Developing a Heat Network Roadmap
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Read our work with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland as we consult on heat network expansion.
The Client's Challenge
SEAI’s key challenge is scaling and transitioning Ireland’s district heating market towards more sustainable and efficient technologies. Progress is constrained by regulatory gaps, consumer protection issues, planning and supply‑chain challenges, high capital costs, and limited data to support decision‑making. Addressing legal and regulatory frameworks is critical to enabling wider deployment and adoption of district heating systems.
Talan's Solution
Talan drew on its extensive experience in policy and district heating to develop a strategic roadmap for SEAI. Key recommendations included establishing a national District Heating Centre of Excellence, introducing grant funding for new schemes and feasibility studies, and implementing zoning policies to support deployment. The roadmap also emphasised the need for consumer protection, planning reform, accessible finance, technical standards, workforce development and stronger stakeholder engagement to enable a scalable, low‑carbon district heating market.
Our Impact
Talan delivered a comprehensive roadmap addressing SEAI’s key barriers to renewable and low‑carbon district heating deployment. Implementation is expected to accelerate market growth by tackling regulatory and financial constraints, with estimated cumulative carbon savings of 3.2 MtCO₂e by 2050. The roadmap also highlighted significant economic benefits, including up to 3,100 direct jobs and peak annual GVA of €240 million, while improving consumer protection and system efficiency. SEAI has since begun exploring implementation options, including the establishment of a District Heating Centre of Excellence.
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