Building Ireland’s heat future through district heating

Ireland’s heat system is changing and district heating can play a central role in delivering a more secure, sustainable, and efficient energy future.

District heating provides heat to multiple homes, businesses, and public buildings from a central energy source through insulated underground networks. With less than 1 per cent of Ireland’s heat demand currently supplied by district heating, there is significant potential for growth. Analysis highlighted by SEAI suggests that more than half of Ireland’s buildings could potentially be served by district heating networks.

From ambition to delivery

Ireland has set an ambition to increase district heating from less than 1 per cent of heat demand today to approximately 10 per cent by 2030. The Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 provides an important framework for this expansion, including consumer protections, regulation, and greater certainty for investment.

But legislation alone will not build heat networks. Grant supports are also on the way. The SEAI is currently working on a grant scheme which will be live in 2027. Delivering this ambition will also require planning certainty, investment, project development, and construction turning projects from plans into operating networks that benefit communities.

Unlocking Ireland’s waste and renewable heat

District heating is not a new technology. Around 80 million people across Europe already benefit from district heating, demonstrating its established role in modern energy systems.

For Ireland, the technology offers the potential to support lower-emission heating, make use of locally available renewable and waste heat, reduce reliance on individual fossil-fuel boilers, and support the delivery of new homes and infrastructure.

IrDEA’s mission

Our vision is to support the development of a secure, sustainable, and affordable heat system for Ireland.

The Irish District Energy Association (IrDEA) is a membership-based organisation. We represent the interests of the district heating and cooling industry in Ireland.

It is fair to say we are a broad church. Our members include everyone from local authorities and academic institutions to installers, product suppliers, and technical specialists. Many are leading actors in the district heating sector in Ireland, and internationally.

IrDEA works with industry, State agencies and investors to accelerate the rollout of district heating across Ireland. As the sector develops, our focus is on supporting the industry to turn Ireland’s district heating ambition into projects on the ground.

District heating can help Ireland make better use of local energy resources, support communities and build a more sustainable heat system for the future.

Membership and media enquiries: info@districtenergy.ie

W: www.districtenergy.ie