The Irish government has announced approval to proceed with development of District Heat legislation by publishing the General Scheme of the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024.
The legislation builds on important research by SEAI, highlighting the potential for district heating to provide a large portion of the heating load in Irish properties. District Heating networks have not developed to date in Ireland but could now be valuable in the goal to decarbonise heating.
The General Scheme of the Bill sets out the regulatory and legal landscape in which heat networks will operate and the consumer rights and protections that will apply. Regulation and licensing for the sector will reside with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). The Bill establishes a Heat Network Authority, responsible for planning an rollout of a national heat network and SEAI will initially act as interim Heat Network Authority.
The Bill’s ambition is to place heat networks in the ownership of the State.
Some interesting elements of the bill include:
- Public buildings are required to connect to heat networks
- Management Companies for multi-unit dwellings may enter into heating contracts for up to 15 years.
- Heat networks are required to meet the Energy Efficiency Directive definition of Efficient District Heating and Cooling networks. This means that they must be comprised of 50% renewable energy, 50% waste heat or 75% co-generated heat (CHP). Existing heat networks where they exist will be need to upgrade to meet the criteria.