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Project Code [GOIPG/2021/1788]
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Project title
Improved Solar Thermal Technology For Decarbonising Residential Heating
Primary Funding Agency
Irish Research Council
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)
Project Abstract
Two thirds of residential energy demand is used for space and water heating [1]. Although in recent years great progress has been made in decarbonising our electricity supply, residential heating still relies heavily on oil, natural gas and solid fuels. There are proposals to transition residential heating to electricity, taking advantage of renewable sources at generation. However this proposal would require a huge investment in both additional generation capacity and our electrical grid capacity. Technologies such as solar thermal provide a local low carbon, sustainable heat source, without increasing electrical demand. Although solar thermal technologies such as flat plate or tube collectors are at a high level of maturity, they are currently not cost competitive with fossil fuels, with payback periods in the range of 30 years. This project will investigate techniques to improve the efficiency of solar thermal systems while reducing their costs to the consumer in order to target a 5 year payback period. This would make solar thermal a much more attractive option for residential customers and incentivise a natural decarbonisation of residential heating aiding Ireland to reach its ambitions targets in 2030, to increase national consumption of renewable energy to 16% of overall energy usage.
Research Hub
Climate related research
Research Theme
Achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Initial Projected Completion Date
31/08/2025