Arklow District Heating Feasibility Study
This feasibility study aimed to explore the viability of a cost-effective, low-carbon district heating solution for Arklow and the surrounding areas.
May 2025 - May 2026
About the study
The Arklow District Heating Feasibility Study, led by Codema on behalf of Wicklow County Council, is a project that aimed to explore the viability of a cost-effective, low-carbon district heating solution for Arklow and the surrounding areas.
This study assessed the potential for using waste heat and renewable energy sources to provide reliable, affordable heating to the area, while contributing to Ireland’s carbon reduction goals.
Key objectives included:
- Mapping out heat demand
- Identifying potential energy sources
- Developing a stakeholder communication plan
- Designing a scalable distribution network that aligns with Arklow’s regeneration and expansion plans
Codema's role in the project
Codema undertook a comprehensive feasibility study, including:
- Heat demand and supply assessments: Analysing the area’s current and projected heat demand and evaluating the suitability of local heat sources, such as waste heat from industrial processes and renewable sources
- Network design and route evaluation: Determining the optimal pipe network routes and configurations, considering technical constraints, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness
- Financial and sensitivity analyses: Developing financial models to evaluate project costs, revenues and potential risks, ensuring a robust business case
- Stakeholder engagement: Collaborating with key stakeholders to collect essential data, build partnerships and ensure alignment with community needs
Project results
Assessed the viability of a cost-effective and sustainable district heating network
Identified optimal heat sources and network routes
Developed a comprehensive stakeholder communication plan to ensure effective engagement
Project team
Project lead
Neil O’Leary
Executive Manager - District Heating
Project lead
Neil O’Leary
Executive Manager - District Heating
Neil joined Codema in 2022. He holds a BE in Energy Engineering from University College Cork and an MSc in Energy Science from Trinity College Dublin. Prior to joining Codema, Neil worked as a mechanical engineer with PM Group in Cork and Integral Group in Vancouver. Neil leads Codema's District Heating team. The team's work centers on techno-economic feasibility studies, securing funding, and supporting district heating project development from concept through to procurement. The team also contributes to EU and nationally funded R&D projects and to energy and climate policy consultations.
Hannah Byrne
Communications and Engagement Coordinator
Hannah Byrne
Communications and Engagement Coordinator
Hannah joined the team in July 2023 and is Codema's Communications and Engagement Coordinator. Hannah holds an MSc. in Climate Change: Policy, Media and Society from DCU and a B.A. in Politics and Sociology from Maynooth University. Before joining Codema, Hannah worked for a number of years in the non-profit sector and more recently in the local government sector with a focus on digital communications and content management. Hannah also holds a Professional Diploma in Project Management from the UCD Professional Academy, and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from Irish Times Training.
Project partners and funders
See more projects in this area
LEG-DHC
Large-scale climate neutral Energy Geostructures in District Heating & Cooling systems/networks.
ThermStore-DH
Unlocking Ireland’s underground heat storage potential to support cleaner, smarter district heating.
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