The work forms part of the EU-funded Horizon-2020 DEDALUS project and focuses on seven homes across the city. Energised Futures is developing digital twins for each property and remotely managing Panasonic heat pumps using predictive algorithms. The system shifts operation to periods when electricity is cheaper and lower carbon, while maintaining comfort and hot-water availability. Panasonic’s manufacturing expertise and MOS Mechanical’s installer insight were used to ensure the trial reflected real-world deployment and customer experience.
The pilot builds on the earlier MESH project, funded by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, which helped shape the advanced control approach now being tested. Findings from Dublin will contribute to wider DEDALUS pilots in Austria, Denmark, Italy, Spain and Romania, giving researchers a broader view of how smart heating performs across different climates and housing types. Results from all participating countries will be analysed and shared after the programme concludes at the end of April.
Ben Krikler, Head of Energised Futures and Director of Research & Innovation at Centrica, said the project shows how data-driven control can unlock more value from heat pumps by improving efficiency, reducing emissions and supporting grid balancing. Laurence Cox, Country Manager for Panasonic Heating & Cooling Ireland, said the trial demonstrates the practical benefits of low-carbon heating and the importance of collaboration across manufacturers, installers and technology partners.
The programme also examines how households engage with demand response, looking at comfort, data privacy and energy literacy. Participants have been involved through workshops and interface testing, supported by a social-science framework designed to understand motivations and barriers.
MSM Renewable installed the heat pumps and worked directly with households throughout the trial. Founder and CEO Mick O’Shea said the project gives installers hands-on experience with emerging control technologies and helps build customer confidence in heat-pump performance.
The partners plan to publish insights later this spring to support policy development, strengthen installer capability and accelerate the rollout of smart, low-carbon home heating.