Heat pumps can deliver three to five times more heat than the electricity they consume. However, to fully realise this potential, energy pricing must work in their favour. Today, taxes and levies often tip the balance towards fossil fuels, slowing the energy transition. In a time of volatile fossil fuel prices, smarter electricity pricing could protect consumers and accelerate the uptake of electrified heating. This highlights why the electricity-to-gas price ratio is a critical policy lever—and what governments can do right now to unlock heat pump deployment. 

Heat pumps are inherently efficient and lowcarbon technologies, extracting heat from renewable environmental sources or from sources that would otherwise be wasted. They use electricity to provide this function and typically produce three to five units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed. For heat pumps to be costcompetitive with other heating options, such as fossil gas, they must have lower running costs to encourage uptake. Consequently, the price ratio—most commonly the electricitytogas price ratio—is of high importance for heat pump deployment. 

In many countries, electricity is overtaxed and burdened with levies, while competing fuels such as gas are subject to significantly lower taxation. As a result, despite their high efficiency, heat pumps can have higher operating costs than gas or oilbased heating systems. 

Volatile fossil fuel prices urge action 

In the current energy crisis, driven by geopolitical tensions and conflicts in the Middle East, fossil fuel prices have become highly volatile. This has made it increasingly evident that end users would be less vulnerable to price spikes if the transition towards electrified heating through heat pumps were accelerated. Electricity prices are also affected by the energy crisis, but to a lesser extent than fossil fuel prices, due to the growing share of renewable energy in electricity generation. 

Following the meeting of the European Council in stated at the press conference that, in order to mitigate the impacts of the energy crisis, the European Council had discussed and would take action on all four components that determine electricity prices: the energy price itself, grid charges, taxes and levies, and carbon pricing. She emphasised that the Emissions Trading System (ETS) is working effectively, having significantly reduced gas consumption in the EU. This has lowered the region’s dependence on fossil fuel imports and reduced the vulnerability of Member States. It has also driven major investments in the energy transition, particularly in lowcarbon energy sources such as renewables and nuclear power, which are domestically produced and strengthen EU energy independence. However, she also stressed that the ETS needs to be modernised and made more flexible. 

Webinar about how to tip the balance 

On February 25, the USERs TCP organized a webinar titled Tipping the Balance: how governments can modernise their tax and levy policies to improve the economics of heat pump take-up. 

The webinar featured Dr Richard Lowes, Global Lead for Heat and Buildings at the Regulatory Assistance Project, and explored how pricing policies can influence heat pump deployment. 

One key takeaway from the webinar was that, while a lower relative price of electricity is always beneficial, policymakers should generally aim for a maximum electricitytogas price ratio of 2.5:1. A ratio above 3:1 should be a cause for concern, as it can erode the efficiency advantage of heat pumps. The webinar presented case studies showing how governments in several countries - including parts of the United States, China, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden - have successfully reduced relative electricity prices and achieved reasonable heat pump running costs. 

Policy options for governments seeking to boost heat pump uptake were also presented, including eight priority levers that could be implemented immediately to make electricity cheaper: 

• Short term impact 

• Reducing taxes added to electricity 

• Policy and network cost recovery that supports efficiency and flexibility 

• Medium term Impact 

• Ramping up demand-side flexibility at scale 

• Using grids more efficiently 

• Double sided contracts for difference that reflect system value 

• Efficient design of capacity mechanisms 

• Long term impact 

• Locational pricing 

At the end of the webinar, the Heat Pumping Technologies TCP was presented, along with an overview of the key factors behind the development of heat pumps in Sweden, which has one of the highest heat pump penetration rates in the world. 

The webinar was recorded and be accessed via this link. 

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The latest data released by the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) show that heat pump sales across Europe grew substantially in 2025, with an average increase of 10.3% across 16 countries and total residential sales reaching 2.62 million units.

“Heat pump sales testify to government action” press release published on the association’s website explains that a key driver behind this rebound is stabilized government subsidy schemes and targeted cost‑reduction measures, such as lower electricity taxes, which make heat pumps more competitive with fossil‑fuel boilers.

Two success stories include the “UK’s continued policy support – via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and new Warm Homes plan – has helped bring up heat pump sales by 27%, to 125,000 units.“

Moreover, “in Germany last year a record was broken as heat pumps accounted for almost half of all heat generators sold. This is due to increasing consumer confidence in the technology after the previous politicisation of heating, and the role of heat pumps in energy security” says the press release.

However, some markets are still struggling such as “in Poland where there is much disinformation about heat pumps, and in France where government budgets and heat pump support were in flux, sales fell in 2025. “

With rising oil prices the hope is that this positive trend will continue and spread across other parts of the world.

In a later press release the association stated that last year’s “heat pump sales show EU focus on electricity tax is right call”. In some countries tax on electricity is several times higher than that on gas, making even highly energy efficient heat pumps more expensive to run, which could have a major impact on heat pump sales. EHPA are referring to European leaders’ summit the week before, where the European Commission president von der Leyen subsequently singled out electricity tax as a key issue to address. 

EHPA presented a mapping of how different factors impacted heat pump sales in some of the European countries. This mapping showed that favourable policy frameworks, subsidies, support schemes as well as energy prices had positive impact on some of the markets while construction and renovation market slowdown had a negative impact on others. Moreover, one of the important factors behind the growth on some of the mature markets like Sweden and Finland was a large installed base and a replacement demand. 

For more information please see:  

https://ehpa.org/news-and-resources/press-releases/heat-pump-sales-testify-to-government-action/

https://ehpa.org/news-and-resources/publications/heat-pump-sales-show-eu-focus-on-electricity-tax-is-right-call/

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The overall objective is to establish an independent knowledge base with valuable, high-quality information about the flexibility of heat pumps. Ultimately this will contribute toward an accelerated capacity for heat pump solutions to provide flexibility towards both the greater energy systems that supply them and the thermal systems and loads that they supply heat for.

Read more about the project kick-off.
Visit the Project page, which will be continuously updated.

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The aim of the project is to gain new knowledge that supports the development of new enhanced miniaturized components and systems. Knowledge that will allow components for heat pumps, air conditioning units and refrigeration equipment to be produced with reduced cost, lower environmental impact and which will reduce the risks due to flammability through the use of less refrigerant with maintained or improved functionality and efficiency.

Read more about the project kick-off.
Visit the Project page, which will be continuously updated.

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Modern district heating and cooling is an excellent enabler for integrating renewables, waste heat, heat pumps, storage, and digitalisation into the energy system to deliver deep decarbonisation, affordable comfort, energy security, and jobs. It relies on the combination with other energy technologies, and in the future, heat pumps will be one of the most important ones.

The IEA TCP Coordination Group on Thermal Networks, consisting of 11 different TCPs (Technology Collaboration Programmes) have prepared a flagship report “Thermal networks: Empowering the smart transition to net-zero” and a collection of impact fact sheets and success stories, which show the benefits of thermal networks to the technologies covered by the other TCPs. HPT TCP has actively contributed to this work by providing input, case studies, and success stories from the work performed with the HPT TCP Projects.

The report targets decision makers in government, utilities, industry, and finance, offering clear messages on policies, planning tools, and investments for a just and secure heat transition, and has been published by the DHC TCP (District Heating and Cooling).

The report conveys that heat pumps are a flexible and highly efficient technology that synergizes exceptionally well with thermal networks. On the one hand, small, building-scale heat pumps can efficiently supply low-carbon heat to areas that are not economically feasible for thermal networks, such as many villages and single-family house areas, and to buildings with combined heating and cooling needs or where no large-scale heat source for a thermal network is available. On the other hand, large heat pumps connected to thermal networks can supply dense urban areas by extracting renewable heat from air, water, or waste sources and amplifying it for distribution.

Thus, large heat pumps enable thermal networks to deliver electricity-based, efficient, and low-carbon heating and cooling at scale, while supporting the integration of diverse renewable and waste heat streams. Heat pumps distributed across different buildings can also extract heat from thermal source networks and supply the heat to the buildings.

“This solution can reduce system emissions and operational costs and maximize flexibility by matching supply and demand efficiently” (quote from the report).

One of the success stories highlighted in the publication (linked below)  is smokefree district heating using a diversified supply with air/water heat pumps, electrical boiler, and thermal storage, supplementing biomass boiler in Felding, Denmark, where two fast acting air-to-water CO₂ heat pumps with a total capacity of 3.5 MW were installed, significantly enhancing district heating efficiency and providing flexibility to the electric grid.

Link to report: Thermal_Networks_The_Smart_Way_to_Net_Zero.pdf

Link to Impact Fact Sheets and Success Stories: Thermal_Networks_Selected_Case_Studies.pdf

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New Zealand has joined IEA HPT TCP Project 68 as a limited sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to advancing high-temperature heat pump technologies and accelerating the decarbonisation of industrial process heat. Through its participation, New Zealand contributes national expertise, research capacity, and policy experience to the international effort to scale up industrial heat pump solutions for energy-intensive sectors.

National Leadership and Key Partners

New Zealand’s contribution to Project 68 is coordinated by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), which serves as the national coordinator and project leader. EECA is a Crown entity responsible for promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions reduction across the country. It brings extensive experience in industrial heat pump deployment, policy instruments, and market development. To join the TCP as a limited sponsor means a temporary try-out period for the country when they can join one of the TCP projects in order to evaluate the benefits of a future full membership in the TCP.

The Ahuroa Centre at the University of Waikato acts as the national research partner. The Centre contributes analytical expertise, research leadership, and demonstration infrastructure, complementing EECA’s strong industry network and technology deployment capabilities. Together, EECA and the Ahuroa Centre form the core national consortium supporting New Zealand’s participation in Project 68.

Contribution to Energy Efficiency and Industrial Decarbonisation

Industrial process heat accounts for approximately 60–65 percent of industrial final energy demand in New Zealand and is still largely supplied by coal and natural gas. Decarbonising this segment is therefore a national priority within the country’s broader climate strategy, which targets net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Through Project 68, New Zealand focuses on the development, demonstration, and integration of industrial heat pumps, including high-temperature and steam-generating systems. These technologies are recognised as critical pathways to reduce fossil fuel use, improve energy efficiency, and support the electrification of industrial processes. The national project builds on more than a decade of initiatives led by EECA, including technology demonstration programmes, deployment funding, industrial energy assessments, and data-driven mapping of decarbonisation opportunities.

By strengthening the knowledge base, accelerating technology adoption, and supporting large-scale industrial applications, New Zealand’s participation in Project 68 contributes directly to improved energy efficiency and reduced emissions in the industrial sector.

Alignment with the Objectives of Project 68

New Zealand’s national project aligns closely with the overarching objectives of Project 68, which aims to advance knowledge, deployment, and system integration of high-temperature heat pumps across industrial applications. The country’s work on system integration, techno-economic assessment, waste heat recovery, and electricity–heat sector coupling directly supports the project’s ambition to develop robust technical, economic, and operational frameworks for industrial heat pump solutions.

The combination of policy instruments, demonstration projects, and applied research within the New Zealand programme provides valuable insights into how high-temperature heat pumps can be deployed at scale in real industrial contexts.

Knowledge Sharing and International Impact

The findings and results from New Zealand’s national project are expected to provide important lessons for other countries participating in Project 68. Experiences from industrial site assessments, steam heat pump demonstrations, and system integration studies can inform technology choices, policy design, and implementation strategies in diverse national contexts.

By contributing data, analytical methods, and practical case studies, New Zealand helps strengthen the collective knowledge base of Project 68 and supports evidence-based decision-making among participating countries.

The Value of International Collaboration

New Zealand’s participation underscores the importance of international collaboration within the HPT TCP framework. Project 68 provides a platform for countries to exchange knowledge, compare approaches, and jointly address common challenges in industrial decarbonisation.

Through active engagement in Project 68, New Zealand not only advances its own national energy transition but also contributes to a broader international effort to accelerate the deployment of high-temperature heat pumps. This collaborative approach reflects the core mission of the HPT TCP: to foster innovation, learning, and shared progress toward more efficient and sustainable energy systems worldwide. To find out more about Project 68, visit our website: https://heatpumpingtechnologies.org/project68/

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Takeaways from the High-Temperature Heat Pump Symposium 2026

The High-Temperature Heat Pump (HTHP) Symposium 2026 confirmed that high-temperature heat pumps are no longer a niche technology but an emerging cornerstone of industrial decarbonization. The conference took place on 21–22 January 2026 at Bella Center Copenhagen, Denmark, bringing together the global high-temperature heat pump community.

The event attracted more than 530 participants from research institutions, industry, policymakers, and technology developers, alongside over 35 industrial exhibitors, reflecting the rapidly growing interest and commercial momentum in high-temperature heat pump technologies.

Over two intensive days, participants explored how high-temperature heat pumps are transitioning from advanced research to large-scale industrial deployment. Building on the momentum highlighted at the 2024 symposium, the 2026 edition demonstrated a clear shift in focus: from technological feasibility to implementation, scalability, and sector-wide integration.

From Technology Development to Market Deployment

The symposium opened with keynote sessions addressing the future of industrial heat and the role of high-temperature heat pumps in achieving climate targets. Speakers emphasized that electrification of industrial process heat is accelerating, supported by policy frameworks, market drivers, and technological innovation.

Technical sessions throughout the first day showcased advances in compressors, heat exchangers, and system architectures, alongside growing evidence of commercial-ready solutions. Topics ranged from oil-free centrifugal compressors and advanced ammonia systems to reverse Brayton cycles and novel heat exchanger designs.

A strong emphasis was placed on large-scale and medium-scale industrial applications, including steam generation, waste heat recovery, and integration with thermal storage. Case studies illustrated how high-temperature heat pumps are being deployed in sectors such as pulp and paper, food processing, chemicals, and brewing.

Poster sessions and technical presentations further highlighted the rapid expansion of research and demonstration projects, covering topics such as refrigerant innovation, system integration, digitalization, and techno-economic assessment.

Industrial Applications and Sector Integration

The second day of the symposium focused on real-world implementation and sector-specific challenges. Dedicated sessions addressed high-temperature heat pump applications in drying processes, steam generation, and industrial process integration.

Several presentations demonstrated how high-temperature heat pumps are enabling steam production above 150 °C, supporting the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries. Case studies from the chemical, food, dairy, and paper industries illustrated both technical feasibility and economic considerations.

Panel discussions and forward-looking sessions explored pathways to accelerate deployment, including policy alignment, business models, and cross-sector collaboration. The symposium concluded with sector-focused workshops on textiles, chemicals, and pulp and paper, highlighting the importance of tailored solutions and coordinated value-chain efforts.

High-Temperature Heat Pumps as a Key Decarbonization Tool

A central message of the symposium was that high-temperature heat pumps are becoming a critical enabler of industrial electrification. While technical and economic barriers remain, the growing number of demonstration projects and commercial installations indicates that the technology is entering a new phase of maturity.

Compared to earlier years, the 2026 symposium showed a clear evolution: high-temperature heat pumps are no longer driven solely by research ambitions but increasingly by industrial demand, policy targets, and market opportunities.

Outlook

The High-Temperature Heat Pump Symposium 2026 reinforced the conclusion that high-temperature heat pumps will play a decisive role in the transition toward a low-carbon industry. As technologies mature and deployment accelerates, collaboration between industry, research institutions, and policymakers will be essential to unlock their full potential.

The symposium demonstrated that the question is no longer whether high-temperature heat pumps will be part of the industrial energy transition, but how fast they can be scaled to meet climate and competitiveness goals.

For more information about the symposium, visit: https://hthp-symposium.org/

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Sweden is participating in Project 68 under the IEA Heat Pumping Technologies TCP, demonstrating a strong national commitment to advancing high-temperature heat pump solutions for energy-intensive industrial applications. Sweden’s involvement is anchored in a nationally funded flagship project that combines advanced research with full-scale industrial implementation.

The Swedish contribution to Project 68 is jointly led by RISE Research Institutes of Sweden and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, which serve as national project leaders. Together, RISE and KTH coordinate research activities, system analysis, and knowledge dissemination, ensuring that Sweden’s results contribute effectively to the international objectives of Project 68.

