DECARBONISING LIMERICK
With District Energy
Join us to discuss district energy and its role in decarbonising Limerick's heat supply.
With the ambion and targets set out for the district energy sector, IrDEA has set its sights on delivery. Join our panel to discuss the opportunities for the sector and the potential benefits of district energy for Limerick's residents, communities, businesses, and environment.
CONTEXT
Recent IrDEA research shows district energy could be the most economically viable low carbon heating option for up to 64% of the Irish population (IrDEA, 2024). This follows SEAI research that found 54% of Ireland's buildings could be suitable for district heating (SEAI, National Heat Study, 2022).
Government has committed to using district energy as a key driver of heat decarbonisation, setting ambitious targets of delivering enough installed capacity to meet the heating needs of up to 200,000 homes and 2,500 public buildings by 2030.
By 2050, it is envisioned that all building heat demand will be met by low carbon solutions like district energy and standalone heatpumps.
HOSTED BY
Irish District Energy Association (IrDEA) in association with Danfoss.
SPEAKERS INCLUDE
Cllr Maria Donoghue, Representing the Mayor of Limerick City & County Council
Councillor Maria Donoghue is a member of Limerick City and County Council and is committed to creating sustainable communities and revitalising the city centre. With a background as an architect and urbanist specialising in city design and regeneration, Maria’s focus is on addressing key issues such as providing diverse housing options to ensure long-term community living, tackling dereliction and vacancy of both residential and commercial properties, and enhancing the city’s public realm.
She is an avid advocate of encouraging people to return and live in the city centre to boost the city's vibrancy, increase the footfall for local businesses, and improve the lived experience & diversity in the city.
Dudley Stewart, Micro Electricity Generation Association
Dudley is the Secretary General of the RDI Group and the Micro Electricity Generation Association (MEGA), where he leads pioneering initiatives in sustainable energy. Since 2009, Dudley has overseen the award-winning Tallaght Smart Grid Test Bed, a state-supported project involving large tech companies, communities, and social agencies in collaboration with South Dublin County Council and the International Energy Research Centre.
Additionally, Dudley directs MPOWER, providing energy solutions to the EU Lighthouse Smart City initiative. His work focuses on advancing innovative energy solutions and promoting smart grid development across Europe.
Bill Carbery, Business Development Manager, Danfoss
Bill is the Business Development Manager for Danfoss Ireland, bringing over 20 years of experience in technical sales management. He has a proven track record of working with a diverse customer base including consultants, architects, contractors, and end users. His expertise spans multiple industries, such as building and industrial automation, HVAC, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, water & waste, and construction.
Mark Geraghty, Environment & Sustainability Manager, TU Dublin
Mark is the Environment and Sustainability Manager at TU Dublin, where he plays a pivotal role in driving the university’s environmental strategy. With over 20 years of experience, Mark is responsible for ensuring that TU Dublin meets national sustainability targets for 2030 and 2050. Mark manages campus district heating infrastructure for TU Dublin and currently leads the GEMINI Deep Bore Geothermal initiative, exploring geothermal potential at the Grangegorman Campus.
He continues to support TU Dublin's carbon reduction initiatives, from decarbonising the university’s fleet and landscaping operations to overseeing waste management and biodiversity efforts. Mark's extensive experience includes leading facilities and energy management across multiple public and private organisations, where he has implemented innovative sustainability and energy-saving solutions.
David Connolly, of HeatGrid Ireland and the Irish District Energy Association
David Connolly is the CEO of HeatGrid Ireland and Chairperson of the Irish District Energy Association (IrDEA). With a career deeply rooted in energy planning and decarbonisation, David has been at the forefront of Ireland's transition to sustainable energy systems. Since 2018, he has led IrDEA in advancing district energy solutions, advocating for clean, efficient heating technologies. As CEO of HeatGrid Ireland, he oversees the development of innovative district heating infrastructure across the country.
David previously served as Chief Technology Officer at Astatine Ltd., where he focused on industrial heat decarbonisation using large-scale heat pumps. Prior to which he served as CEO of the Wind Energy Ireland, where he promoted wind power as a key solution to Ireland’s energy needs. His academic career as Associate Professor at Aalborg University saw David involved in major EU projects like the Heat Roadmap Europe study, focusing on decarbonising heating and cooling systems across Europe.
David holds a PhD in renewable energy systems from the University of Limerick, with extensive experience in energy storage and sustainable energy system design.
EVENT INFORMATION
Guest registration will take place from 9.30am on the morning of the event, with tea, coffee, pastries and conversation flowing before we sit down to hear from our speakers at 10am.
REGISTER FREE NOW
Registration is free, but spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today for what we hope will be a vibrant, engaging, and thought-provoking discussion on how to deliver secure and affordable low-carbon heat for residents and businesses across Limerick.
