardnacrusha-power-station.pdf?sfvrsn=38c739f0_3