At the core of the Swedish national project is one of the most innovative industrial energy initiatives launched in Sweden to date, with a total investment of 196 million SEK. The project involves the installation of a mechanical vapor recompression (MVR) heat pump in one of the most energy-intensive industrial processes, gypsum board drying. This pioneering solution is expected to reduce both energy consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to 50 percent, directly supporting Sweden’s national goals for energy efficiency, industrial competitiveness, and climate mitigation.

What sets this project apart is the use of patented MVR heat pump technology capable of reaching temperatures up to 210 °C, with a temperature lift of 160 °C and a thermal capacity of 10.5 MWth. To current knowledge, this will be the first installation of its kind in Sweden, representing a significant step forward in the practical deployment of high-temperature heat pumps for demanding industrial applications.

The Swedish consortium brings together strong academic, research, and industrial expertise. RISE is represented by Bassam Badran and Metkel Yebiyo, contributing system integration, performance assessment, and knowledge dissemination. KTH contributes academic leadership through Samer Sawalha, Monika Ignatowicz, and Rahmatollah Khodabandeh, focusing on thermodynamic analysis, heat pump design, and scientific evaluation. Industrial partners Gyptech AB and Knauf Sweden play a central role in technology implementation, process integration, and validation under real operating conditions.

Within Project 68, Sweden’s national project aligns closely with the overall objective of accelerating the adoption of high-temperature heat pumps in industry. By delivering real-world performance data, operational experience, and system design insights, the Swedish project will contribute valuable evidence to support decision-making in other participating countries. The results are expected to help identify best practices, technical challenges, and replicable solutions for industrial sectors with high thermal demand.

International collaboration and knowledge exchange are central aims of the IEA Heat Pumping Technologies TCP, and Sweden’s participation in Project 68 reflects this shared commitment. By exchanging experiences and lessons learned with other countries, the Swedish project will help strengthen collective understanding and accelerate progress toward more energy-efficient and low-carbon industrial systems worldwide.

More information about Project 68 is available at:
https://heatpumpingtechnologies.org/project68/

Through this nationally coordinated effort, Sweden contributes practical insights and demonstrated solutions that support the broader goals of Project 68, reinforcing the value of international collaboration in advancing energy efficiency and industrial decarbonisation.

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The Heat Pumping Technologies Magazine – Issue 3, 2025, marking a dedicated exploration of how heat pump technology is evolving to meet the demands of industrial energy systems. This latest issue addresses a rapidly growing area of interest within the energy transition: the role of heat pumps in transforming industrial process heat supply.

As global efforts to decarbonise intensify, attention is increasingly shifting toward industrial sectors where energy use remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Process heat, which underpins a wide range of manufacturing and production activities, represents one of the most challenging segments to electrify. Recent technological progress, however, is beginning to reshape what is technically and economically feasible, particularly for applications requiring higher temperature levels.

Issue 3, 2025 brings together contributions from researchers, technology developers, and system experts who examine how heat pump solutions are expanding beyond established applications. Rather than viewing high-temperature operation as a single technical hurdle, the issue highlights a broader transition toward integrated, system-oriented approaches that connect heat pumps more closely with industrial processes, waste heat streams, and digital control strategies.

A central theme running through the magazine is the shift from experimentation to implementation. Several contributions reflect on what is required for industrial heat pumps to move from demonstration projects into reliable, bankable solutions that industry can deploy at scale. Topics such as design automation, advanced cycle concepts, refrigerant selection, and intelligent control are discussed as part of a wider toolbox needed to support this transition.

The issue also situates technological development within a broader market and policy context. By examining real-world conditions in leading markets, including Sweden, the magazine illustrates how regulation, industrial collaboration, and system integration capabilities can influence the pace and direction of adoption. These insights are particularly relevant for stakeholders seeking to align innovation with practical deployment pathways.

Beyond technology, digitalisation emerges as an increasingly important enabler. The inclusion of work on AI-based predictive control reflects a growing recognition that performance, flexibility, and reliability in industrial energy systems will depend not only on hardware advances, but also on smarter operation and decision-making.

With this issue, Heat Pumping Technologies Magazine continues its role as a platform for informed discussion and knowledge exchange within the international heat pump community. Issue 3, 2025, offers perspectives that are relevant to industry decision-makers, researchers, policymakers, and all those engaged in shaping the future of sustainable industrial energy systems.

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The most significant technology developments highlighted in the report are:

• A pronounced shift toward natural working fluids
• New and more commercially mature technologies reaching higher temperatures and larger capacities
• A sharp rise in demonstration activities

Have also a look at the new webpage for Task 1 for the most updated information on industrial high-temperature heat pumps and interactive features.

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A new Italian Competence Centre for Heat Pumps will serve as a hub to spread the technological culture of electric heat pumps, offering training, regulatory support and information to professionals and users. Promoted by the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) and EURAC Research together with Assoclima, AICARR and Centro Studi Galileo, it will be national reference point for professionals, researchers and policy-makers.

Heat pump technologies are unanimously recognized as a key driver for decarbonization in the heating and cooling sector—from residential and commercial air conditioning to some process and industrial applications. This was the focus of a two-day immersion workshop at the ENEA office in Pisa. During the meeting, participants discussed technical issues and the tools needed to accelerate the deployment of these technologies, as advocated by European and national guidelines for the energy transition.

This discussion led to the decision to establish a National Competence Centre for electric heat pumps, with the aim of disseminating technological knowledge. The Centre’s ambition is to serve as a national reference point for various professionals, who will find there an "entry point" for orientation, and to potentially act as a point of contact with key institutional bodies and policy-makers.

Within this framework, the Competence Centre will act as a hub for initiatives to disseminate technological culture, from designing training courses for designers and installers to systematizing current regulations and incentive systems for technology at the national and regional levels. This includes, of course, the end user, whom communication channels and initial knowledge will be activated to enable a more informed choice of the air conditioning system best suited to their needs and requirements.

The scope of action will also include development, monitoring, and ongoing training initiatives on technical and regulatory issues that are considered strategic for the future of technology.

On the sidelines of the event, Maurizio Pieve emphasized that the atmosphere established during the two-day meeting bodes well for organic collaboration among the stakeholders:

"We see excellent potential for synergy among the Center's various stakeholders; as ENEA, we hope that the planned program of activities will effectively integrate such authoritative expertise, building a collaborative approach aimed at the wider dissemination of efficient and eco-sustainable air conditioning technology."

The meeting was attended by leading associations and organizations in the electric heat pump industry: Assoclima, with speakers including Federico Musazzi, Secretary General, Marco Dall'Ombra, Group Leader of the Heat Pumps Group, and Mariano Covolo, Chairman of the Technical Committee; AICARR, with Claudio Zilio, President, and Mariapia Colella, Director of AICARR Educational; Centro Studi Galileo, with Marco Buoni, CEO, and Simone Portalupi, teacher and trainer; EURAC Research, with Roberto Fedrizzi, Coordinator of the Sustainable Air Conditioning Systems Research Group, and Diego Menegon, Team Leader for the Experimental Development of HVAC Systems; and ENEA, which hosted the event, with the Italian HPT TCP ExCo Delegates Maurizio Pieve and Raniero Trinchieri, and the support of Dario Urbano, ENEA researcher, who are involved in research programs on sustainable heat pump air conditioning.

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During the four-day HPT TCP ExCo meeting in Freiburg on November 10-13, a lot of information was exchanged, and participants discussed research needs, as well as barriers and opportunities related to energy security, energy efficiency, and the decarbonization of the energy system through the innovation and deployment of heat pumping technologies.

During the meetings, Executive Committee delegates from the 20 member countries met with HPT Project Managers, invited guests, and German researchers and industry representatives active within the sector to receive updates on the ongoing HPT Projects, discuss topics for new projects, and collaborate with other organizations.

New HPT Projects

The ExCo discussed new activities within the HPT TCP. A new HPT Project titled “Enhanced of Miniaturized Components” is just about to start, and several countries have already confirmed their participation. Other proposals and ideas for future projects within HPT TCP, including comfort cooling, energy system flexibility, heat pumps in multifamily buildings, and the integration of heat pumps to improve the efficiency of hydrogen and carbon capture processes, were also presented and discussed during the meeting.

Collaboration with other organizations

Invited guest from the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), DG ENER at the European Commission (EC), and the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) gave insightful presentations of their activities and views on the needs for future research and other measures. These organizations share several overarching goals and visions with HPT TCP, which is why strengthened collaboration could be a win-win for all.

The meeting was also attended by the HPT TCPs desk officer at the IEA bureau, who provided an update on how heat pumps will be included in future IEA flagship reports, such as the World Energy Outlook, Energy Technology Perspectives, and State of Innovation Report. He also mentioned the work to develop a common international taxonomy for heat pumps, which is of high importance to enable policymakers to design efficient policies and monitor their impact.

 A German representative from IEA CERT (Committee on Energy Research and Technology) presented the IEA structure and highlighted the shared goals of IEA and its member states.

Upcoming 15^th IEA Heat Pump Conference in Vienna 2026

Other important issues addressed during the meeting days related to preparations for the upcoming flagship activity of the TCP – the 15th IEA Heat Pump Conference 2026 (hpc2026.org). Registration is open, and the review of submitted papers is ongoing, along with planning the overall program, including policy forums, workshops, and site visits.

National workshop

The National workshop on heat pumping technologies, organized by the German hosts, brought together leading researchers, industry representatives, and policymakers to discuss the current state and future direction of heat pump technology. The event opened with a welcome from Dr. Miara and an overview of Fraunhofer’s work in renewable energy. Key sessions included an update on the IEA HPT TCP by the TCP Chairman Stepan Renz, who provided information about the IEA as well as ongoing and future HPT projects, together with some of the HPT Project Managers. Some of the highlighted projects addressed advancements in heat pumps for drying, heat pumps in multifamily buildings, positive energy districts, and the integration of flammable refrigerants.

A significant focus was placed on Germany’s energy transition, with Mr. Linsmayer detailing funding schemes and research initiatives supporting the deployment of heat pumps. The market status, presented by Mr. Schreinermacher of BWP, highlighted a structural shift: while the overall heating market has contracted, heat pumps are gaining market share, driven by policy changes and increased government support (see Figure 1 below).

Research institutions like RWTH Aachen, ILK Dresden, TU Dresden, DLR, and several Fraunhofer institutes showcased innovations in component design, digital twins, high-temperature heat pumps, and safety for flammable refrigerants. Industry leaders from the sector (Vaillant, Stiebel Eltron, AIT, EBM Papst, SKF, Bitzer, AGO-Energie, Johnson Controls, Siemens) presented results from innovation projects, new products, and case studies, emphasising efficiency, sustainability, and integration into district heating and industrial processes.

The workshop concluded with a call for continued collaboration and knowledge exchange to accelerate the adoption of heat pumps as a cornerstone of Germany’s decarbonisation strategy. Indeed, a very inspiring event!

Site visits in heat pump laboratories

The participants visited two leading research facilities at Fraunhofer ISE. One of them focuses on performance testing and development of heat pumps, including key mark certification and component innovation such as compressors, heat exchangers, and refrigerant circuits. The lab supports industrial partners in enhancing performance and reducing costs, utilising climate chambers for rigorous testing. Special emphasis is placed on natural refrigerants, with the capability to handle flammable or toxic substances, and on reducing refrigerant charge in circuits. The lab also conducts high-temperature heat pump optimisation, acoustics and vibration measurements, and operates under an ATEX-compliant safety concept.

The other one, the outdoor refrigerant safety labis dedicated to the safety of hydrocarbons as refrigerants. It investigates the real-world release behaviour of propane in both outdoor and indoor scenarios, developing safer components and concepts to minimise hazard potential. The lab performs leakage and dispersion studies, evaluates gas separators, and simulates leakages for certification processes according to international standards. Facilities include setups for propane release tests, temperature conditioning, and gravimetric determination of releasable charge. The lab is ATEX-compliant and can safely handle releases of up to 3 kg of propane, contributing to increased device safety and robust certification procedures.

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Unlocking the flexibility potential of heat pumps and electrical vehicles is primarily a societal and institutional challenge, not a purely technical one. “ Evaluating Electric Vehicle and Heat Pump Flexibility Potential: Linking Technology, Economics, Regulation, Behaviour and Policy”, a report recently published by the Users TCP, 4E TCP EDNA Platform, and the AIT, concludes that the technical readiness is already high, but it is behavioural factors that significantly limit practical deployment of these technologies.

Energy systems are undergoing a profound transformation in the way energy is produced, distributed, and consumed. Electrifying heating and transport through the widespread adoption of heat pumps (HPs) and electric vehicles (EVs) is a cornerstone of this transition. However, to unlock their full potential, these technologies must not only replace fossil fuel systems but also deliver flexibility — the ability to adjust electricity consumption or production to support grid stability and enable greater integration of renewable energy.

The graph below (Figure 1) illustrates different types of flexibility and shows how higher activation levels of flexibility (higher power) can only be sustained for shorter periods, while lower activation levels can be maintained for longer durations.

This study introduces a high-level model that connects technical capabilities, economic drivers, behavioural factors, and policy frameworks to estimate the overall flexibility potential of distributed assets.

For heat pumps, the analysis shows that most modern systems in Austria (the case study for this research) are technically capable of providing basic demand response services, thanks to growing smart-grid compatibility and the adoption of the Smart Grid Ready label. However, user willingness to contribute remains the key bottleneck: while nearly all devices could technically participate, the proportion of owners likely to enrol in flexibility programmes under current conditions ranges from 30% to 84%.

For electric vehicles, the flexibility potential in Austria is even greater due to their large battery capacity and rising market penetration. Smart charging and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies enable EVs to shift charging demand or feed power back into the grid. Nevertheless, behavioural factors — such as range anxiety, the inconvenience of manual charging, and concerns about battery degradation — significantly influence user participation.

At a wider scale, the HPT TCP has investigated and contributed to developing flexibility features of heat pumps for a long time, for example, in HPT Project 57 Flexibility by implementation of heat pumps in multi-vector energy systems and thermal networks and HPT Project 42 Heat Pumps in Smart grids. In fact, a new project expected to start at the beginning of 2026, will cover flexibility from both small and large central heat pumps as well as distributed heat pumps, which can be aggregated to offer flexibility services. Moreover, new initiatives for coordinated control of heat pumps, electrical vehicles, batteries and solar photovoltaics are under discussion within the programme.

The results presented in the report also highlight the need for collaboration between HPT TCP and other TCPs, not least ones working closely with end-users.  Th team is continuously exploring collaboration possibilities with USERs TCP as well as other TCPs. For example our joint workshop organized in June i Stockholm, Sweden.

The report is available here: New report evaluates the flexibility potential of heat pumps and electric vehicles - UsersTCP

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How can heat pump technologies tackle emerging global challenges while unlocking new opportunities? At the 2025 HPT TCP National Experts Meeting, thirty specialists from twelve countries came together to answer this question. Through dynamic presentations and collaborative workshops, participants explored innovative solutions for comfort cooling, agriculture, retrofitting, flexibility, and integrated energy systems. The outcome? A wealth of fresh project ideas that could shape the next wave of international collaboration and accelerate the transition to sustainable heating and cooling worldwide.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) Technology Collaboration Programme on Heat Pumping Technologies (HPT TCP) hosted its 2025 National Experts Meeting on 30 October in Nuremberg, bringing together thirty experts from twelve countries across academia, industry, and research institutes. Participants gathered to generate new ideas for international collaboration projects that align with the HPT TCP Strategic Work Plan 2023 to 2028. The meeting featured presentation sessions and an extensive ideation workshop structured around five thematic areas reflecting key challenges and opportunities for heat pump technologies.

A Meeting Focused on Innovation and Collaboration

The purpose of the meeting was to generate and further develop concepts that could evolve into new HPT TCP international collaboration projects. Participants received updates on project proposals and ideas already in the pipeline.

