The Heat is On: The Collaborations, Capacities, and Management Style Required For The Establishment and Sustainability of Community-owned Renewable Energy District Heating Systems In Austria, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland

International reviews of countries’ progress at tackling climate change show that Ireland is making small levels of progress on tackling issues associated with climate change. This paper will highlight the pivotal role the State performs, both at national and local level, in creating the conditions essential for the establishment of community-owned renewable energy district heating systems. In particular, the State can provide funding for these initiatives to acquire the management and technical expertise essential for their establishment and maintenance. This paper will also examine a theoretical framework, referred to as capacity analysis, to explain the capacities that need to be in place for the successful implementation of community-owned renewable energy district heating initiatives.The theoretical framework employed here is based on the ‘conceptual framework’ developed by Middlemiss and Parrish (2010) which consists of four categories of capacity.The research methodology involves a case study with cases from Austria, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. The research indicates that the State needs to provide a range of supports for communities to establish community-owned renewable energy district heating initiatives - including management supports and training principals in managing such initiatives. The research also points to the importance of engaging with a number of stakeholders. Managers need to value engagement with residents living in local communities and also perform a key role in ensuring community-owned renewable energy district heating initiatives become financially sustainable.