Drogheda District Heating Feasibility Study
This feasibility study aimed to explore the viability of a cost-effective, low-carbon district heating solution for Drogheda.
March 2025 - January 2026
About the study
The Drogheda District Heating Feasibility Study, led by Codema on behalf of Meath and Louth County Councils, is a project that aimed to explore the viability of a cost-effective, low-carbon district heating solution for Drogheda.
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 include:
- Mapping out heat demand across the region, identifying viable energy supply options
- Developing a stakeholder communication plan
- Designing a scalable distribution network that aligns with local development 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 evaluated 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
Heat demand and supply assessments
Analysing the area’s current and projected heat demand and evaluated 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 team
Project lead
Alireza Etemad
Senior Energy Engineer
Project lead
Alireza Etemad
Senior Energy Engineer
Alireza Etemad joined Codema in February 2025. He holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and an MSc in Energy Systems Engineering and is in the final year of his PhD at University College Dublin, where his research focuses on the integration of heat pumps in low-temperature district heating systems. Before joining Codema, he worked as an energy policy researcher at SEAI and as a visiting researcher at Aalborg University, Denmark, specializing in district heating modelling. Alireza has contributed to international research collaborations, including the International Energy Agency’s Technology Collaboration Programmes and various projects across Europe and the Middle East on the planning, design, and implementation of energy systems.
Neil O’Leary
Executive Manager - District Heating
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
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LEG-DHC
Large-scale climate neutral Energy Geostructures in District Heating & Cooling systems/networks.
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