• Heat pumps for hydrogen and carbon capture
• Flexibility from Large-Scale and Aggregated Heat Pump Systems
• Enhanced miniaturized components

In addition, there was a full day of structured ideation workshops covering five key themes:

• Increasing demand for comfort cooling
• The role of heat pumps in agriculture
• Heat pumps in existing non-residential buildings and retrofitting challenges
• User perspectives and value chains
• Integration of Simultaneous Heating and Cooling and Thermal Storage

These themes were introduced by invited experts who outlined market gaps, technical barriers, and current needs before group discussions began.

Workshop Outputs and Emerging Project Ideas

The workshop produced a rich set of project concepts that are now under consideration for future HPT TCP international collaboration projects. The discussions around each thematic challenge captured insights on current barriers, ambitions, and paths forward for accelerating heat pump deployment across sectors.

Comfort Cooling in Different Climates

The growing global demand for cooling motivated a strong interest in advancing heat pump-based solutions for climate-resilient comfort cooling. Participants recognised that reversible heat pumps remain underused in cooling applications despite their high energy efficiency and the significant benefits of integrating cooling into whole building energy strategies. Early project ambitions include developing demonstrations of reversible heat pumps in warm and temperate climates, studying hybrid and passive cooling solutions, and exploring compact, low-noise unit designs suitable for dense urban environments.

Heat Pumps and Refrigeration Systems along the Food Chain

The food chain emerged as another important area where heat pump technologies could reduce fossil fuel dependence and improve overall energy performance. The discussions pointed to fragmented implementation across agriculture, cold chain logistics, food processing, and retail refrigeration. Participants identified strong potential for modular heat pump systems, greater use of natural refrigerants, and better recovery of waste heat along the chain. The level of interest reflects a shared recognition that the agriculture and food sector could be a significant focus area in the upcoming HPT work programme.

Heat Pumps and the EU Network Code for Flexibility

A project idea on heat pumps and the evolving EU network code for flexibility also generated notable momentum. Workshop participants highlighted regulatory ambiguity and the lack of coordinated system integration as major obstacles to harnessing the flexibility potential of heat pumps. A future project in this area would explore real-world use cases, challenges, and opportunities associated with integrating heat pumps into flexibility markets. Key themes discussed included developing standardised measurement methods, clarifying business models, and strengthening cooperation between grid operators and the HVAC industry.

Integration of Energy Storage and Flexible Heat Pumps

Another concept explored the integration of heat pumps with thermal storage, electric batteries, and vehicle-to-building interfaces. The group agreed that hybrid systems combining heat pumps with multiple storage technologies have strong potential to enhance system flexibility and reduce peak loads. However, interoperability challenges and the lack of integrated control strategies remain barriers. The discussions highlighted opportunities for demonstration projects exploring combined thermal and electrical storage, predictive controls, and the role of buildings as active energy hubs.

Heat Pumps in Combined District Heating and Cooling Systems

The experts expressed interest in developing project ideas on combined district heating and cooling systems that make use of integrated heat pump solutions. Participants noted that many district networks still treat heating and cooling separately, resulting in lost opportunities for heat recovery and system optimisation. A future project in this area would aim to demonstrate the benefits of simultaneous heating and cooling in public and commercial facilities, such as arenas, hospitals, and university campuses. It would also explore the use of digital twins, modular system designs, and optimised temperature management to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.

A Strong Platform for New International Collaboration

The 2025 HPT TCP National Experts meeting demonstrated a strong international commitment to advancing heat pumping technologies across sectors. The workshop outputs will now inform the development of future HPT TCP Projects, supporting innovation in comfort cooling, agriculture, district systems, flexibility services, and hybrid energy solutions. The meeting confirmed that international collaboration remains essential for accelerating the global uptake of sustainable heating and cooling technologies.

If you are interested in taking part in or contributing to any of the project proposals or ideas, contact the Heat Pump Centre at hpc@heatpumpcentre.org

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Heating is political, complex, and crucial for Europe’s climate goals. Although the sector is responsible for almost half of Europe’s energy consumption, its necessary decarbonization is often overshadowed by dry debates. The heating transition book combines strong technological and political messages with a playful comic style – because the book is an infographic colouring book.

In just under two years of intensive work, a communication artwork was created that deliberately breaks with conventional policy materials. Brilliant infographics, plenty of facts, figures, and data are presented across 30 thematic double-page spreads – ready to be coloured!

The vision was to reach diverse target groups – from homeowners to politicians and NGOs – emotionally. The unexpected format appeals to our “inner child” and ensures that complex content like tech myths, urban district solutions, or the functionality of smart heating networks stays in mind:

What does a smart, renewable heating network look like?

What truly lies behind common misconceptions?

What does it mean when entire cities operate without fossil fuels?

So how does that relate to Project 62? In fact some inspiration has been drawn from Project 62's information and solution overview on heat pumps in multi-family buildings, such as the picture above. In addition, the many case studies Project 62 showcases were a source of information for the writers of the book. See for instance the Swiss Pragmatism example below, which is directly based on Project 62's case study.

This book helps us take a step to make the heating transition more accesible and understandable for everyone, and therefore a step towards the future!

Read or purchase the full book through this link.

Pictures: ElleryStudio Heat Pumps Renewables And Other Hot Stuff

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The 9^th European Heat Pump Summit, held in Nuremberg once again, proved to be a key meeting point for innovation and collaboration in the heat pump sector. With over 400 participants from industry and research, the two-day event showcased cutting-edge technologies, market insights, and policy developments shaping the future of sustainable heating. From ambitious EU targets and evolving regulations to breakthroughs in refrigerant safety and high-temperature applications, the summit highlighted both opportunities and challenges ahead. Results from several of the HPT TCP collaboration projects were shared during the summit.

On October 28, Dr. Rainer Jacobs opened the 9^th European Heat Pump Summit, which is organized every second year in Nuremberg. The event brings together actors working in the field of heat pumping technologies from both industry and the research community. This year, over 400 participants attended the event. During the two days, the audience could follow presentations about market development, research findings, emerging technologies, and applications. Some of the main takeaways are summarized below.

Market Trends & Policy

The European heat pump market is experiencing both growth and challenges. While market share is increasing, it remains below the EU’s ambitious target of 60 million heat pumps by 2030. Key barriers include high electricity-to-gas price ratios and inconsistent and ambivalent policies across member states. Clear, supportive EU policy, such as the Affordable Energy Action Plan and Clean Industrial Deal, is essential for further market uptake and decarbonising the heating sector. From the Netherlands, it was reported that there is strong potential for all-electric heat pumps; however, public awareness remains low. Compact, quiet designs are needed for widespread adoption. Flexible operation will become a necessity due to challenges related to grid constraints, and installation processes must be streamlined. In Germany, the market is at a turning point, with heat pump sales surpassing those of fossil boilers. Continued growth depends on reliable funding, lower electricity prices, and supportive building codes. Consumers are increasingly favouring heat pumps, but a stable regulatory framework is crucial for sustained investment.

Research & Innovation

Caroline Haglund Stignor from the Heat Pump Centre presented an overview of the activities within the Technology Collaboration Programme on Heat Pumping Technologies (HPT TCP) and shared some highlights from ongoing HPT Projects. During the two days, several presentations were given from HPT Project 64 Safety Measures for Flammable Refrigerants, HPT Project 61 Heat Pumps for PEDs, and HPT Project 68 High Temperature Heat Pumps. It is worth noting that the research areas of the presented HPT projects are highly relevant to the industry, as many presentations from company representatives addressed similar topics.

Technology & Safety

Advances in the use of low-GWP refrigerants (e.g., R-474A, R-290) and safety standards are enabling reduced climatic impact and higher-temperature applications. From Project 64, it was reported that possible causes of leakages in plate heat exchangers include the importance of having good filters that can capture dirt, thereby hindering blocking and fouling. In addition, a new method, recently developed, for determining the refrigerant charge of a residential heat pump in real-time was presented. It was also reported from an evaluation of odorants in refrigerant R-290 (propane) to improve leak detection, where it had been found that the odorant had no significant impact on the performance of the system.

It was clear that leak detection, noise reduction, and vibration minimisation are active areas of innovation for the heat pump sector. Real-time refrigerant charge monitoring and improved gas detection technologies are being developed to enhance safety and performance. The integration of high-speed motors, magnetic bearings, and advanced heat exchangers is enhancing efficiency and reliability, particularly in industrial and high-temperature applications. There were several presentations about compressors and heat pumps adapted for high temperature applications and low GWP refrigerants available on the market.

Positive Energy Districts (PED) & Thermal Networks

There were several presentations from both researchers and companies related to heat pumps in urban energy systems, primarily focusing on how to optimize the planning of large-scale heat pumps for decarbonizing district heating networks, using different simulation tools. Moreover, several suppliers represented at the summit informed attendees about technologies and system solutions suitable for thermal networks that are currently available on the market. From project 61, it was reported that for a multifamily building, it is very challenging to reach a positive energy balance over the year. However, PED should be considered to be a vision aiming at supporting the energy transition of cities. From studies performed within the project, it has been shown that when PED solutions with decentralized heat pumps are compared to a solution with one central heat pump, the decentralized solution very often outperforms the central one, both from an energy consumption and cost perspective.

The event was concluded by Dr. Rainer Jacobs asking the audience to save the date for the next European Heat Pump Summit, which will take place on 26-27October 2027.

The Heat Pump Centre had a booth at the exhibition, informing about the activities within HPT TCP and promoting the upcoming IEA Heat Pump Conference, which will take place in Vienna from May 26-29, 2026

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In Cornwall, the southest tip of the United Kingdom, a new project showcases a twenty-first century modern heating vision with networked heat pumps. The Heat the Streets initiative has provided practical evidence that networked ground source heat pumps offer a viable and scalable alternative to the UK’s traditional gas infrastructure.

Implemented over a two-year period, the project deployed ground source heat pump technology in 96 properties—both new-build and existing homes, across private and social housing sectors in Cornwall. These systems were integrated into shared ground arrays, a communal underground network of boreholes and pipework designed to extract consistent heat from the ground. Once in place, the boreholes remain hidden from view and deliver a stable, year-round heat supply to connected homes.

The Heat the Streets pilot project has shown that ground source heat pumps can be successfully retrofitted to domestic properties at scale without the need for a ‘fabric first’ approach. The initiative further demonstrated that this can be achieved with no upfront cost to the customer, offering a practical and accessible route to low-carbon heating for existing homes. The project adressed:

• Fuel poverty
• Thermal comfort
• Carbon dioxide emissions reduction

Technical details

Kensa was responsible for the design, supply, and installation of the ground source heat pump systems used in the Heat the Streets project. The project introduced a distinctive approach by using shared ground loop arrays (SGLAs), which connect to individual ground source heat pumps in each home. These arrays act as a low-temperature energy network, circulating ambient ground heat through underground pipework. Each heat pump then upgrades the heat locally to deliver space heating and hot water on demand. Operating at ground temperatures between -5°C and 20°C, this setup delivers high efficiency, reduces heat loss, and avoids the overheating issues often seen with centralised plant systems.

Financing model

A key feature of Heat the Streets is its financing model, which enables the deployment of ground source heat pump infrastructure without upfront cost to homeowners. The shared ground loop arrays are owned and maintained by Kensa Utilities, and households simply pay a fixed annual connection fee—£250 for new builds—comparable to a gas standing charge.

This approach treats underground heat infrastructure as a long-term utility asset, attracting private investment to fund large-scale, area-based decarbonisation. By separating infrastructure ownership from the customer, the model lowers financial barriers to adoption and supports widespread transition to low-carbon heating. The project was partly supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Societal transition

How did this project get the residents on board? As part of the Heat the Streets project, the team carried out local engagement through information sessions and recruitment campaigns. This helped identify suitable areas within the village for installing ground source heat pump infrastructure. Based on practical factors and cost considerations, contractors developed a shortlist of properties to possibly transition, and a dedicated design team was formed to support the process.

The Heat the Streets initiative was open to all village residents and was subject to property feasibility surveys. When the project was promoted to private homeowners, it was five times oversubscribed, showing the appetite for such schemes.

This project has been executed and brought to you by Kensa

This project is shared with you within the frame of the IEA HPT Project 62, fostering international collaboration on Heat Pumps for Multi‑Family Residential Buildings in Cities.

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Welcome to Heat Pumping Technologies MAGAZINE, Vol.43 No.2/2025. For the first time, we have migrated to our new, advanced website, and to reflect its fresh identity, this second issue of 2025 features an updated layout, spotlighting a timely and forward-looking theme: Smart Controls and AI for Next-Generation Heat Pump Efficiency. As the heat pump sector continues to evolve, the integration of intelligent control systems, data-driven optimization, and artificial intelligence (AI) is proving essential for achieving higher efficiency, reliability, and user-centric operation.

Inside, we explore how smart algorithms, real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and adaptive system management are reshaping performance across residential, commercial, industrial, and district energy applications. Readers will find practical insights from cutting-edge research, digitalization strategies, and deployment experiences that illuminate pathways for widespread industry adoption.

This issue also features:

• Foreword: Digitalization at the Heart of Europe’s Energy Future
• Column: Advancing Industrial Heat Pumps through Value Chain Collaboration

Topical articles include:

• Increased Efficiency of Hybrid Heat Pump Systems using Optimal Control in the Redesign of a Historic Neighborhood’s Heating Supply
• Future-Proofing Buildings for heat pump-integrated 5^th Generation District Heating and Cooling: How Building Renovation and Optimal Control Shape Network Performance
• Autodomos: Predicting Dwelling Heat Load Based On Internal Heat Pump Data
• Soft Fault Diagnosis and Evaluation Strategies: An Approach Beyond the State of the Art to Reduce Emissions Associated with Heating and Cooling in the Residential Sector
• The Impact of AI in Prescriptive Maintenance for Chillers and Heat Pumps
• Smart Controllers Enable Innovative and Sustainable Residential Thermal Network Design and Operation
• Applying Artificial Neural Networks for Predicting the COP of a Stirling-Based High-Temperature Heat Pump
• Outperforming the Heating Curve with Data-Driven Model Predictive Control

Finally, in our National Market section, we turn the spotlight on Norway with an in-depth Heat Pump Market Report, providing valuable perspectives from one of Europe’s most dynamic heat pump markets.

Together, these articles demonstrate how digital intelligence and AI are unlocking the next level of heat pump performance, driving a more efficient, cleaner, smarter, and more resilient energy future.

We invite you to subscribe to Heat Pumping Technologies Magazine to receive the latest updates and information. For more news and updates, please visit our new website.

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In the end of October the European Heat Pump Summit will bring together leading figures from industry, research and policy with an interest in heat pumping technologies, and of course several representatives from the HPT TCP will be there! 

The Heat Pump Centre will be represented in the foyer expo with an info stand informing about the programme’s publications, upcoming events and the renewed HPT TPC website, where a lot of useful information and answers to questions can be found. Come and meet us there to get informed and to discuss possible future topics for the HPT Magazine or themes for future international collaboration projects. 

The summit includes an extensive programme featuring top-class speakers and key players from the sector and the HPT TCP is well represented in the agenda.  

• Caroline Haglund Stignor from the Heat Pump Centre will give an overview of the HPT TCP, including results achieved so far in the international collaboration projects within the TCP 

• Thereafter there will be several presentations from HPT Project 64 Safety Measures for Flammable Refrigerants (former Annex 64) from Prof. Björn Palm, Thore Oltersdorf, Maella Jouney, Xudong Wang. 

• Veronica Wilk will talk about Heat Pump for Hydrogen and Carbon Capture, the topic of future project with HPT TCP to be started soon  

• Findings from HPT Project 61 Heat Pumps in Positive Energy Districts (former Annex 61) will be presented by Fabian Ochs and the Operating Agents of HPT Project 61 Carsten Wemhöner will present on a related topic. 

• The Operating Agent of the newly started HPT Project 68 will talk about how to accelerate industrial decarbonisation with high-temperature heat pumps. 

Moreover, there will be several other interesting presentations in the programme. 

Overall, this will be good opportunity to network and to gain detailed insights and technological inspiration – we hope to meet you in Nuremberg in the end of October! 

