Co-operative Housing Ireland and EnergyCloud have installed smart storage heaters in 20 social and affordable homes at Camac Crescent in Inchicore, Dublin 8, designed to harness surplus renewable electricity and reduce energy bills for residents. The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Daryl Barron, officially launched the initiative on 12 November 2026.
The project replaces older storage heaters with energy-efficient Elnur HHR PLUS models connected to EnergyCloud’s platform, enabling residents to access surplus renewable electricity when available on the national grid. The collaboration aims to address fuel poverty while reducing Ireland’s renewable energy waste, which has exceeded €1 billion since January 2025 according to a recent EnergyCloud report.
Key facts
- 20 homes at Camac Crescent, Inchicore, Dublin 8 have received upgraded Elnur HHR PLUS storage heaters
- Ireland has wasted over €1 billion worth of renewable wind energy since January 2025
- The partnership has delivered more than 13,000 tanks of hot water, avoiding eight tonnes of CO2 emissions
- Over €600 million worth of renewable energy is projected to be wasted in Ireland in 2026
Smart Technology Tackles Fuel Poverty
The upgraded heating system allows residents to benefit from surplus renewable electricity during periods when generation exceeds demand. Smart technology enables the storage heaters to respond automatically when clean electricity becomes available, storing heat for later use and helping households reduce energy costs while improving home comfort.
Justine Reilly, a Co-operative Housing Ireland Member Tenant, described the impact of the new system: “I couldn’t afford to use my old storage heaters as they were too expensive. With the Elnur heaters I can afford to run them and set them to the time I need the room heated. They are definitely more cost-efficient. The apartment is constantly warm and cosy.”
Councillor Daryl Barron highlighted the dual benefits of the initiative, stating it demonstrates that smart climate action serves as “a direct, practical tool for social good” rather than an added expense. The project connects Ireland’s clean energy transition with practical support for households facing heating costs, he said at the launch event attended by Member Tenants, project partners and representatives from both organisations.
Addressing Renewable Energy Waste
Alan Wyley, CEO of EnergyCloud, emphasised the scale of renewable energy waste in Ireland, noting that countries worldwide face similar challenges in managing surplus clean electricity. “In Ireland, there will be over €600m worth of renewable energy that dumped this year, we’re working to change Government Policy to reduce and in time stop this waste,” Wyley said.
The EnergyCloud report released last month indicated that despite government commitments in the Programme for Government to utilise surplus renewable energy, wastage has continued to escalate. The Camac Crescent project represents a practical approach to redirecting this surplus electricity towards addressing fuel poverty.
Kieron Brennan, CEO of Co-operative Housing Ireland, explained that the initiative aligns with the organisation’s broader mission beyond housing provision. “Providing a secure, affordable home also means looking at what it costs to live comfortably in that home. This initiative is helping to tackle fuel poverty by enabling residents to benefit from surplus renewable energy, while also improving home comfort and energy efficiency,” Brennan said.
Feedback gathered by Co-operative Housing Ireland indicates that cost of living remains the primary concern for Member Tenants across their properties nationwide. The Camac Crescent collaboration combines Co-operative Housing Ireland’s efforts to improve sustainability standards in its housing stock with EnergyCloud’s technology platform aimed at reducing energy poverty through intelligent use of renewable electricity resources.
Reporting based on original coverage by Irish Building Magazine.