Affordable district heating projects move closer to launch as firms bid for State funding – The Irish Times

Report on Ireland’s District Heating Initiative and Sustainable Development Goal Alignment

Executive Summary

The Republic of Ireland is advancing the development of more than ten centralised district heat networks. This initiative is poised to deliver affordable, low-carbon heating and hot water to a significant number of residential and public buildings. The strategy leverages excess heat from industrial sources, thereby making a substantial contribution to several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of energy, climate action, and sustainable urban development.

Advancing SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

The core objective of the district heating initiative is to transition Ireland’s heating sector towards sustainable sources, directly supporting SDG 7. Currently, 94% of the nation’s heat is generated from fossil fuels. This program aims to drastically reduce this dependency by utilising cleaner energy.

• Clean Energy Sources: The networks are designed to capture and distribute excess heat from various facilities, including industrial plants, data centres, and waste-to-energy incinerators.
• Affordability: By providing a cost-effective alternative to individual fossil fuel-based heating systems, the initiative promotes access to affordable energy for all citizens.
• Renewable Integration: The infrastructure is also compatible with other renewable sources like geothermal energy, for which a national policy framework is being established, further reinforcing the commitment to clean energy.

Fostering SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)

The development of district heating is a critical measure for building sustainable urban environments and taking decisive action against climate change.

1. Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): Projects are concentrated in urban areas such as Dublin, Galway, and Naas. This new infrastructure will reduce the carbon footprint of cities, making them more sustainable and resilient. Studies indicate that up to 60% of Irish buildings are suitable for connection to these networks, highlighting the potential for widespread urban impact.
2. Climate Action (SDG 13): By replacing carbon-intensive heating systems, the initiative represents a direct and scalable action to mitigate climate change. The European Investment Bank has recognized this potential, offering technical and financial support to help Ireland reduce carbon emissions through these systems.

Promoting SDG 9 (Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Production)

This national strategy embodies principles of innovation, sustainable infrastructure, and circular economy models.

• Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9): The program constitutes a major investment in resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure. It adopts proven European technology and adapts it to the Irish context, fostering innovation in the national energy sector.
• Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): The use of ‘waste’ or ‘excess’ heat from data centres and industry is a prime example of resource efficiency and circular economy principles. It transforms an industrial by-product into a valuable community resource, promoting more sustainable production patterns.

Project Implementation and Governmental Support

The Irish Government and associated bodies have committed significant resources to ensure the successful implementation of these projects.

1. Initial Funding: An allocation of €5 million has been launched to support pre-construction costs for developers.
2. Long-Term Investment: A further commitment of up to €100 million has been made for district heating under the National Development Plan.

Key Project Locations Under Development

• Dublin: Multiple schemes are planned, including in Blanchardstown and Ringsend (linked to the Covanta incinerator). The existing Tallaght system, which uses waste heat from an Amazon Web Services data centre, is being expanded to supply Tallaght University Hospital.
• Galway: A proposed scheme has advanced to the planning stage.
• Kildare & Louth: Feasibility studies are being completed for projects in Naas and County Louth.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article on Ireland’s development of district heating networks addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on energy, infrastructure, urban living, and climate change. The primary SDGs connected to the issues are:

   • SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: The core theme of the article is the provision of “affordable heating and hot water” through new, cleaner energy systems that utilize waste heat and renewable sources like geothermal energy.
   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The initiative aims to provide essential services (heating) to “hundreds of thousands of householders and public buildings” in urban areas across Ireland, making cities more sustainable and resilient.
   • SDG 13: Climate Action: A key driver for this initiative is the need for “decarbonised heat” to combat climate change. The article explicitly states the goal is to “cut [carbon] emissions” and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which currently account for “94 per cent of the State’s heat.”
   • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The article details the development of new, resilient infrastructure (“centralised heat networks”). It highlights government investment (€5 million and €100 million), innovation (using excess heat from data centres), and policy development (legislation for geothermal energy) to support this transition.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the article’s content, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

   • Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.
     • The article directly addresses this by discussing plans to provide “affordable heating and hot water” to a large number of households and public buildings through district heating networks.
   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
     • The article highlights the shift towards “renewable heat” by utilizing “excess heat from facilities such as industry, data centres and waste-to-energy plants” and exploring “geothermal energy” as a renewable source. This is framed as a direct alternative to the current 94% fossil fuel dependency for heat.
   • Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
     • The provision of affordable and reliable heating is a basic service essential for adequate housing. The projects aim to serve “hundreds of thousands of householders” in urban areas like Dublin, Galway, and Naas.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
     • The Irish government’s actions, including launching a funding scheme (€5 million), committing €100 million under the National Development Plan, and preparing legislation for geothermal energy, demonstrate the integration of climate action (“decarbonised heat,” “cut [carbon] emissions”) into national planning and policy.
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
     • The development of “more than 10 centralised heat networks” represents a significant investment in new, sustainable infrastructure designed to provide an essential service (heating) affordably and reliably.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   The article mentions or implies several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:

   • Indicator for Target 7.1 & 11.1: The number of potential beneficiaries. The article states the networks could serve “potentially hundreds of thousands of householders and public buildings,” which is a direct measure of access to affordable energy services.
   • Indicator for Target 7.2: The share of renewable and waste heat in the national heat supply. The article provides a baseline figure: “94 per cent of the State’s heat comes from fossil fuels.” Progress can be measured by the reduction of this percentage as new district heating systems come online.
   • Indicator for Target 13.2 & 9.1: Financial investment in climate-related infrastructure. The article specifies concrete financial commitments: an initial “allocation of €5 million” for pre-construction costs and a further “funding of up to €100 million for district heating under the National Development Plan.” These figures serve as direct indicators of government commitment and investment.
   • Indicator for Target 9.1: The number of new infrastructure projects. The article mentions “more than 10 centralised heat networks” have applied for support, and specific projects are cited in Dublin (Blanchardstown, Tallaght, Ringsend), Galway, Naas, and Louth. Tracking the number of operational projects is a clear indicator of infrastructure development.

SDGs, Targets and Indicators Summary

Source: irishtimes.com