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Under the dual themes of “Promoting High-Quality Development of the Heat Pump Industry” and “Assisting in the Green Transformation of Economy and Society” the 2025 China Heat Pump Forum (CHPF) underscored the central role of heat pumps. The forum also reinforced policy priorities such as the “Action Plan for Promoting High-Quality Development of the Heat Pump Industry.” It also hosted a joint hybrid IEA workshop on “The importance of heat pump data for policy-making and innovation”.

This activity-filled, vibrant, and interactive event gathered over 1500 heat pump experts representing member companies of the China Heat Pump Alliance (CHPA) as well as researchers and other stakeholders in the heat pump industry from around the world.

Professor Peixue Jiang, Vice President of Tsinghua University took the centre stage for the keynote speech. He pointed out that promoting the high-quality development of the heat pump industry is conducive to advancing energy conservation and carbon reduction in key areas, as well as fostering new growth points in green and low-carbon industries. Moreover, when addressing the Heat Pump Professional Committee of China Heat Pump Alliance (CHPA) he shared the following hopes:

• Promote collaborative innovation among industry, academia, research, and application
• Strengthen product promotion and technology popularization
• Carry out vocational skills training
• Deepen international cooperation

Joint workshop with the IEA TCP Coordination Group on Heat Pumps

Technological advances, heat-pump applications and market developments were shared over the course of two days within seventeen sub-forums and exchange meetings, providing in-depth coverage of a broad scope of topics – including a joint workshop with the International Energy Agency (IEA) on “The importance of heat pump data for policy-making and innovation”.

The hybrid workshop was part of a broader effort from the IEA to develop a common heat pump taxonomy across the globe and was a follow-up on a previous workshop on the same theme in the beginning of the year – see The Importance of Heat Pump Data for Policy Making and Innovation – Main Take Aways from IEA Workshop. It focused on reviewing a preliminary proposal developed by the IEA in collaboration with various stakeholders. It addressed the specific characteristics of selected heat pump markets and explored how these can be incorporated into the common taxonomy to better inform policy development and support the deployment of heat pumps. The discussions tackled data collection best practices to understand how to work toward a consensus on interoperability principles.

Interactive Forums

Other topics covered in the interactive forums included:

• High-Quality De
  velopment Forum of the Heat Pump Industry,
• The Chief Engineer Forum on Heat Pump Technology Application,
• The Forum on Heat Pumps Assisting in the Construction of Zero-Carbon Factories and Parks,
• The Development Forum of Heat Pump Comfort Systems,
• The Forum on Heat Pumps Promoting Low-Carbon Development of District Heating,
• The Forum on Clean Heating and Channel Growth of Heat Pumps,
• The International Policy and Market Development Forum of Heat Pumps,
• The Technical Innovation Forum for Improving Heat Pump Energy Efficiency,
• The Technical Innovation and Development Forum of High-Temperature Heat Pumps,
• The Multi-Energy Complementary Technology Forum of Heat Pumps,
• The Industrial Application Development Forum of Heat Pumps.

Additionally, professional research reports released during the conference included the following:

• dustrial Heat Pump Development White Paper (2025)
• Global Heat Pump Industry Development Report (2025)
• 2025 China Heat Pump Industry Development Report
• White Paper on Market and Technology Development of Heat Pumps for air-conditioning and floor heating systems (2025)
• Zero-Carbon Industry
• Air-Source Heat Pump Heating Technology

About CHPA

Established in 2008, CHPA is the most influential organization in the heat pump industry in China. Its mission is to promote the use of heat pump technologies for sustainable development. CHPA is a secondary professional committee under the ‎China ‎Energy Conservation Association (CECA). It has more than ‎‎500 ‎enterprise members, representing more than 80 percent of China’s heat pump ‎product ‎R&D, production, and manufacturing capacity. CHPA has a close ‎‎relationship with all parties in the heat pump industry, especially heat pump ‎‎manufacturers, research institutions, and government agencies, and it acts as a bridge ‎‎between policymakers and manufacturers in terms of policy and standard formulation.‎

For additional information please contact the China Heat Pump Alliance at chpa@chpa.org.cn or via WeChat: chpa007‎.

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Heat pumps are considered a key technology to decarbonise the building sector though they still have much room to gain in terms of deployment and market share. The 2025 edition of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) conference on Swiss Heat Pump Research showcased applications of heat pumps with a focus on existing buildings and emphasized the need for consistent quality standards across the industry.

Heat pumps have seen significant growth in Switzerland over the past two decades, with around 450,000 units installed. This expansion is part of a broader climate strategy aiming for 1.5 million heat pumps by 2050 to achieve a climate-neutral building stock. Globally, the targets are even more ambitious, with the EU aiming for 60 million units by 2030 and the International Energy Agency projecting 1.8 billion by 2050. With these challenges to be solved, 190 specialists from research, industry and administration gathered at the SFOE conference on Swiss heat pump research, which took place in Bern in mid-June which emphasized the need for standardization and customer-focused business models to accelerate adoption.

Ambitious but achievable goals

According to Marek Miara, operating agent of  HPT Project 62 these targets are achievable: Manufacturers have expanded their capacities, the number of skilled workers is increasing and heat pumps are also increasingly being used in apartment blocks, said Miara in the opening speech. Heat pumps can now be used in new single and multi-family homes without any problems, but they still pose “a certain challenge” in existing multi-family homes, said Miara, “we need more standardization.” In general, Miara called for new business models in the heat pump sector that focus on end customer satisfaction.

Focus on existing buildings

To provide accessible solutions to end-users, innovative projects in Switzerland demonstrate how heat pumps can be integrated into existing apartment blocks. For example, a refurbishment in Neuchâtel used three heat pumps and a smart control system to optimize energy use, resulting in a cost reduction for electricity of about 11.5 % or CHF 1,500 per year. Another project in Baden employed a hybrid system combining brine/water and air/water heat pumps, overcoming spatial and regulatory limitations. Research also shows that multi-stage hot water charging systems are more efficient than traditional methods, offering further opportunities for optimization in residential buildings.

When the efficiency of heat pumps is continuously monitored during operation, this can make a major contribution to the efficient supply of heat, lead to savings in winter electricity, identify installation errors as well as optimisation possibilities. Monitoring also increases end customers’ awareness of rational energy utilisation. Graphic: Sustainable Data Platform

Uniform quality standards

Policy developments are crucial to ensuring the efficient operation of heat pumps. The Swiss Climate Protection and Innovation Act mandates professional monitoring for large systems, while smaller systems currently rely on indirect quality assurance through the Wärmepumpen Systemmodul (WPSM). However, experts argue that this is no longer sufficient. The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) plans to introduce a new quality assurance framework for heat pumps under 70 kW, aiming to improve energy efficiency and provide a basis for regulatory and financial support. This initiative will involve collaboration with industry stakeholders and cantonal authorities.

Results of current research

Ongoing research continues to refine heat pump technologies. Innovations include sorption heat pumps, advanced heat storage using phase change materials, and refrigerant mixtures with high temperature glide. Additionally, international examples show how heat pumps are being used in industrial drying processes, suggesting untapped potential in Switzerland. These developments highlight the versatility and scalability of heat pump technology across various sectors.

Finally, the increasing use of heat pumps will significantly impact Switzerland’s energy supply. This would not only reduce electricity consumption but also enhance grid flexibility, aligning with Switzerland’s broader energy and climate goals.

Moreover, study by ETH Zurich estimated that increased heat pump use could raise electricity demand by 8.8 TWh annually. Researcher Gianfranco Guidati emphasized that smarter system design could save several TWh, envisioning future heat pumps with a coefficient of performance (COP) of 10—well above today’s average of 3 to 4. “We could save several TWh of this precious winter electricity if we were to use heat pump technology correctly,” he says.

For more information please see the printed documentation for the 31st conference of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy’s ‘Heat Pumps and Refrigeration’ available here. Additionally, specialist articles on research, pilot, demonstration and lighthouse projects in the field of heat pumps and refrigeration can be found at: www.bfe.admin.ch/ec-wp-kaelte

A more detailed article about the conference is available on the website of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy in German and in French.

For any further information, please contact Stephan Renz (info@renzconsulting.ch), external head of the SFOE’s Heat Pumps and Refrigeration research programme (and also the HPT TCP by IEA).

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Every three years the Peter Ritter von Rittinger International Heat Pump Award is awarded in conjunction with the International IEA Heat Pump Conference. The Peter Ritter von Rittinger International Heat Pump Award is the highest international award in the heat pump, air conditioning and refrigeration field.

The Peter Ritter von Rittinger International Heat Pump Award is named after Peter Ritter von Rittinger who is credited with the design and installation of the first energy-conserving heat pump system at a salt works in Upper Austria in 1855. The award highlights outstanding contributions to the advancement of international collaboration in research, policy development and applications for energy-efficient heat pumping technologies.

CRITERIA FOR THE AWARDS

1. An award may be given to a team or group as well as to an individual
2. The contribution(s) shall have been made in heat pumping market development, technology advancement or applications, or administration/organization of heat pumping activities with international involvement or impact.
3. That the contribution(s) of the candidate(s) are truly significant (having made a significant and lasting difference) and are widely recognized as such.
4. That the candidate(s) in fact played a key role in the contribution or achievement.
5. That the candidate(s) persevered to achieve a significant contribution despite difficulties or opposition or lack of support.

Deadline for nomination is November 30, 2025
Here you can find previous awardees.

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The fourth edition of the Decarb Cities conference concluded with renewed optimism, critical debate, and tangible momentum for the decarbonization of European urban heating and cooling. Held in the historic city of Krakow, the two-day event convened over 40 speakers from local governments, industry, academia, and NGOs to chart a practical path forward in the shift to clean, efficient energy systems.

Under the banner “Decarbonisation through Innovation,” the event showcased the critical role of heat pumps, regulatory frameworks, financing mechanisms, and local governance in achieving EU climate targets. Sessions ranged from the implications of rising electricity prices on heat pump adoption in Poland to successful installer training models across Europe, and the need for smarter, scalable, and citizen-focused heating solutions.

Addressing real-world challenges

During the opening panel, moderated by a Qvantum representative, city officials Grzegorz Grzybczyk and Maciej Riemer underscored that the core barriers are not technological but social and administrative. “How do we attract end-consumers to want the change?” they asked, emphasizing the need for accessible subsidies and community-based engagement strategies such as one-stop shops. Paweł Lachman reinforced the message: the technology is ready, now systems and support must follow.

This sentiment was echoed throughout the programme, which featured an interactive World Café, a site visit to a ground-source heat pump installation as seen in the image below, and sessions on policy, air quality, and urban retrofit strategies.

Industry vision and innovation

For Qvantum International, a silver sponsor and key participant, the event strongly aligned with its mission of “Powering Europe’s Climate-Neutral Cities.” Their decentralized heat pump systems, designed to be invisible and plug-and-play, are seen as vital infrastructure for dense urban areas.

“This is what we mean by Modern Systems Innovation,” their spokesperson said. “Built for urban density, connected to rooftop PV and ambient temperature networks, and offering smart, silent comfort; the heat transition is a systems choice we can make today.”

Spotlight on the Heat Pump Centre

Also actively engaging at the event was the Heat Pump Centre, the central information activity of the IEA Technology Collaboration Programme on Heat Pumping Technologies (HPT TCP). The Centre’s team participated enthusiastically in networking breaks and panel discussions, sharing insights and exploring collaboration opportunities.

“We are thrilled to be here at Decarb Cities 2025,” they announced. “It is inspiring to be among leading experts, city leaders, and policymakers who are shaping the future of decarbonized urban heating and cooling.” Their presence underscored the Centre’s commitment to international knowledge exchange and its support for innovative, scalable heat pump solutions.

Insights from Poland and beyond

Poland’s own heat pump story was both a cautionary tale and a case for targeted reform. Despite having 745,000 units in operation, only 5% of homes use heat pumps, and sales dropped by 35% in 2024. This was attributed to disruptive subsidy policies and soaring electricity prices. EHPA’s Director General, Paul Kenny, stressed the importance of trained installers and quality control, citing models from Germany, Ireland, and the UK.

Polish manufacturer Galmet also weighed in, emphasizing that their daily work, including heat pumps, storage systems, and solar thermal solutions, directly addresses the growing needs of the heating market. “It was not an academic discussion,” they noted, “but specific talks about implementing real solutions, here and now.”

Forward momentum

Backed by the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA), PORT PC, the City of Krakow, and the Polish EU Presidency, Decarb Cities 2025 was not just a conference; it was a rallying point for action.

As the programme concluded with a gala dinner in Krakow’s city hall, the message was clear: the technologies are here, the know-how is growing, and cities are key actors in Europe’s clean heat transition.

For those who missed it, EHPA has already announced its next events, including its 25th Anniversary Celebration on June 3 and the Heat Pump Forum in Brussels on 23–24 September.

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We are excited to invite you to the National Experts meeting on Heat Pumping Technologies, organized by the Technology Collaboration Programme on Heat Pumping Technologies (HPT TCP) by  IEA. The meeting will take place on October 30, in Nuremberg, Germany, in conjunction with the prestigious European Heat Pump Summit in the same venue.

This event aims to bring together experts representing various stakeholders within the field of heat-pumping technologies. We cordially invite you to participate and contribute valuable insights to the discussions. 

 The focus of the meeting will revolve around an engaging ideation process, fostering the generation and development of innovative ideas for new international collaboration projects, which align with the Strategic Work Plan 2023-2028 of the HPT TCP.

AGENDA 09.00 - 16.00 CET

•  Introduction

  • Welcome & Update on the Strategic Work Plan 2023-2028 for HPT TCP

• Brainstorming/Workshop, suggestions for topics for new HPT TCP Projects

  • The workshop will explore several important research challenges across four prioritized areas: System Integration, Robust Value Chains, Extending Application Range, and New Technologies and Refrigerants. Participants are encouraged to reflect on the challenges and identify potential project ideas that could be developed into new international collaborations. The following themes will be discussed:

    • Increasing demand for comfort cooling - how can heat pumping technologies be optimized to provide efficient, affordable, and sustainable cooling in different climates
    • The role of heat pumps in agriculture - how can the technology be adapted and optimized for agricultural environments
    • Heat pumps in existing non-residential buildings and retrofitting challenges - HPT Project (Annex) 60 identified optimal retrofit solutions but revealed gaps in performance data, market potential, and supportive policy instruments.
    • User perspectives and value chains - How to align technology, market actors, and user needs to accelerate deployment
    • Integration of Simultaneous Heating and Cooling and Thermal Storage - how to enhance resilience, energy efficiency and use of renewable energy

• Update about new HPT Projects in the pipeline and already existing ideas and proposals

  • Enhanced miniaturized components
  • Flexibility from centralized heat pumps in thermal networks and industrial hubs, or from coordinated operation of distributed heat pumps
  • Heat pumps for hydrogen and carbon capture
  • Follow-up on HPT Project 62 Heat Pumps for Residential Multifamily Buildings in Cities

We value your expertise and input. If you have any ideas or proposals that you would like to share and discuss during the meeting, we encourage you to inform us as soon as possible. Your contributions will be highly appreciated!

Please register for the meeting as soon as possible, but no later than October 03.

Registration link.

To plan the practical details and content of the meeting effectively, it is crucial that we know how many of you plan to attend.

 Thank you for your attention, and we hope to see you in Nuremberg for this exciting gathering of industry experts. 

Warm regards,
The HPC team

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Once again, the crucial role that heat pumps play in decarbonizing the energy system and strengthening resilience in Canada is reiterated! This past May the Canadian representatives in HPT TCP organized an insightful workshop on “Canadian perspectives on Heat Pumping Technologies”. In the framework of the HPT TCP Spring ExCo meeting, delegates and project managers from all over the world got together with representatives from the heat pump sector in Canada to learn about about the heat pump related initiatives in Canada.

Some of the most important points covered during the conference were the policy drivers supporting an increased deployment heat pumps in Canada such as affordability, energy security, emission reductions and access to cooling. However, the market uptake of this technology is also facing some challenges, related to very cold climates in some regions of the country during parts of the year, insufficient capacity of the electricity grid in some locations, high electricity to gas price ratio, lack of skilled workers, just to mention a few. To stimulate energy efficiency and the deployment of heat pumps in Canada, targeted incentives programs are available.

