Kildare pilot turns surplus renewable power into hot water

Kildare County Council has partnered with EnergyCloud and Microsoft on a renewable energy scheme for 200 households in the county. The project will serve people living in the council's social housing.

Under the initiative, participating homes will receive an EnergyCloud-enabled smart device that uses surplus renewable electricity to heat water. The scheme is expected to benefit about 550 people across County Kildare.

The rollout is the first of its kind in the county. It aims to redirect electricity that would otherwise be wasted when the grid cannot take all available renewable generation.

Data from EirGrid highlights the scale of the issue in Ireland's power system. In 2025, 11.4% of renewable wind energy and 12% of all renewable energy was dispatched down, meaning it could not be used because the grid was unable to carry all the power generated.

According to EnergyCloud, the surplus electricity wasted nationally on a typical night is enough to heat as many as three million domestic water tanks. The Kildare programme aims to channel some of that excess supply into homes as hot water.

How it works

The scheme focuses on households in social housing, where the diverted electricity can be used directly in the home without requiring residents to change how they consume power. The smart device is designed to switch on water heating when surplus renewable electricity is available on the system.

The approach reflects a wider challenge for electricity networks as renewable generation rises. Wind and other renewable sources can produce more power than the grid can absorb at certain times, particularly during lower overnight demand, creating a mismatch between supply and network capacity.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless welcomed the launch. “As Ireland continues to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, it is vital that we maximise the benefits of that transition for our local communities. This initiative in Kildare shows how surplus renewable electricity can be put to practical use in people's homes - reducing waste, supporting households, and advancing our national climate ambitions,” Lawless said.

Local representatives also described the project as a practical application of renewable energy policy at household level. “This is a very positive initiative for County Kildare and for the households who will benefit from it. It shows how innovation, partnership and sustainability can come together in a practical way to support families, reduce waste and make a real difference in people's daily lives. I welcome the collaboration between Kildare County Council, EnergyCloud and Microsoft in delivering this pilot,” said Veralouise Behan, Leas-Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare.

Local rollout

The Kildare pilot builds on an existing relationship between Microsoft and EnergyCloud. It also follows a similar rollout with South Dublin County Council, suggesting a model other local authorities may consider as pressure grows to make better use of curtailed renewable electricity.

For Kildare County Council, the immediate focus is the effect on tenants. “This pilot is a very positive initiative for our tenants in social housing. By working with EnergyCloud and Microsoft, we are putting surplus renewable energy to practical use in the home, helping to improve comfort for families while also supporting our wider climate goals,” said Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council.

EnergyCloud said the project targets homes most likely to benefit from lower-cost access to hot water generated from otherwise unused power. “EnergyCloud is delighted to partner with Kildare County Council and Microsoft to bring this initiative to households that need it most. By putting surplus renewable energy to practical use in people's homes, we can reduce waste while delivering a real, everyday benefit for families. This project is a strong example of how local collaboration can turn unused renewable energy into meaningful impact for communities,” said Alan Wyley, Chief Executive Officer, EnergyCloud Ireland.

Microsoft linked the scheme to its community work around data centre operations in the region. “At Microsoft, we are committed to being a force for good in the communities where we operate. Through our Datacentre Community Pledge, we are proud to support this partnership with Kildare County Council and EnergyCloud, which shows how collaboration and technology can deliver meaningful local benefits. By helping to divert renewable energy that would otherwise be wasted to homes close to our operations, this initiative will make a real difference to hundreds of people. We look forward to building on its success and continuing to support communities in Kildare and beyond,” said Lavinia Morris, General Manager, EMEA Data Centre Operations, Microsoft.