Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 May 2023
105. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes in the State that could have the potential to connect to district heating at the present time or in the short to medium-term. [20966/23]
View answerGovernment recognises the contribution that district heating can make to Ireland’s energy and climate goals. The Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2023 contains actions to facilitate the delivery of up to 2.7TWh of district heating by 2030. Underpinning the potential for district heating in Ireland is the analysis undertaken by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) as part of the National Heat Study, which indicates that district heating could provide up to 50% of building heating demand in Ireland.
To further develop information in that regard, the SEAI is, in partnership with local authorities, currently engaged in a programme of feasibility studies for district heating. The outputs of this programme will provide further insights into the potential for district heating and will also provide a standardised approach for any future feasibility studies.
Although district heating, as a sector in Ireland, is in its infancy, progress is being made. I recently launched the Tallaght District Heating Scheme, which uses waste energy from a data centre, and this phase of the scheme is providing heat to 32,800m2 of public buildings. When fully operational, the scheme will provide low carbon heat to public sector, commercial and residential customers.
My Department will shortly submit to Government the Report of the District Heating Steering Group which will provide recommendations for the next stages of District Heating development in Ireland.