Moreover, heat pump adoption as usual can be a burden to the grid in Canada, and therefore smart solutions are needed. Grid-friendly adoption of heat pumps can on the other hand support the grid and increase decarbonization potential.

Another highlight includes the presentation by the Canadian HPT delegate Sophie Hosatte – Ducassy Hosatte who gave and overview of the Buildings Program at CanmetENERGY in Varennes and was accompanied by very many interesting presenters in the program. There were also presentations about CO₂ based heat distribution systems in buildings, solar and dual source heat pumps, standing column wells, large capacity CO₂ heat pumps with demand response feature, heat pump deployment in mobile defence camps to reduce diesel consumption and much, much more. In addition, the TCP Chair Stephan Renz together with project manager Veronika Wilk, presented the activities within HPT TCP for the Canadian participants.

The event was organized by Josef Ayoub, Sophie Hosatte, Natural Resources Canada together with Concordia University

The full agenda, including links to all the presentations, are available below.

WORKSHOP AGENDA

Welcoming Remarks

• Drew Leyburne, Assistant Deputy Minister, Energy Efficiency and Technology Sector, NRCan
• Karim Zaghib, CEO Volt-Age, Canada First Research Excellence Fund, Concordia University
• Andreas Athienitis, Director CZEBS & Scientific Chair, Volt-Age, Concordia University

International Energy Agency Heat Pumping Technologies Technology Collaboration Program

• Stephan Renz, Chairman of HPT TCP, Beratung Renz Consulting, Switzerland

Canada’s Experience with Electric Heat Pumps in Homes and Buildings

• Jamie Hulan, Senior Director, Equipment and Housing Division, Office of Energy Efficiency, EETS, NRCan

Lessons learned from Green Infrastructure RD&D investments, and potential priorities to support the Canada Green Buildings Strategy

• Philippe St-Jean, Deputy Director, NRCan – EETS – Office of Energy R&D

Heat Pumps – Technical challenges for decarbonizing the Canadian energy system

• Jocelyn Millette – Director General, CanmetENERGY at Varennes, EETS, NRCan

Dynamic Definition of Peak Electricity Demand in Quebec: Interests, and Strategic and Operational Benefits

• Eloise Edom, Institut de l’énergie Trottier, Polytechnique Montréal

Hydro-Québec Heat Pump Programmes

• Aziz Mbaye, John Gaspo, Laboratoire de technologies de l’énergie, Hydro-Québec

Énergir’s Decarbonization Vision and The Role of Heat Pumps

• Bruno Gauthier, Engineer, Energir

RD&D activities of the Buildings Program at CanmetENERGY in Varennes

• Dr. Sophie Hosatte, Director, Buildings Group, CanmetENERGY, EETS, NRCan

Solar and Dual Source Heat Pumps and Their Implementation into Net-zero Buildings and Communities

• Andreas Athienitis, Director, Centre for Zero Energy Building Studies, Concordia University

Potential of Standing Column Wells to Reduce Peak Power Demand in Dense Urban Areas

• Philippe Pasquier, Professor Polytechnique Montréal

Advanced Transcritical Carbon Dioxide Heat Pumps and Their Challenges

• Sébastien Poncet, Sherbrooke University

Large Capacity CO2 Heat Pump with Demand Response Feature

• Dominique Monney, Copeland

Heat Pump Deployment in Mobile Camps – NATO Science for Peace and Security Initiative

• Martin Kegel & Justin Tamasauskas, CanmetENERGY in Varennes, EETS, NRCan

Want to learn more about the ExCo meeting? We recommend you to read Towards Clean, Affordable, Resilient Heating & Cooling: ExCo-meeting Spring 2025.

The post Canadian Perspectives on Heat Pumping Technologies – Workshop presentations are now available appeared first on HPT - Heat Pumping Technologies.

Neither behavioural changes nor low-carbon technologies alone are sufficient for the vital energy and climate transition. Low-carbon technologies with the active involvement of consumers will be key to mitigate climate change and reach a sustainable and affordable energy sector. With this background, experts on users’ perspectives met colleagues with good insights on heat pumping technologies during a joint workshop to discuss possible collaboration in the intersection between social research and energy transition technologies to overcome barriers related to uptake of heat pumps.

The workshop was a joint effort between IEAs Technology Collaboration Programmes on User-Centred Energy Systems (USERs TCP) and Heat Pumping Technologies (HPT TCP) and the Swedish Energy Agency (SEA), who was hosting the USERs TCP ExCo meeting in Stockholm, and took place on June 17. Ainslee Emerson, Chair of the USERs TCP, opened the worked and welcomed everyone. Thereafter the two TCPs were presented by Sam Thomas (USERs TCP) and Caroline Haglund Stignor (HPT TCP).

Heat pumps, powered by low-emissions electricity, are the central technology in the global transition to secure and sustainable heating. Globally, the pace of installation is growing, but in many jurisdictions, barriers to adoption are proving hard to overcome, while the technology has become part of the culture wars affecting political narratives around transitions to low carbon heating.

Global and National Perspectives on Heat Pump Deployment

The workshop brought together participants from the different field – social scientists, technology experts and policy makers – to agree on priorities for future international collaborative research to support the transition to heat pumps across our member countries.

To set the scene, Emma Mooney from IEA presented the state of global heat pump markets. Thereafter, Carlos Lopes (SEA) shared experience from Sweden, a success story, since heat pumps has made a vital contribution to decarbonising the heating sector by phasing out almost all fossil fuel boilers, while keeping clean heating affordable for end consumers. This followed a presentation about experiences from Ireland, who is starting from a low base, Hannah Julienne, SEAI. Therafter followed a discussion on what can be generalised from the Swedish experience.

In the following section followed presentations and discussions about placement impacts from acoustic signatures of heat pumps (Christoph Reichl, AIT, Austria), insights about the social and technical potential of coordinated control of heat pumps and electric car charging in single-family homes (Hanna Björner Brauer, RISE, Sweden) and insights from a task related to Hard-to-Reach Energy Users on unintended consequences of heat pump policies (Sea Rotmann SEA, New Zealand). Finally, a new project on how to develop impactful narratives to stimulate heat pump deployment was presented and discussed. Thereafter, followed an open discussion on future collaboration between the two TCPs, which will be taken further in the soon future. There would certainly be a win-win from both sides since the social researchers would benefit from support in understanding the technology, different type of heat pumps, pros and cons, etc, while the technology experts would benefit in guidance on users’ perceptions, both when it comes to end-users of the heat pump, but also the installers. The representatives from USERs encouraged technology experts to bring in designers at a much earlier stage – both related to visual appearance but also the user interface and sales process.

In the end of the day, the whole group made a study visit at a housing association in Hammarby Sjöstad, organised by Jörgen Lööf, ElectriCity, who showed them an installation of a large scale ground source heat pump in a multifamily building, a booster heat pump which recovered waste heat from electrical equipment in the building and a garage with a smart innovative solution for charging of electric cars.

This day was hopefully the first step in a future successful collaboration between the two collaboration programmes, which will contribute to overcome user related challenges in the roll-out of clean energy technologies.

The presentations from the event can be found here.

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It is estimated that 10-15 percent of total energy consumption in the Norwegian industry is used for drying processes. However, a biproduct from drying is often steam, which is an excellent high quality heat source for heat pumps (HP). By utilizing the surplus heat from the drying process, a heat pump can help reduce the process’s total energy consumption by up to 80 percent. Norway has confirmed participation in HPT TCP Annex 59 Heat Pumps for Drying and will be represented by SINTEF Energy Research, who has a long experience from heat pumping technologies as well as drying processes.

Heat pumping technology integrated into drying processes has great potential to reduce total energy consumption in Norwegian industry and private households. Even though Norway's electricity production is renewable, a large proportion of the energy consumption in industrial drying processes is covered by natural gas. Therefore, this integration will also contribute to reducing Norway's greenhouse gas emissions.

The heat pump and drying processes are relatively mature technologies, and the path towards industrial implementation does not have to be long. The potential to cut emissions by 2030 is therefore significant. This view is also shared by the Norwegian organization Enova, which has funded SINTEF's participation in the Annex.

The role of drying in sustainable food production

Drying is a process that will have a growing importance in the future. In recent years, there has been an even greater focus on the production of local raw materials and supply security. There has been growth in locally produced food and feed for both humans and animals in Norway. A large part of the fish feed has previously been imported. Now, research focuses on the production of protein- and fat-rich foods that can replace the imported goods. Examples of such goods can be seaweed, microalgae, or residues and sludge from fish farms. Much of these can also be used in dietary supplements for humans. To utilize these raw materials, drying is an important part of the process, both in terms of preservation and the actual production of powder and pellets.

SINTEF’s role

SINTEF Energy Research is a research institute with a strong strategic focus on energy efficiency. The institute's role in this HPT TCP Annex, under the umbrella of IEA, will be to contribute with expertise on both heat pump technology and drying technology, which has been built up over decades of applied research in close cooperation with NTNU – the leading technical university in Norway. SINTEF has laboratory facilities which includes several drying technologies with the potential of being integrated with HPs. One of the dryers is already integrated with a HP. These test facilities may contribute to increased competence within the consortium of how the dryers operate together with HPs and be a part of the monitoring task of the Annex. There may be possibilities of testing new working fluids in the existing dryer to monitor the change in efficiency.

By participating in an IEA project such as HPT TCP Annex 59, one can achieve a great return on increased competence. As the project consists of several international partners, SINTEF will have the opportunity to get an even better insight into technology development and application in other countries and ensure the transfer of new knowledge to actors in the Norwegian market. The project partners will also be able to learn from how we do things in Norway and how the industry is managed. SINTEF believes that this type of cross-national and institutional knowledge sharing is a vital component to reach the goal of achieving Norway’s and Europe's climate commitments and transitioning to a zero-emission society.

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There is a strong interest in, and significant potential for, international and transdisciplinary collaboration in research and innovation to advance progress towards identified energy and climate goals. This was evident during the Executive Committee meeting of IEA’s Technology Collaboration on Heat Pumping Technology (HPT TCP by IEA) held in Montreal from May 21-23. Delegates from all over the world participated, joined by invited guests from other TCPs and related organizations.

The meeting started by presentations from six other Technology Collaboration Programmes working with other themes and technologies such as buildings (EBC TCP), electric grids (ISGAN TCP), solar panels (PVPS TCP), district heating and cooling (DHC TCP), users perspectives (USERs TCP) and cities and communities (Cities TCP). This was followed by discussions between these TCPs and the HPT TCP concerning areas of synergy and collaboration. The agenda also included the potential for linking the TCP efforts with Mission Innovation (MI) including the MI Calls and MI Funders Dialogue.

Presentations and discussions were held on all ongoing international collaboration projects (annexes) within the HPT TCP. This meeting placed particular focus on Annex 62 Heat Pumps for Multi-Family Residential Buildings in Cities, as well as two recently started initiatives: Project 65 Heat Pumps in a Circular Economy and Project 66 Optimal Heat Pump Design and Operation. Proposals for new projects were also discussed, such as continue work on heat pumps in multi-family buildings. It was agreed to initiate a new project on Enhanced Miniaturized Components for Heat Pumps, with the goal of developing more affordable and resource-efficient products. Short status updates were provided on two additional international projects recently launched: Project 67 Digital Services for Heat Pumps and Project 68 Industrial High-Temperature Heat Pumps, both of which have already confirmed participation from several countries. During the meeting the need for new activities in the field of energy efficient comfort cooling was discussed. It was recognised that significant challenges exist in many of the countries, especially in the context of existing buildings.

Representatives from the IEA CERT* and from the IEA secretariat gave updates and informed, among other things, about an initiative to harmonize the approaches to collect heat pump data and agree on a common taxonomy to improve policy making and support heat pump deployment.

As usual during these meetings, the Heat Pump Centre reported on its activities, progress, and future plans. This time there were special focus on the work with renewal of the HPT website, with the aim of better showcasing and making the results from the  TCPs work more accessible to a broad audience.

Last but not least, an update was provided on the progress ofpreparations for the upcoming 15^th IEA Heat Pump Conference. The conference will take place in a year from now, on 26-29 May in Vienna, Austria. Up to now, a good number of abstracts have been received with additional submissions expected before the extended deadline on June 2.

To conclude, it was evident that there are high ambitions to collaborate, share information, experiences, insights, and understand each other’s perspectives in this community and beyond, which contributes to a good outlook for a sustainable energy future for all.

*CERT Committee for Energy Research and Technology.

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As global efforts toward sustainability intensify, the heat pump sector is evolving to meet these challenges head-on. This issue delves deep into how natural refrigerants are not just viable alternatives but frontrunners in sustainable heating and cooling technologies.

Inside the Issue:

• Foreword: Natural Refrigerants in Heat Pumps: Pushing the Boundaries of Sustainability – An exploration of how natural refrigerants are setting new standards in the industry.
• Column: From Legacy to Leadership: District Heating in Eastern Europe as a Platform for Large-Scale Heat Pumps – Discover how district heating systems are paving the way for large-scale sustainable heat pump integration.

Topical Section:

A collection of insightful articles focusing on the latest research, technological advancements, and practical applications of natural refrigerants:

• Beyond Climate Change: Sustainability Assessment of Heat Pumps and Refrigerants
• Oil Meets Cool: Inside the World of Lubricant-Refrigerant Properties
• Domestic Heat Pumps Using Hydrocarbons: Current Status and Market Overview in Europe
• Review of Heating and Cooling Applications Where Hydrocarbons Have Been Introduced as Refrigerants and Future Perspectives of Their Use
• Modeling Leaks of Flammable Refrigerants

National Market Report:

This issue also features a special Heat Pump Market Report on the Netherlands, offering exclusive insights into one of Europe's most dynamic markets for sustainable heating and cooling solutions.

Issue 1/2025 captures the spirit of innovation and the drive for sustainability that are reshaping the future of heat pump technologies. Dive into the magazine to explore how natural refrigerants are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the quest for a greener world.

Visit Heat Pumping Technologies Magazine to read the full issue.

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HPT Project 67 – Digital Services for Heat Pumps

As a continuation of the work from HPT Annex 56 IoT for Heat Pumps, this project centers on the digitalization of heat pumps to enable their role as flexible, connected devices in future low-carbon energy systems. HPT Project 67 will develop a knowledge base on digital services for heat pumps, covering areas like operational optimization, grid flexibility, predictive maintenance, and user-focused applications. Through international collaboration and market analysis, the project aims to support the integration of digital solutions that contribute to the broader energy and climate targets.

Project Manager: Bernd Windholz, bernd.windholz@ait.ac.at

For more information, visit the project website.

HPT Project 68 – Industrial High-Temperature Heat Pumps

Following the achievements of HPT Annex 58 High Temperature Heat Pumps, this project focuses on accelerating the market development of high-temperature heat pump solutions for industrial applications. As industries face growing pressure to decarbonize, HPT Project 68 will provide independent, science-based insights into the technical, economic, and practical aspects of both existing and emerging technologies. The project supports climate goals such as the EU Green Deal and the Science Based Targets initiative by helping industries transition towards net-zero emissions.

Project Manager: Benjamin Zühlsdorf, bez@dti.dk

For more information, visit the project website.

These two projects are still open for new participants. Please contact the Project Managers if you want to participate in the projects.

The post Launch of Two New Projects for international Collaboration within HPT TCP by IEA appeared first on HPT - Heat Pumping Technologies.

Heat Pumps in Data Center Heat Reuse

Extended use of AI means increased demand for data centres. As the report highlights, nearly all the electricity consumed by a data center's IT equipment is converted into heat. To reduce waste and improve sustainability, many data centers are now implementing systems to capture and reuse this excess heat.

• Heat pumps play a vital role in this process. They are used to upgrade the low-grade waste heat produced by air-cooled systems to temperatures suitable for district heating networks.
• In contrast, liquid cooling systems can sometimes directly provide heat between 40°C and 80°C, making it easier to connect to existing heating networks without the need for temperature boosting.

