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Codema explores waste heat potential at DISCO event in Crete
We recently joined European partners in Heraklion, Crete, for the second thematic event and partner meeting of the DISCO project.
About this event
Shifting the focus from technical systems to stakeholder engagement, the gathering explored how effective cooperation across all levels of governance can accelerate district heating, cooling and waste heat utilisation across Europe.
This meeting built directly on the project’s first thematic event, which Codema hosted in Dublin in April this year. While the Dublin sessions examined technical challenges, including infrastructure, data-driven solutions and the capture of waste heat, the Crete event focused on the stakeholder engagement elements needed to make these low-carbon solutions a reality.
Through workshops and group discussions, our team collaborated with project partners and topic experts to compare stakeholder roles across our regions. Together, we discussed good practices and identified the critical factors that enable local authorities, industry and energy actors to work together successfully.
Connecting technology, people and policy
Together, the Dublin and Crete thematic events reflect DISCO’s integrated approach to supporting waste heat utilisation. Developing district heating and cooling requires appropriate infrastructure but also meaningful cooperation between public bodies, industry and local communities.
By collaborating with regional partners from across Europe, we can learn from diverse approaches, identify solutions that adapt well to the local context and build regional capacity. The knowledge and connections developed in Crete will continue to support us as we improve local policies and explore new opportunities for sustainable waste heat.
Local benefits
For Ireland, DISCO is particularly valuable because it supports Codema and Kildare County Council in turning heat decarbonisation from a strategic ambition into practical recommendations for local policy. The project is also closely aligned with Codema’s role in supporting the Mid-East Energy Unit and strengthening the capacity of local authorities to plan for sustainable heat.
DISCO benefits Ireland by enabling Codema to build this foundation in a structured and practical way. Through the project, Codema is undertaking county-wide heat source mapping, reviewing waste heat policy, engaging local stakeholders and documenting a methodology that could be replicated by other Irish local authorities. As a result, the work will not only support Kildare’s policy instruments but will also generate knowledge, evidence and approaches that can inform wider heat planning and heat decarbonisation efforts across Ireland.
