The conference was organized by NIBE AB, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Royal Institute of Technology, Swedish National Museum of Science and Technology and Heat Pump Centre – HPT TCP by IEA, with the aim of fostering a constructive dialogue between stakeholders. Prominent decision-makers, researchers, and industry experts convened to address the pressing issues surrounding energy policy development in the European heating sector.
A key focus of the conference was the exploration of heat pumps as a viable solution. Sweden, renowned as a leading country in sustainable energy solutions, showcased its advancements in this field. Experts shared their experiences and knowledge of transitioning from fossil fuels to heat pumps, discussing the potential for applying these solutions in other European markets. By harnessing the power of heat pumps, participants sought to identify practical ways to accelerate decarbonization efforts.
“The European heating sector plays a crucial role in our journey towards a carbon-free future,” Minister Busch remarked during her opening speech.
“This conference serves as a platform for exchanging ideas, best practices, and innovative technologies that will drive our collective progress.”
The conference facilitated fruitful discussions on topics such as energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, policy frameworks, the role of innovation infrastructure and market incentives. Attendees engaged in panel sessions, and presentations that fostered a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with decarbonizing the heating sector.
As Europe grapples with an energy crisis, this conference provided a valuable forum for collaboration and knowledge exchange. By pooling expertise from various sectors, participants aimed to develop holistic strategies that prioritize sustainability while ensuring reliable and affordable energy for European citizens.

Mechthild Wörsdörfer, Deputy Director General for the European Commission Directoral General for Energy (DG ENER)
The “Decarbonization of the European Heating Sector” conference concluded with a renewed commitment to forging partnerships and implementing innovative solutions. The insights gained from this event will undoubtedly guide policymakers, businesses, and researchers in their efforts to address Europe’s energy challenges and accelerate the transition to a decarbonized future.

Caroline Haglund Stignor, Thomas Nowak and Carlos Lopes
Find a summary of all presentations here>
Watch all presentations on the HPT TCP Youtube Channel here>
CONFERENCE PROGAM
SESSION 1
- Ebba Busch, Swedish Minister of Energy – Inauguration (recording)
- Laura Cozzi, Chief Energy Modeller IEA – The Future of Heat Pumps (presentation, recording)
- Mechthild Wörsdörfer, Deputy Director General – RePowerEU (presentation, recording)
- Remy Kolessar, Director General Swedish Energy Agency – Sweden’s Role as a Model for Heat Pump Decarbonization (presentation, recording)
- Martin Forsén, President European Heat Pump Association (presentation, recording)
- Panel discussion – Mechthild Wörsdörfer, Martin Forsén, Remy Kolessar (recording)
SESSION 2
- Caroline Haglund Stignor, RISE – Innovation Infrastructure Enabling Market Transformation (presentation, recording)
- Bengt Sandström, Mid Sweden University – Upgrading Skills Installation Capacity (presentation, recording)
- Carlos Lopes, Swedish Energy Agency, Public Energy Counseling – Rising Technology Awareness (presentation, recording)
- Panel discussion – Caroline Haglund Stignor, Bengt Sandström, Carlos Lopes (recording)
SESSION 3
- Ciarán Cuffe, Member of The European Parliament – Energy Performance of Buildings (presentation, recording)
- Marek Miara, Fraunhofer Institute – Real Life Performance of Heat Pumps – Overview of Results from European Field Trials (presentation, recording)
- Björn Palm, Professor Royal Institute of Technology – Technology Status and The Importance of Research (presentation, recording)
- Monica Axell, General Manager Heat Pump Centre, Technology Collaboration on Heat Pumping Technologies by IEA – How to Benefit from Global Collaboration (presentation, recording)
- Panel discussion – Ciarán Cuffe, Marek Miara, Björn Palm, Monica Axel (recording)
SESSION 4
- Frédéric Fontan, Electricité de France – The Lights Will Stay On (presentation, recording)
- Lennart Söder, Professor Royal Institute of Technology – The Potential for Demand Side Flexibility Offered by Smart Heat Pumps (presentation)
- Helen Carlström, EON – The Fifth Generation of District Heating – ECTOGRID (presentation, recording)
- Panel discussion – Frédéric Fontan, Lennart Söder, Helen Carlström (recording)
CLOSING REMARKS
- Gerteric Lindquist, CEO, NIBE Industrier AB (recording)