Córas Téimh Ceantair Bhaile Átha Cliath
What is the Dublin District Heating System?
The Dublin District Heating System (DDHS) will be a thermal energy network that uses energy from waste heat, and heat from waste, and distributes it as hot water through insulated dual (supply and return) pipe lines to homes and business for space heating, hot water and industrial purposes.
District Heating (DH) systems offer advantages in terms of higher energy efficiencies and reduced consumption of energy resources. They are fully compatible with European and National policies and objectives for carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction, energy efficiency, security of energy supply, sustainability and competitiveness. DH can also offer capital cost savings and reduced operating and maintenance costs to customers.
Dublin City Council District Heating Corporate Policy
Dublin City Council has previously committed to progressing a Dublin District Heating System, focusing on the general area of the Dublin Docklands and Poolbeg Peninsula in numerous plans and reports.
- National Development Plan 2018 - 2027
- Dublin City Development Plan 2011 – 2017
- Dublin City Development Plan 2016 - 2022
- North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock Strategic Development Zone Planning Scheme 2014.
- Dublin City Sustainable Energy Action Plan 2010-2020
- Poolbeg West Strategic Development Zone (interim document) 2018
Reports on District Heating for Dublin
In 2006 and 2007, engineering consultants carried out a feasibility study for the development of a Dublin District Heating System. This feasibility study was partly funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and is called “District heating for Dublin Feasibility Study July 2008”.
A brochure for the “Dublin District Heating System” was published by the City of Dublin Energy Management Agency (Codema) and gives a clear outline of what District Heating is and how it works.
“Dublin City Spatial Energy Demand Analysis – June 2015”, prepared by Codema, shows that DH feasibility is not confined to the Docklands area of Dublin city and that in fact 75% of Dublin City has heat demands suitable for DH. This is important as heat-demand mapping is always the first step and best practice in planning for DH and is recommended by all EU/UNEP guides to DH.
In 2005 Codema, on behalf of Dublin City Council, began the process of developing the “Dublin City Sustainable Energy Action Plan 2010 - 2020”. Dublin City Council has taken the initiative to produce the Action Plan in order to reduce Dublin’s carbon footprint and to help it become an energy-smart and efficient city. The Action Plan sets out and evaluates how energy consumption can be reduced in areas such as planning, transport, residential and commercial buildings, while incorporating the use of renewable energy.
Investment to date
DCC has already invested in elements of a district heating network in Dublin in a number of locations. (see photos)
- Under the river Liffey
- Under the LUAS on Mayor Street Upper
- Under the road beside the 3 Arena (Point Theatre) off North Wall Quay
Where do we go from here?
DCC has engaged the services of a Danish district heating consultant which is currently preparing a recommendation regarding appropriate business/commercial delivery models and the role of Dublin City Council, if any, in the ownership, delivery, operation and maintenance of each of the following:
- heat generation / source
- heat distribution network
- heat supply to customers
The consultant is also completing a high-level review of engineering options for the delivery of district heating, developing engineering options to a strategic / feasibility level of detail, identifying project risks and making recommendations as to how these risks could be addressed in future designs.
Following a recent advertisement towards the end of 2018 on the E-tenders’ webpage, which sought views from the market on the project, we are currently finalising recommendations on the most appropriate Business Delivery Model Strategy.
Technical Details for Developers
This document outlines technical specifications which can be used as a basis for compliance with the planning condition for district heating-enablement. These specifications provide a guide to the installation requirements of all developments, including the particular standards to be adhered to. Click here to download.
Some relevant links
May 2019 – Information Revised