This approach is particularly valuable in Europe, where district heating is well developed. The IEA notes that reused heat from data centers could meet around 300 TWh of heating demand by 2030, equivalent to 10% of European space heating needs (see Figure 1).

Figure 1: Proximity of buildings space heating demand to data centres, and potential data centre heat supply in Europe, 2030 (Source: IEA (2025), Energy and AI, IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-ai, Licence: CC BY 4.0)

Additionally, the IEA's Heat Pumping Technologies Collaboration Programme (HPT TCP) is actively supporting innovation in this area through upcoming projects like Project 67 "Digital Services for Heat Pumps" and Project 68 "Industrial High-Temperature Heat Pumps." These initiatives aim to optimize heat pump design, digital control, and deployment, making technologies like data center heat reuse even more efficient and scalable.

Economic and Policy Drivers

The report details the cost advantages of utilizing data center waste heat. Capturing and supplying heat from data centers costs between EUR 190,000 and EUR 250,000 per megawatt of heat supplied, much cheaper than building new unabated natural gas combined heat and power plants, which can cost over EUR 730,000 per megawatt.

Governments are increasingly stepping in to encourage this practice:

• Germany and the Netherlands now mandate heat recovery integration for new data centers.
• The European Union's Energy Efficiency Directive requires large data centers (over 1 MW of energy consumption) to implement waste heat recovery unless it is technically or economically unfeasible.

The Broader Context: AI and Energy Demand

Beyond heat reuse, the IEA report highlights broader trends. Data center electricity consumption is set to more than double to around 945 TWh by 2030, exceeding Japan’s total national electricity usage (see Figure 2).

Figure 2: Global data centre electricity consumption in the Base Case, 2020-2030 (Source: IEA (2025), Energy and AI, IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-ai, Licence: CC BY 4.0)

AI is essential for optimizing electricity grids, improving renewable energy forecasting, and enhancing energy efficiency across sectors. However, without careful management, the energy demands of AI technologies, including data centers, could drive up emissions. Thus, innovations like heat recovery using heat pumps are crucial to ensure that the digital revolution aligns with sustainability goals.

The IEA's "Energy and AI" report makes it clear: heat pumps, when integrated into smart heat recovery systems, are a key technology enabling AI-driven infrastructure to contribute to decarbonization efforts. They are not just passive components but active players in transforming waste into valuable clean energy for cities and industries.

Source:

Energy and AI
International Energy Agency, April 2025.
Available at: IEA (2025), Energy and AI, IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-ai, Licence: CC BY 4.0

Direct PDF download: https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/dd7c2387-2f60-4b60-8c5f-6563b6aa1e4c/EnergyandAI.pdf

The post AI and Heat Pumps: How Data Centers are Shaping the Future of Energy, according to the IEA in a New Report appeared first on HPT - Heat Pumping Technologies.

The report showcases key initiatives and achievements, including the launch of new international collaboration projects such as HPT Project 66: Optimal Heat Pump Design and Operation and HPT Project 65: Heat Pumps in a Circular Economy. It also covers the increasing integration of digitalization, artificial intelligence, and multi-vector energy systems within heat pump applications.

Three international collaboration projects within HPT TCP (called annexes) were successfully finalized during the year, and the final reports were published on the website and promoted via webinars:

• HPT Annex 54: Heat Pump Systems with Low Global Warming Potential (GWP) Refrigerants
• HPT Annex 57: Flexibility by Implementation of Heat Pumps in Multi-Vector Energy Systems and Thermal Networks
• HPT Annex 58: High-Temperature Heat Pumps

In addition to this, the progress within all the ongoing collaboration projects are described in the annual report.

2024 has marked an important milestone, with heat pumps featured prominently in several flagship reports from the International Energy Agency (IEA), including the Energy Technology Perspectives 2024 and the World Energy Outlook 2024. Moreover, prominent work has been done within several of the newly launched IEA TCP Coordination Groups and HPT TCP has contributed actively to many of them.

We invite you to explore the full report to learn more about our projects, international collaborations, and the future of sustainable heating and cooling solutions.

Read the full HPT TCP Annual Report 2024.

The post HPT TCP by IEA Publishes 2024 Annual Report appeared first on HPT - Heat Pumping Technologies.

The report indicates robust international collaboration and increased public and private investments that are driving rapid progress in energy technologies. It highlights innovation momentum despite geopolitical and economic uncertainties, with significant developments in sustainable energy systems that promise substantial impacts on global emissions reduction and energy security.

Significant Strides in Heat Pump Technology

Heat pump technologies have emerged as particularly dynamic, being central to efforts aimed at reducing global greenhouse gas emissions through improved efficiency in heating and cooling systems. Recent advancements underline their critical role in transitioning towards sustainable energy systems. Notably, the IEA's Technologies Collaboration Programme on Heat Pumping Technologies (HPT TCP) has significantly contributed to international cooperation and innovation within the sector, facilitating collaborative research to advance heat pump applications globally. Representatives from the TCP has contributed with review and input to this report.

The report highlights innovations within the area of heat pumping technologies from several sectors:

Landmark Demonstration of Low-Charge Propane Heat Pumps

Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE made headlines in 2024 by demonstrating large-capacity, low-charge propane heat pumps designed specifically for multi-occupancy buildings. These innovative systems use less than 150 grams of propane, significantly expanding their applicability, particularly suitable for existing multi-family buildings with floor heating and centralized heating systems. This technology builds upon previous efficiency achievements in single-family homes, where record efficiency was reached using only around 10 grams of propane per kilowatt (kW).

Propane, an environmentally friendly hydrocarbon refrigerant, has an exceptionally low global warming potential (GWP) of just 0.02, making it a promising alternative to the high-GWP refrigerants traditionally used. However, due to propane's inherent flammability, ongoing research and innovation continue to focus on further reducing refrigerant charges to enhance safety.

Within HPT TCP there is an international collaboration project on Safety Measures for Flammable Refrigerants (Annex 64) in which Fraunhofer ISE is an active participant.

Industrial Heat and District Heating

Industrial heat innovation saw remarkable investment growth in 2024, notably in industrial-scale heat pump applications, according to the report. High-temperature thermal storage systems by companies like Rondo Energy, in partnership with Siam Cement Group, have shown significant potential in providing sustainable baseload heat for industries.

District heating also experienced notable investment activity, with projects repurposing excess heat from data centers gaining momentum, such as the UK-based Deep Green project, highlighting its essential role in urban sustainability.

The HPT TCP has recently finalized one international collaboration on high-temperature heat pumps for industrial applications (Annex 58) and one with a focus on heat pumps in thermal networks, i.e., district heating (Annex 57).

Increasing Investment and Market Expansion in the Heat Pump Sector

The heat pump sector's robust growth is marked by substantial venture capital and public funding. IEA reports that in 2024, AtmosZero, an American company specializing in industrial-scale heat pumps, secured USD 21 million in venture capital, showcasing strong investor confidence in the sector’s future. This trend reflects the global acknowledgment of heat pumps as essential technologies for meeting ambitious climate targets and improving energy efficiency. Global adoption is accelerating, driven by supportive policies, technological advances, and strategic investments aimed at improving efficiency, affordability, and consumer adoption.

Breakthrough in Solid-State Cooling

Another notable development highlighted in the report involves solid-state cooling technology achieving groundbreaking efficiency. In 2024, Barocal, a startup based in the United Kingdom, successfully developed a solid-state cooling system that matches the efficiency of conventional vapor-compression cooling systems. Simultaneously, researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology significantly improved the efficiency of elastocaloric cooling systems, broadening their operational temperature range to 100 Kelvin, a critical leap forward.

Solid-state cooling systems utilize advanced materials that exhibit temperature changes under electric, magnetic, or mechanical stress, eliminating the need for environmentally harmful hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The recently completed HPT TCP Annex 53 Advanced Cooling/Refrigeration Technologies Development, an international collaboration project, explored innovative heat pumping technologies, significantly advancing knowledge and application of solid-state cooling systems.

Three Dynamic Innovation Areas in Focus

The report specifically identifies three other dynamic areas with strong innovation progress:

• Batteries
• Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS)
• Critical minerals sourcing

These areas have seen substantial growth, driven by technological breakthroughs and supportive international policies, further underlining their importance in the global energy transition.

Ten Priority Action Areas

To sustain innovation momentum, the IEA proposes ten priority actions for policymakers:

1. Increase public energy R&D and demonstration funding to attract private investment.
2. Ensure stable financial support throughout economic cycles.
3. Strengthen international collaboration on large-scale demonstration projects.
4. Facilitate access to artificial intelligence datasets for energy innovation.
5. Support open access to testing facilities and "living labs."
6. Reduce bureaucratic hurdles to streamline innovation processes.
7. Provide tailored policy support for specific technology needs.
8. Enhance innovation systems in developing economies.
9. Maximize impacts from public investments in pioneering projects.
10. Foster strong markets to secure future demand for innovative technologies.

Strategic Outlook and Challenges

Despite the encouraging progress, challenges remain, notably high initial investment costs, market entry barriers, and limited public awareness. The IEA emphasizes that ongoing international cooperation, targeted investments, and supportive policy frameworks are essential to addressing these challenges and accelerating the widespread adoption of innovative energy technologies.

In conclusion, the IEA’s findings underscore the critical role of heat pumping technologies, including solid-state cooling, as transformative components of the global energy innovation landscape.

For more details on the Heat Pumping Technologies Collaboration Programme and HPT TCP Annex 53, Annex 57, Annex 58, and Annex 64 (mentioned above), visit: https://heatpumpingtechnologies.org/

Source:

The State of Energy Innovation
International Energy Agency, April 2025.
Available at: https://www.iea.org/reports/the-state-of-energy-innovation
Direct PDF download: https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/26e9f71e-3a3f-4c82-802b-c2ed97aaae24/Thestateofenergyinnovation.pdf

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The report highlights a 2.2% increase in global energy demand, with electricity demand rising even faster at 4.3%. Impressively, 80% of the growth in electricity generation was met by renewables and nuclear, marking a critical shift in the global power mix.

The factors behind the rising global electricity use were mainly increasing cooling demand resulting from extreme temperatures, growing consumption by industry, the electrification of transport, and the expansion of the data centre sector.

Spotlight on heat pumps

The report also reveals that despite their critical role in decarbonisation, global heat pump sales declined by 1% in 2024, recovering somewhat after a 10% year-over-year drop in the first half see Figure 1. The IEA attributes the decline to:

Sharp declines in Europe, the third-largest heat pump market, are down 21%, marking the largest decline ever recorded in the region, both in relative and absolute terms. This drop was largely driven by Germany, where sales fell by almost 50%, and by France, where they declined by 25%, were the primary contributors, largely due to:

• High electricity prices relative to natural gas
• Political and regulatory uncertainty
• A slowdown in new building construction

Strong rebound in the U.S. — The second-largest heat pump market sales rose by 15% overall, with a 30% jump in the second half of the year. Heat pumps continued to gain market share over fossil fuel systems and outsold natural gas furnaces by 30%, a record high.

In Japan, the fourth-largest heat pump market, sales increased by over 5%, recovering after a weak start to the year. Sales of both air-to-water systems (which are mainly used for domestic hot water in Japan) and air-to-air systems (which are typically used for space heating) increased on an annual basis.

China remains the largest heat pump market globally, holding the largest share of manufacturing capacity for heat pump units and certain key components, such as compressors. However, growth stagnated by year-end, despite continued manufacturing leadership.

Figure 1: IEA (2025), Heat pump sales for selected regions, 2019-2024, IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/heat-pump-sales-for-selected-regions-2019-2024, Licence: CC BY 4.0

What next?

The IEA notes that heat pumps, alongside solar PV, wind, EVs, and nuclear, are already avoiding 2.6 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually. The recent dip in sales serves as a reminder that supportive policy frameworks, affordability, and market certainty are essential to keep momentum going.

Read the full Global Energy Review 2025 here: https://www.iea.org/reports/global-energy-review-2025

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On March 11, 2025, researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals gathered at 3-8 Whitehall Place in London for the DESNZ & IEA Heat Pump Research Symposium, a full-day event showcasing cutting-edge projects, research findings, and international collaboration in heat pump technologies. Organized by the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and supported by the HPT TCP Annex 60 Retrofitting Heat Pump Systems in Large Non-domestic Buildings by IEA, the symposium provided a valuable platform for sharing lessons learned, identifying gaps, and discussing the future of heat pump deployment in the UK and beyond.

Opening remarks and overview of the IEA programme for heat pumps

The day began with a warm welcome from Oliver Sutton (DESNZ), setting the tone for an engaging and informative symposium. This was followed by Roger Hitchin, who provided an overview of the Technology Collaboration Programme on Heat Pumping Technologies (HPT TCP) by IEA, highlighting the global scope of ongoing collaborative projects and the UK’s active involvement.

Research updates from ongoing IEA HPT Annexes

Two key IEA HPT TCP research and innovation projects (so-called annexes) were presented:

• HPT Annex 60 – Retrofitting Heat Pumps in Large Non-Domestic Buildings: Peter Mallaburn delivered an update on this UK-led initiative focused on the complexities of integrating heat pumps into large commercial buildings, a critical step toward decarbonising non-residential sectors.
• HPT Annex 63 – Placement Impact on Heat Pump Acoustics: Antonio J. Torija Martínez (University of Salford) presented findings on how installation placement affects acoustic performance, an often-overlooked but essential aspect of user acceptance and system optimization.

Exploring demand flexibility through pilot projects

The mid-morning session shifted toward innovative trials aiming to align heat pump operation with grid flexibility:

• The Equinox Project (National Grid): Ryan Huxtable shared findings from trials exploring new billing schemes to incentivize households to shift their heat pump usage patterns, relieving pressure on the electricity network during peak times.
• The LATENT Project (University of Southampton): Patrick James presented field trial data on third-party control of electric heating systems, assessing behavioural responses, thermal dynamics of dwellings, and business model viability.
• The Heatflex Project (Centre for Net Zero & Nesta): Daniel Lopez Garcia and Oli Berry discussed their collaborative trial of load shifting via smart thermostats, offering practical insights into consumer engagement and energy flexibility.
• Time-of-Use Heat Pump Tariff Research: Andy Hackett (Centre for Net Zero) examined how time-of-day electricity tariffs influence energy consumption, furthering understanding of behavioural and systemic impacts.

Afternoon insights: Measurement, monitoring, and market trends

The afternoon resumed with a strong focus on performance monitoring and real-world testing:

• Controlled Environment Testing: Grant Henshaw (Salford University) showcased findings from controlled test chambers simulating heat pump performance in real houses, offering robust comparative data.
• HeatPumpMonitor.org: Glyn Hudson and Trystan Lea (OpenEnergyMonitor) introduced their open-access platform tracking real-time performance metrics, promoting transparency and performance feedback from users.

Policy and market implications

The final presentations highlighted policy-relevant research and programme learnings:

• Air-to-Air Heat Pumps: Lewis Bowick (Energy Systems Catapult) shared insights from a DESNZ-commissioned literature review, shedding light on the underexplored potential of air-to-air heat pumps in the UK market.
• Heat Pump Ready Programme – 5 Key Learnings: Will Rivers (Carbon Trust) concluded the symposium with impactful lessons from the Heat Pump Ready programme, underlining strategic considerations for accelerating domestic uptake, including supply chain engagement, installer training, and customer awareness.

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The growing collection of the case studies is showing the diversification of implemented solutions, but above all it clearly demonstrates the versatility of heat pumps in multi-family buildings. From centralized solutions to heat pumps installed in each apartment, classic or new heat source concepts, in combination with other energy sources or all electric solutions. All that has been already implemented and can be an inspiration for other building owners or investors.

Examples show various solutions for the implementation of heat pumps in multi-family buildings.  In large or small, newly built, refurbished, or left entirely as is, in large amounts of multi-family buildings, heat pumps are providing successfully already today heating, domestic hot water, and sometimes even cooling. In the Annex (Project) 62 “Heat pumps for multi-family residential buildings in cities” besides theoretical analyses of possible implementing solutions, the project partners have an ambitious goal to collect real examples of heat pumps working in multi-family buildings.

