On 21st October 2025, industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators came together at the Aviva Stadium for the Codema Decarbonising Dublin Summit, a key event shaping Ireland’s energy transition conversation. Colloide attended the summit to explore how collective efforts can accelerate decarbonisation and how organisations like Colloide can play a meaningful role in Ireland’s journey towards a low-carbon future.

Unlocking a Major Opportunity with District Heating

A recurring theme throughout the summit was the untapped potential of district heating in decarbonising Ireland’s cities. Success stories such as the Tallaght District Heating Network demonstrated how collaboration between local authorities, industry, and communities can make low-carbon heating a reality.

However, it was clear that significant funding, policy alignment, and stakeholder engagement are still required to move from ambition to action. The Poolbeg District Heating Network, for instance, already has a viable waste heat source but lacks the necessary investment and coordination to progress.

District heating was also recognised as a solution that goes beyond carbon savings. With 94% of Ireland’s heat currently non-renewable, the transition to district heating can directly tackle fuel poverty by reducing heating costs and improving access to reliable, sustainable energy.

Speakers emphasised that effective communication and public engagement are essential to achieving decarbonisation targets. Inclusivity; ensuring all communities can participate in and benefit from change, is key. Insights from speakers such as Alan James Burns shed light on the role of psychological approaches to engagement, highlighting the human side of the transition.

A Broader Look at Dublin’s Decarbonisation Path

Beyond heat, the summit explored other facets of Dublin’s decarbonisation strategy. Professor Brian Caulfield shared progress on sustainable transport, while EirGrid outlined its ongoing renewable electricity initiatives.

Discussions also turned to data centres, identified by South Dublin County Council as significant CO₂ contributors, underlining the importance of integrated, cross-sector action.

Colloide’s Perspective: Where Engineering Meets Advocacy

For Colloide, the event underscored the importance of proactive collaboration. The company sees clear opportunities and is a key advocate and enabler of district heating in Ireland, not only as a technical partner but also as a unifying voice for practical, scalable solutions.

For those operating in the energy, engineering, and infrastructure space, early and open dialogue is key, whether through shared research, joint advocacy, or knowledge exchange. The sector as a whole will benefit from continued focus on education and engagement, ensuring that complex topics like district heating are communicated clearly to policymakers, communities, and investors alike.

Creating accessible resources and inclusive participation opportunities will help build trust and widen public support for the transition. By working together, across public, private, and community sectors, Ireland can accelerate progress, share lessons learned, and develop the scalable solutions needed to decarbonise heat effectively and sustainably.

Engineering a Brighter Tomorrow

Colloide are determined to help shape Ireland’s district heating market from the ground up. Leadership is needed, not only in the sustainable energy landscape but also for national and local climate goals. The team are passionate about sharing insights from previous projects, such as the Viking Energy Network and Bunhill Heat and Power Network and collaborating with stakeholders across Ireland.

The Codema Decarbonising Dublin Summit reinforced a shared message: Ireland’s transition to a sustainable energy future will depend on collaboration, clarity, and commitment. For Colloide, this is an opportunity to turn expertise into impact and engineer a brighter tomorrow for people and the planet.

If you’re working on a Net Zero initiative and see synergy, we’d welcome the opportunity to collaborate. Get in touch!

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