The Dublin Region Energy Masterplan

The Dublin Region Energy Masterplan, funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI) RD&D Funding Programme 2018, is Ireland’s first regional energy masterplan. Led by Codema in collaboration with the four Dublin Local Authorities, the project plays a key role in supporting Codema’s energy planning efforts.

As Ireland’s first regional energy masterplan, it outlines realistic, costed pathways for the Dublin Region to meet its 2030 and 2050 carbon reduction targets. Developed over three years by Codema’s energy planning team, the plan identifies the most effective strategies to cut emissions from heat,
electricity, transport, and buildings.

The Dublin Region Energy Masterplan is the first in Ireland to use spatial energy scenario modelling to identify cost-optimal solutions that also account for local socio-economic impacts. By analysing the unique energy characteristics of each area in Dublin, the plan determines the most suitable
technologies and strategies to reduce emissions from heat, electricity, transport, and buildings. In essence, it provides a data-driven approach to deciding ‘what should go where’
for the most effective energy transition.

The masterplan also integrates national government plans and policies to assess their impact on Dublin. To define pathways for meeting the 2030 and 2050 targets, Codema first analysed the county’s current energy landscape. This was followed by forecasting future business-as-usual energy demand and emissions across buildings, heat, electricity, and transport, and then identifying the sectors’ low-carbon potential.

All of this data was used to map out Dublin’s pathway to net-zero emissions. The masterplan reveals that Dublin’s energy-related emissions amount to 5,969 ktCO2, with a 48% reduction (approximately 2,856 ktCO2) needed to meet the 2030 target. Heat is the largest contributor, accounting for 46% of emissions, followed by transport at 28% and electricity at 26%. The residential and transport sectors have the highest impact, together making up 57% of total emissions. These insights provide a data-driven foundation for shaping Dublin’s energy transition strategy.

The pathways to net-zero emissions outlined in this masterplan aim to cut emissions by 4,103 ktCO2 by 2030 and 8,240 ktCO2 by 2050, compared to future business-as-usual projections. Alongside reducing carbon emissions, these efforts will also help lower other harmful pollutants and improve air quality across the county.

To achieve these targets, district heating could supply 87% of Dublin’s heat demand by 2050, while heat pumps could account for the remaining 13%. Offshore wind offers the greatest potential for renewable electricity generation, and shifting priority to active travel and public transport over cars will be crucial. Additionally, areas most at risk of energy poverty should be prioritised for energy upgrades, ensuring a fair and equitable transition.

This best practice is extracted from our publication ‘Sustainable Regions in Action‘. Discover more best practices here!