Ambitious gool reached

The partners working within the Annex 62 decided at the beginning of the project to reach an ambitious goal of adding two new case studies per month during the whole three years of the Annex duration. After 27 months of the Annex our counter shows exactly 54 new case studies added to the interactive map available for everybody with the following link. The examples are coming from several countries, not only from participating partners. Excellent examples are the new case studies from Canada.  

Case Studies

Would you like to help us show how versatile heat pumps can be in multi-family buildings? If you have an example that matches our database, contribute and gain visibility in the process! Find out more here.

_{picture credits: ehpa, Clivet, ADEAS Homes, Ecoforest, google}

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High-temperature heat pumps (HTHPs) are emerging as a key technology for decarbonizing industrial process heat. As industries seek sustainable alternatives to fossil-fuel-based heating, HTHPs offer a solution that reduces CO₂ emissions, improves energy efficiency, and enhances economic viability. The results from this international collaboration project demonstrate the transformative potential of high-temperature heat pumps in various industrial applications.

The HPT Annex 58 ”High-Temperature Heat Pumps for Industrial Processes", analyzed the potential and challenges of implementing HTHPs across multiple sectors. The project aimed to improve awareness among manufacturers, end-users, consultants, energy planners, and policymakers, ultimately accelerating market adoption. It examined the maturity of different HTHP technologies, their integration into industrial processes, and strategies for effective decarbonization.

Presentation of the results of HPT Annex 58

The main findings from the project were presented during a recorded webinar, available online: https://heatpumpingtechnologies.org/annex58/global-engagement-the-final-webinar-for-hpt-tcp-annex-58-about-high-temperature-heat-pumps-draws-over-230-attendees/

Published Reports from HPT TCP Annex 58

• Final Report
• Executive Summary
• 2-page Summary

More information about the outcomes from the annex can be found on the website: https://heatpumpingtechnologies.org/annex58/

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As global electricity demand rises, driven by the shift from fossil fuels to electrification, heat pumps are becoming increasingly crucial in enhancing grid flexibility. These technologies can effectively manage the variability of renewable energy sources, ensuring a resilient energy infrastructure capable of adapting to fluctuating demands. The results from this international collaboration project shows that heat pumps can significantly enhance grid management and energy efficiency, playing a transformative role in the energy sector.

The HPT TCP Annex 57 with the title “Flexibility by Implementation of Heat Pumps in Multi-Vector Energy Systems and Thermal Networks” focused on the implementation of heat pumps in district heating and cooling systems as well as distributed heat pumps, outlining possible solutions and barriers for their integration into these markets. The project addressed the urgent need for sustainable and efficient energy solutions amidst growing electrical demand. This requires a flexible, responsive energy supply capable of balancing the fluctuations in energy production and consumption, crucial for integrating renewable energy.

Key findings from the project included:

• Whether in individual installations, hybrid systems, or largescale district heating setups, heat pumps show remarkable adaptability to various environments and needs.
• Heat pumps are key in delivering flexibility, for example ancillary services, such as frequency regulation, which contributes to the stability of the electrical grid.
• The project compiled and presented 28 case studies from 5 different countries.

Published Reports from HPT TCP Annex 57

Final Report

Executive Summary

2 page summary

Task 1 Summary report: Flexibility by implementation of heat pump in multi-vector energy systems and thermal networks

Task 2 Summary report: Best practice examples – Description of existing projects

including Task 2 – Appendices 1 and Task 2 – Appendices 2

Task 3 Report: Concepts for heat pump flexibility and promising solutions

Task 4 report: Flexibility Assessment and Analyses of different options

Task 5 Report: Business models – development and evaluation of innovative concepts

Presentations of the result from HPT Annex 57

The main findings from the project were presented during a recorded webinar, available online:
Webinar on May 6, 2024: Highlights from HPT TCP Annex 57 on Flexibility through Heat Pump Implementation in Multi-Vector Energy Systems and Thermal Networks https://heatpumpingtechnologies.org/annex57/annex-57-webinar-unveils-revolutionary-insights-on-heat-pump-flexibility/

For more information about HPT Annex 54 Heat Pump Systems with Low GWP please visit the annex website: Home - Annex 57

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Heat pumps are a key technology in the global transition to secure and sustainable heating. Tracking data on heat pump installations is essential in order to assess market development in different regions so as to provide reliable information to facilitate policy-making and research, and ultimately to support increased heat pump deployment around the world. 

On January 23 a workshop about “The importance of heat pump data for policy-making and innovation” was held at the IEA headquarters in Paris and online. Organized by the IEA secretariat in collaboration with the TCP Coordination Group on Heat Pumps, it assembled a broad array of stakeholders: from policy makers, statistics organizations, industry, business associations and consumer organizations, to technology collaboration programmes (TCP) and research institutes among others. The HPT TCP contributed to the arrangements with contacts, interventions and moderation of an interactive discussion session.

In the opening of the event, a representative from IEA emphasised the importance of policy makers having the correct information about relevant technologies to design appropriate policies and follow their effectiveness. Although a lot of information is reality available in many parts of the world, the statistical methodology varies depending on the market. Here are some of the main takeaways from the inaugural session:  

• The European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) publishes an annual heat pump market report covering 21 countries – 18 from EU and Norway, UK and Switzerland. However, 9 EU countries are still missing. Moreover, only numbers are published so far, even though they are aiming for reporting about installed capacity as well. 

• Today China represents about 50% of the global heat pump market. Detailed data about this market is collected by the Chinese Heat Pump Association (CHPA) and published in a report every year.  

• In Japan, on the other hand, different organisations collect and publish data about heat pumps – one for domestic hot water heat pumps, one for industrial heat pumps and another one for air-conditioners. 

• In the United States, the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) publish data about heat pumps shipment every month. 

Existing gaps in heat pump statistics 

Data about number of sold heat pumps of different types (source, application etc) are available in many regions. However, data about installed capacity, efficiency, price, type of refrigerant, which type of equipment they replace, life length etc is more difficult to find even though it is wanted by many stakeholders. In addition, the number of installed heat pumps should be translated to the impact on the energy markets for electricity as well as for heating, impact on decarbonization and more. Moreover, a harmonization of the categorization of heat pumps (taxonomy) between different countries and regions would facilitate many transnational analyses. 

One such example is how air-to-air heat pumps are considered in the available statistics. In the United States all air-to-air heat pumps are included. In Europe they are included if they are assumed to be the only heating device in the building, while they are excluded in China and Japan if they can be used for cooling, even if they often are used for heating during the colder season as well. 

Main conclusions 

The main conclusions from the representative from Heat Pump Centre, attending the workshop are as follows: 

• Without correct data, policy makers are taking decisions in the dark. 

• It is important to understand what the target product of policies in different regions is when elaborating a taxonomy for heat pump data. 

• National associations are many times the weakest link and will affect the aggregated data. A harmonized taxonomy would help, but a compromise with a “perfect taxonomy” will most certainly be needed. 

• There is probably more data available than we think but it needs to be aggregated, for example in countries with subsidy programs for heat pumps. Additionally, a lot of personal intelligence is needed to understand the data. 

• Collected data by manufacturers, should also be of relevance to for the manufactures. This way they are more willing to share, and the result will be worth the efforts! 

• In the future, we need to rely on connected heat pump, especially when it comes to statistics related to performance. However, reluctance among consumers to connect their heat pump to the cloud needs to be overcome. 

• IEA could play an important role in developing and promoting a harmonized taxonomy for heat pump data and statists – this would be in the interest many of the stakeholders. Not only, this would help statistical organization and governments, but also consumer and investors. It would drive innovation and contribute to bringing down prices. 

For more information about the workshop please click here. 

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To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve sustainable, low-carbon cooling and heating solutions, a transition to use of refrigerants with low global warming potential (low GWP) in heat pump systems is essential. For over four years this international collaboration project has worked on promoting low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants to phase down high -GWP hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in heat pump components and systems.  

Based on the reports from over 8 countries, design guidelines developed by leading scientists in the field address key aspects such as safety, efficiency, and the future market potential of low-GWP solutions. 

The findings provide important insights to support sustainable, low-carbon cooling and heating solutions for residential and commercial buildings. 

Presentation of the results of HPT Annex 54 

The main findings from the project were presented during a recorded webinar, available online: 
Webinar on June 11, 2024: Highlights from HPT TCP Annex 54 on Low GWP Heat Pump Technologies  https://heatpumpingtechnologies.org/annex54/iea-hpt-tcp-annex-54-webinar-highlights-advances-in-low-gwp-heat-pump-technologies/  

Published Reports from HPT Annex 54 

The following reports summarize the main findings from the project: 

Final Report 

Excecutive Summary 

2 page summary

The country report describes the outcomes from the work performed within the different participating countries: 

Country Report Austria 
The team from Austria identified low-GWP refrigerants and provided an overview of the Austrian heat pump market and examples of low GWP refrigerants in applications. 

Country Report France 
The French team investigated the water-to-brine heat pump for a 5 kW residential space heating application that can be placed inside a house with a maximum admissible R-290 charge of 150 g. 

Country Report Germany 
The team from Germany summarized the heat pump market survey, integrated fluid screening, and evaluated SCOP of HCs, HFOs, and mixtures. 

Country Report Italy 
The team from Italy reported about a solar-assisted heat pump water heater using CO2 and compared R410A alternatives (R32, R454B, and R454C) for residential heat pumps. 

Country Report Japan 
The Japanese team provided an in-depth analysis of the LCCP and risk evaluations for heat pump systems using low GWP refrigerants like R-410A, R-32, R-454C, R-290, and R-22. 

Country Report South Korea 
The team from South Korea conducted a comparative study on the performance of R-32 versus R-410A refrigerants in residential air conditioners such as window-type and wall-mounted air conditioners. 

Country Report Sweden 
The Swedish provided the Swedish heat pump market for residential and commercial units, shared case studies and design guidelines for a geothermal R290 HP for multifamily buildings (EBOX), a CO2 heat pump system for commercial buildings, and a R290 heat pump and chiller for the process cooling and heating. 

Country Report USA  
From US they reported about the next-generation HX design framework and provided 5.3 kW condenser optimization for R32 and R454B.

For more information about HPT Annex 54 Heat Pump Systems with Low GWP please visit the annex website.

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We are pleased to announce the call for abstracts is now open!! Researchers and experts from around the world are kindly invited to share their most recent and groundbreaking contributions to the development and deployment of heat pumping technologies for heating, cooling, refrigeration, and air conditioning (including dehumidification) in different fields of applications using a variety of heat sinks and sources (e.g. air, water, geothermal, residual heat).

There are two kinds of submissions with the same timeline:

• Scientific Paper: Blind peer-reviewed conference contribution to be published in the conference proceedings addressing basic or applied research in the 4 thematic conference pillars meeting high-level, scientific quality standards. High quality scientific papers will be recommended for publication in recognised scientific journals.
• Applied Research Paper: Blind peer-reviewed contribution to be published in the conference proceedings addressing applications and practical considerations in the 4 thematic conference pillars. This stream is aimed at reporting the latest developments in heat pump applications and best practises, with final submissions (after approval of initial abstract) shorter in length vs. the scientific paper stream.

You can submit your abstract related to these four pillars:

1. Technology Development: Next Generation Heat Pumping Technologies
2. Applications: Heat Pumps for Accelerated Decarbonization
3. Supporting Heat Pump Adoption: Successful Programs, Initiatives, and Collaboration
4. Future Heat Pump Markets: Capitalizing on Opportunities for Heat Pumps

The deadline for submission is May 15, 2025. Submit your abstract aligned with the conference theme, ensuring you follow the steps and requirements listed on the website:
https://hpc2026.org/submissions.

Be part of this vital dialogue to drive decarbonisation and innovation forward!

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Sweden is proud to announce its active participation in Annex 62: Heat Pumps for Multi-Family Residential Buildings in Cities, a significant initiative under the Technology Collaboration Programme on Heat Pumping Technologies (HPT TCP). This collaborative project addresses the growing demand for innovative and efficient heating solutions in high-density urban areas.

Leading Sweden’s contribution to Annex 62 are the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) and Qvantum Energi AB, who are spearheading efforts to explore, develop, and implement heat pump technologies optimized for multi-family residential buildings in cities. Qvantum solutions combine heat pumps, thermal storage tanks and smart controllers while using energy from ambient or waste heat, including from low temperature thermal networks. This approach makes finding a proper heat source for the heat pump easier will reducing the amount of waste heat discharged to the environment as “thermal waste”. These organizations bring a wealth of expertise and a strong commitment to creating sustainable energy solutions that align with national and international energy goals.

Tackling Urban Energy Challenges

Sweden’s project under Annex 62 focuses on identifying and overcoming barriers to the adoption of heat pumps in urban multi-family houses. High-density cities present unique challenges, including space constraints, energy demand variability, and the need for cost-effective and reliable heating systems.

The key objectives of Sweden’s participation include:

• Developing Innovative Heat Pump Solutions: Research and development efforts aim to create tailored heat pump systems that meet the specific needs of urban residential buildings.
• Identifying and Addressing Barriers: By examining economic, technical, and regulatory obstacles, the project seeks to propose actionable solutions to enhance the adoption of heat pump technologies.
• Enhancing Energy Efficiency: The initiative is expected to significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the residential sector, contributing to Sweden’s ambitious climate goals.

Alignment with Annex 62 Objectives

Sweden’s contributions align closely with the overarching objectives of Annex 62, which include developing scalable models for integrating heat pumps in urban environments and fostering international knowledge exchange. The Swedish project’s findings will provide critical insights into designing heat pump solutions for high-density cities and highlight best practices that other nations can adopt.

By actively participating in Annex 62, Sweden is not only addressing local challenges but also contributing to global efforts to advance sustainable heating solutions. The international collaboration facilitated by the HPT TCP network underscores the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences to tackle shared energy challenges.

A Source of Inspiration for Global Partners

The lessons learned and solutions developed through Sweden’s project will serve as a valuable resource for other countries in Annex 62. By sharing experiences, Sweden is helping to create a blueprint for overcoming barriers and implementing heat pump technologies in urban residential settings worldwide.

Strengthening International Collaboration

Sweden’s involvement in Annex 62 exemplifies the power of international collaboration. Through active engagement with global partners, Sweden is fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and innovations that can drive transformative changes in the heating and cooling sector.

With the combined efforts of RISE, Qvantum Energi AB, and international stakeholders, Annex 62 is paving the way for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for multi-family residential buildings. Sweden’s commitment to this initiative reflects its leadership in sustainable energy innovation and its dedication to a greener, more efficient future.

For more information about Annex 62 and its objectives, visit the Annex 62 website.

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The report, published on December 13, emphasizes that geothermal heat pumps (GHPs), also known as ground-source heat pumps, are critical in exploiting low- and medium-temperature geothermal resources. These systems extract heat from shallow depths (less than 100 meters) and can provide consistent heating and cooling regardless of climatic conditions. As of 2023, GHPs accounted for over half of all geothermal heat consumed globally, with countries like China, the United States, Sweden, and Germany leading the adoption due to supportive policies and public programs (The Future of Geothermal Energy, p. 20). (See Figure 1)

Figure 1: Direct and indirect geothermal energy consumed for heating and cooling by application

According to the report, GHPs are a highly efficient technology capable of decarbonizing heating and cooling in both buildings and industries. These systems can be integrated into district heating networks, as seen in Iceland, where geothermal energy fuels over 90% of the district heating infrastructure (The Future of Geothermal Energy, p. 20). However, the report notes that widespread adoption is hindered by high initial costs and installation complexities.

A Promising Path for Industrial Applications

While the residential and commercial sectors dominate geothermal heat consumption, the IEA report identifies significant opportunities in industrial applications. Low- to medium-temperature heat from geothermal resources is particularly suited for industries such as food processing, textiles, and chemical production. However, adoption in these sectors remains limited due to higher upfront investment costs and competition from other renewable energy options (The Future of Geothermal Energy, p. 21).

Policy and Market Support

The report underscores the need for stronger policy frameworks to accelerate geothermal heat pump deployment. "Only a few countries currently include geothermal as a viable heating and cooling option in their government ambitions," the report states. In Europe, however, energy security concerns have driven an increase in policy support, with several EU member states including geothermal solutions in their National Energy and Climate Plans (The Future of Geothermal Energy, p. 21).

