Engineering and design firm Cowi has secured a mandate from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to advise the Irish government on a nationwide district heating strategy, potentially supporting €4bn of infrastructure investment by 2035.

The consultancy’s work, commissioned via the EIB’s InvestEU Advisory Hub, will produce a detailed investment and implementation plan with particular focus on Dublin and Cork.

District heating supplies multiple buildings from a central source, offering efficiency gains and reduced greenhouse gas emissions over individual fossil fuel systems.

Cowi’s assignment includes public policy guidance, delivery and financing model development, institutional and capacity analyses, project identification, and detailed implementation planning.

The programme is intended to move district heating “from planning to delivery” by highlighting investment-ready projects and outlining viable financing options.

Cowi’s engagement aligns with Ireland’s commitments under the EU Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission for Dublin and Cork.

Large-scale heat networks are expected to reduce household energy costs, centralise heat distribution for improved resilience, and support climate targets alongside policy developments including the upcoming Heat Bill and Budget 2026.

The assignment is scheduled for completion by September 2026, providing long-term investment plans that could serve as templates for future projects elsewhere in Ireland.

David Feighery, Cowi’s head in Ireland, explained that the district heating strategy for Dublin and Cork is vital for sustainable urban growth and decarbonisation. He added that Cowi’s international experience and advisory expertise would help ensure projects are economically viable, socially accepted, and environmentally sustainable.

Explore the full Cowi project overview and advisory plan for Ireland’s district heating in the complete report.