With citizen engagement, policy support and technology partnerships, district heating could become a mainstream solution in Ireland by the 2030s
The MUSE DHC’s partner Claremorris and Western District Energy Co operative (CWDEC) is a community-owned renewable energy initiative in County Mayo, Ireland, dedicated to reducing carbon emissions and empowering local people through sustainable projects.
John Prendergast, Chairman of CWDEC, tells us about how Ireland is striving to implement district heating and cooling networks to advance its green transition and how MUSE DHC can provide the country with the funds and expertise it needs.
Are DHC networks popular in Ireland?
District heating networks are not yet popular in Ireland, but they are moving from concept to reality. The Heat Bill 2024 and Climate Action Plan targets mark a turning point, creating a regulatory framework and national ambition. Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)’s mapping shows strong potential, especially in urban centres, and pilot projects are expected to pave the way for broader adoption.
Ireland is at an early stage of development, but with policy support and technology partnerships, district heating could become a mainstream solution by the 2030s.
How can DHC networks help your country achieve climate neutrality?
Ireland has committed to climate neutrality by 2050. To achieve this, heating must be transformed. District heating networks are one of the few solutions that can deliver fast, large‑scale decarbonisation of the built environment, while also cutting costs and improving energy security. By combining technology innovation, policy support, and community engagement, DHC networks can move Ireland from being a late adopter to a leader in sustainable heating.
What challenges do you face in developing a DHC network?
Building underground pipe networks and centralised heat plants requires large capital investment. Ireland has limited existing infrastructure, meaning most projects must start from scratch. Financing models are still under development, and small municipalities often lack resources. Unlike countries such as Denmark or Sweden, Ireland has very few operational DHC schemes. Until recently, Ireland had no dedicated legislation for heat networks. The Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 is the first framework, but regulatory structures are still evolving. Navigating planning permissions, consumer protection, and energy market rules adds complexity.
Residents worry about affordability and transparency. Without strong community engagement and fair ownership models, uptake may be slow. Ireland’s Climate Action Plan sets ambitious targets of 2.7 TWh/year of district heating by 2030, which is challenging given the current low baseline.
Tell us about Claremorris, your MUSE DHC case study
In 2018–2019, the Claremorris and Western District Energy Co‑operative (founded by local residents) began developing plans for a 1km/1MWth district heating network in the town of Claremorris. The project was designed to be community‑owned, ensuring that local people benefit directly from lower heating costs and cleaner energy. The Co‑op worked with Tipperary Energy Agency and Mayo County Council to carry out feasibility studies, community consultations, and commercial evaluations.
The proposed system would use renewable energy sources to generate heat and cooling, distributed through insulated pipes to homes and businesses. Early studies explored options such as a solar from the community 5MW solar farm with potentially a biomethane building on the Co‑op’s experience with renewable energy demonstrations. The design emphasises modularity, allowing the network to expand as demand grows.
Why is engaging with citizens key to success?
Citizen engagement is not just a “nice to have” in Ireland’s district heating rollout—it is essential. It ensures trust, affordability, and community empowerment, prevents fossil fuel lock‑in, and accelerates infrastructure delivery. By involving citizens from the start, Ireland can build district heating systems that are fair, sustainable, and central to achieving climate neutrality. District heating can be community‑owned or co‑managed, giving residents a stake in the system. This strengthens local support and ensures benefits (like lower bills and jobs) stay in the community.
Why did you choose to be part of MUSE DHC?
Joining this project will hopefully help to leapfrog its current early stage of development, gain access to funding and expertise, and ensure its networks are aligned with EU climate neutrality goals. This collaboration helps Ireland overcome barriers of cost, inexperience, and public acceptance, while positioning the country as a leader in community‑based sustainable heating. Key benefits would include accelerating rollout by learning from mature systems, reducing costs through shared funding and proven designs, strengthening policy credibility by aligning with EU frameworks, empowers communities with tested engagement strategies and building resilience by integrating various renewable technologies.