Utility-financed geothermal networks are also highlighted as a potential solution to overcome high installation costs. By spreading the costs across broader energy infrastructures, these networks can enable mass-market adoption of geothermal heat pumps.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, the IEA report projects a significant increase in geothermal energy use for heating and cooling, with adoption potentially doubling by 2030. This growth, however, is contingent on streamlined permitting processes, expanded policy incentives, and technological advancements. The report suggests that targeted investments in research and workforce development will be critical in scaling the deployment of geothermal heat pumps globally (The Future of Geothermal Energy, pp. 32-34).

As nations strive to meet their renewable energy targets, geothermal heat pumps stand out as a promising technology to address growing heating and cooling demands while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. According to the report, with adequate support, heat pumps can unlock the vast untapped potential of geothermal energy, driving a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Activities within the HPT TCP related to geothermal energy

There have been several international collaboration projects within HPT TCP focusing on geothermal heat pumps; the latest one was HPT Annex 52 Long term performance measurement of GSHP Systems serving commercial, institutional, and multi-family buildings. Moreover, geothermal heat pumps are within the scope of several of the ongoing projects within the HPT TCP.

Source: https://www.iea.org/news/technology-breakthroughs-are-unlocking-geothermal-energys-vast-potential-in-countries-across-the-globe

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From cutting-edge technologies to strategic integration and policy insights, this issue is packed with invaluable perspectives for industry professionals, policymakers, researchers, and enthusiasts alike.

We kick off with the Foreword, titled “Scaling up heat pump retrofits: what do we need to do,” which sets the stage for actionable strategies to boost deployment. In the Column, “A Review of the Barriers that Remain Today for Heat Pump Widespread Deployment,” we analyze the obstacles that stand in the way of scaling heat pumps and discuss how to overcome them.

Our Topical Articles delve into innovative solutions:

• "Speeding Up the Roll-Out of Heat Pumps with Lessons from Archetypal Outcome-Led Packaged Retrofit Solutions" explores practical frameworks to accelerate deployment.
• "Early-stage Guidance on Heat Pump Retrofit for Non-domestic Buildings: Interim Results from HPT Annex 60" offers a glimpse into the evolving strategies for retrofitting larger-scale facilities.

In the Non-Topical Articles, we broaden the focus with groundbreaking insights:

• "Creating an Investment Climate for Clean District Heating" examines financial mechanisms to support heat pump expansion.
• "R744 Heat Pumps with Ejectors for Heating and/or Cooling: Opportunities, Challenges, and Results" highlights the potential of natural refrigerants.
• "When the Electric Car Moves In - Coordinated Control of Heat Pumps and Electric Car Charging" explores the intersection of heat pumps and electrification.

In the National Market Section, we spotlight Italy with an exclusive “Heat Pump Market Report,” providing a detailed look at one of Europe’s leading markets for heat pump adoption.

We invite you to subscribe to Heat Pumping Technologies Magazine to receive the latest updates and information. For more news and updates, please visit our website.

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The latest Clean Energy Technology Observatory (CETO) report, published by the European Commission, highlights the transformative role of heat pumps in driving Europe's clean energy transition. With over 21.5 million units installed across the European Union (EU) as of 2023, heat pumps are emerging as a cornerstone in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and meeting the EU's ambitious climate neutrality goals.

Heat pumps: A growing market with challenges

Heat pump sales saw a meteoric rise between 2013 and 2022, culminating in a 44% growth in 2022 alone. However, sales dipped by 7% in 2023 due to fluctuating gas prices, inflation, and political uncertainties (see Figure 1). Despite these challenges, the EU heat pump market remains robust, supported by over €7 billion in industry investments from 2020 to 2030, according to the report.

Figure 1: Heat pump sales in 13 Member States in 2022 and 2023 (Source: EHPA, 2024)

 Technological advances and applications

According to the report, heat pumps have reached Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9 for building applications and TRL 8 for industrial applications below 140°C (see Table 1). This maturity positions them as critical solutions for heating, cooling, and hot water supply in buildings, as well as for industrial process heat and district heating networks. Notably, high-temperature heat pumps capable of exceeding 200°C are under development, opening pathways for broader industrial applications.

Table 1: Technology Readiness Levels by heat pump type or sector

Economic and environmental impact

The report states that the heat pump industry is a leading employer within the renewable energy sector, supporting over 416,000 direct and indirect jobs in 2022. With approximately 60% to 73% of heat pumps sold in Europe also manufactured locally, the sector strengthens EU competitiveness while reducing dependency on fossil fuel imports.

Environmentally, heat pumps significantly lower operational emissions compared to gas boilers. For instance, integrating heat pumps into older buildings or district heating systems can cut energy consumption and enhance sustainability. However, high upfront costs and electricity-gas price disparities remain barriers to widespread adoption.

Innovation and policy support

To ensure continued growth, the report emphasizes innovation in areas such as hybrid systems, modular heat pump designs, and integration with renewable energy sources. Additionally, EU policy frameworks like the REPowerEU plan aim to accelerate installations, with targets for 30 million new hydronic heat pumps by 2030. Tax reforms and subsidies have proven effective in markets like Sweden and Finland, making electricity-driven heat pumps more competitive.

Industry opportunities and future outlook

Heat pumps offer dual benefits for Europe: they strengthen the industrial value chain and contribute to energy independence. By leveraging waste heat recovery, renewable integration, and large-scale district heating projects, the technology can redefine heating and cooling across sectors.

As the EU transitions towards a sustainable future, heat pumps stand out as a pivotal technology, promising economic growth, environmental benefits, and enhanced energy security. While challenges persist, innovation, policy coherence, and industry investments can ensure the EU retains its leadership in this transformative field.

This report reflects Europe's readiness to harness advanced technologies to meet its climate commitments while fostering economic resilience in an increasingly competitive global market.

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Twice per year, representatives from the 20 member countries meet in person, with a couple of guests inevitably joining in online, to evaluate the progress of the Programme’s Projects (formerly referred to as Annexes), review the progress made by the Heat Pump Center, the operational organisation supporting the activities of the TCP, and decide of the evolution of the Programme. This fall, the Spanish Center for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT) generously hosted the meeting in their headquarters in Madrid, Spain, on November 12-13.

During the Executive Committee meeting, our international experts explored the latest advancements, strategies, and research trends in heat pumping technologies and their role in enhancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, improving safety and energy security, and reducing energy poverty. The vision for a net zero carbon emissions goal by 2050 was emphasized as a pivotal objective. Achieving these energy goals will rely on collaborative efforts, ongoing technological advancements, and strategic policy planning to foster sustainable solutions globally.

The first day of the meeting featured guest speakers from the European Commission, European Heat Pump Association, International Institute of Refrigeration, and the International Energy Agency (IEA) to get an overview of the latest developments and trends around the world. One of the highlights was the presentation by Silvia Rezessy from DG Energy about policy drivers, barriers and prospects for heat pump deployment in the EU. The afternoon was filled with reports from the various international collaboration projects (annexes) and suggestions for new and exciting projects to come.

The second day of the ExCo meeting was a closed decision-making meeting during which the official representatives from our member countries exchanged, debated, and decided on the future of the TCP.

The day started with an interactive workshop exploring how heat pumps facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources (RES) and  accelerate cross-sectorial electrification, within the energy systems. This was followed by the approval of several new projects, which will set to commence in the coming months,  including:
✅ "Digital services for heat pumps", to be led by Bernd Windholz of AIT Austrian Institute of Technology
✅ "Industrial high-temperature heat pumps", to be led by Benjamin Zühlsdorf of Green Transition and Digital Transformation - Danish Technological Institute (DTI)
✅ "Flexibility from large-scale and aggregated heat pump systems", to be led by Morten Herget Christensen, PhD of Green Transition and Digital Transformation - Danish Technological Institute (DTI)
✅ "Heat pumps for hydrogen and carbon capture", to be led by Veronika Wilk of AIT Austrian Institute of Technology

Moreover, Professof Björn Palm got the green light to further develop the project idea of Enhanced miniaturized components for heat pumps. If all goes well, this idea should develop into a project in the coming year.

In addition to the approved project proposals above, ExCo decided to put additional focus on elaborating new project proposals in the area of comfort cooling during the coming year, due to the growing demand for comfort cooling on a global level.

Through this collaboration, the HPT TCP ensures that heat pumping technologies remain at the forefront of the global energy transition, helping countries meet their climate goals while providing reliable and affordable energy solutions. With the continued push behind technological advances and international cooperation, heat pumps are set to become a cornerstone of sustainable energy systems around the world.

The post Deciding on the Future Work in the TCP the Executive Committee Met in Madrid appeared first on HPT - Heat Pumping Technologies.

In the framework of the HPT TCPs Executive Committee Meeting, about 35 experts from 16 countries -  from South Korea and Japan to Canada and  the United States, and 12 European states - travelled to Madrid to discuss the latest advancements, strategies, and research trends in heat pumping technologies and their role in enhancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, improving safety and reducing energy poverty.

On Monday November 11, 2024 Spain’s leading scientists and developers of heat pump related technologies and projects gathered at the Spanish Center for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT) headquarters in Madrid, for an interactive all-day workshop. The purpose of the workshop was to foment knowledge exchange and open for networking possibilities between national and international actors.

Yolanda Benito, general director of CIEMAT lead the opening ceremony encouraging participants to promote the exchange of information and collaboration between the entities that develop these technologies in Spain and the international guests. This encounter resulted in many new ideas and collaboration possibilities inspiered by the many interesting presentations listed below.

In conclusion, the workshop held at CIEMAT provided a vital platform for researchers and industry leaders to share insights and foster collaborations in the field of heat pumping technologies. By bringing together experts from diverse regions, the event catalyzed discussions on pivotal advancements aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. The interactions and exchanges that took place during this gathering not only highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing global energy challenges but also laid the groundwork for future partnerships and innovation. As the focus continues to shift towards sustainable solutions, the connections made during this workshop will be instrumental in driving the development and implementation of heat pump technologies worldwide. We look forward to the ongoing progress in this field and the impactful outcomes of these collaborative initiatives.

The workshop program included the following presentations

Introductions

• Introduction to the Technology Collaboration Programme on Heat Pumping Technologies by IEA
• Brief presentation of the Heat Pump Spanish National Team
• Heat Pumps in the Spanish National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) 2023-2030
• Statistical study of heat pumps in Spain
• Technical guide of heat pumps in the energy rehabilitation of buildings
• Heat Pumps in the State Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation (PEICTI)

Projects

• High Temperature Industrial Heat Pumps: Simultaneous Cooling and Heating Applications.
• SAFEHEAT: Sustainable Alternative Fluids for Efficient HEAT pumps.
• HAPPENING: HeAt PumPs in existing multi-family buildings for achieving union’s ENergy and envIroNmental Goals Demo case in PASAIA.
• Project TERARED: Research into Technologies as a Path towards Decarbonization through Hybrid Renewable Energy Networks of the Future.
• Project SUSHEAT: High temperature Heat Pump based on reverse Stirling cycle
• Heat Pumps for Multi-Family Residential Buildings in Cities (Annex 62): Spanish Contribution and Perspectives
• Digital twin for thermal systems simulation of vapour compression cycles: Focus on achieving fast, accurate and robust simulations
• Energy Optimisation in Buildings with Heat Pumps and TES-THUMBS UP Project
• Domestic heat pumps using Hydrocarbons: status and market overview
• Experimental results of vapor compression high temperature heat pumps for industrial purposes
• Evaluation of lower-GWP refrigerants for residential heat pumps
• High temperature heat pumps for industry decarbonisation
• Development and Testing of an FDD for Variable-Speed Heat Pumps under Laboratory Conditions
• Waste heat recovery from urban underground infrastructure using heat pumps
• Re-Energize – Educational project to enhance training and skills in heat pump technologies
• Experimental analysis of a photovoltaic-assisted DHW heat pump
• NZPools – Design and evaluation of descarbonisation strategies to achieve near zero emissions indoor swimming pools assisted by renewable Energies

The workshop programme is available here.

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The Swiss team is happy to share that they have officially joined this international collaboration project. The main objective of the Swiss project is to pool the experience gained in retrofitting heat production in existing residential multi-family buildings, mainly with monovalent and bivalent air-to-water heat pumps. The aim is to catalyze more projects by drawing up useful guidelines for the various players involved.

Carolina Fraga (SIG Geneva’s Industrial Services) is the national project leader for the contribution from Switzerland to HPT Annex 62, in collaboration with UNIGE (University of Geneva) and with the participation of CSD Ingénieurs SA. The Swiss project is in line with the Swiss Confederation's Net-Zero 2050 strategy, supporting and encouraging the development of heat pumps in multi-family buildings, where their development must accelerate in order to achieve the energy transition targets set, notably 1.5 million heat pumps compared with 0.3 million today.

Currently (2023), Switzerland has 1.79 million residential buildings and 4.79 million dwellings. 37% of buildings are heated with oil, 17% with gas, and 21% with heat pumps. The bar chart (Figure 1) illustrates the distribution of heat pumps by building age. While heat pumps account for a large majority of heating systems in recent housing, their share decreases with the increase of the building age.

In 2023, while ¾ of units sold in the heating market are heat pumps, only 13% have a capacity above 20kW. Since the Swiss multi-family building stock requires systems above 50 kW, there is still a long way to go to its decarbonization. Even more so, because multi-family buildings represent 36% of the Swiss housing stock, with an even higher share in energy consumption because they house 60% of the Swiss population.

Therefore, the Swiss project focuses on the analysis of a concrete case study - “Montagne” - Switzerland's largest fossil fuel / air-water heat pump substitution operation (heated area of ~28,000m² with 250 apartments) (Figure 2). The fuel switch is achieved with the installation of 7 rooftop 75 kW A/W heat pumps and a gas boiler. The performance of this case study (a renovated building) will be compared to the performance of non-renovated buildings heated by a monovalent / bivalent heat pump (previously studied within HPT Annex 50 Heat Pumps in Multi-Family Buildings for space heating and DHW).

Furthermore, 10 factsheets of case studies of heat pumps for collective housing will be produced. They are based on detailed measurements and system analyses, under real-life conditions that were developed over the last fifteen years by the University of Geneva. They include the “lessons learned” for each case study, thus enriching the content in a pragmatic way.

It should be noted that other complementary projects are underway and offer good synergies as well as interest to Annex 62, namely: i) RENOWAVE - SP2.1: Sizing, integration, and control strategies for HP systems above 50 kW; ii) T-DROP: Lowering of heat distribution temperatures, for integration of renewables and decarbonization of multifamily buildings in dense districts.

The project team's contribution to HPT Annex 62 is based on its specific experience of a market mainly of centralized heat production systems, and with projects involving the retrofitting of heat production systems in existing buildings. Discussions between HPT Annex 62 participants open up international perspectives that go beyond the participants' own experience and market.

Figure 1: Residential buildings by main heating energy source and period of construction 2023

[Buildings and Dwellings Statistics 2023 - GNP Diffusion (admin.ch)]

Figure 2 : Switzerland's largest fossil fuel / air-water heat pump substitution operation (heated area of ~28,000m² with 250 apartments)

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In the release event on October 30, Dr Fatih Birol, the Executive Director of IEA, said during his opening speech that this report is a testimony that energy, industry, and trade policies are interwoven and countries who have succeeded in designing well-functioning policies in these areas will benefit. This report is aimed to serve as a guidebook for policy makers, offering an in-depth, quantified basis to inform their deliberations for years to come. In the coming years, there will be even more intense competition between countries when it comes to clean energy technologies. In addition, the market for clean energy is foreseen to increase manyfold. Therefore, trade policies are important, as well as support for the sector.

Investment in manufacturing clean technologies

The analysis that IEA has made shows that a major wave of investment in manufacturing clean technologies is underway, with many new factories being built across the world. Clean technology supply chains are highly dependent on trade and will continue to be in the future. Cost competitiveness is an important driver of manufacturing investment, but not the only one. Other important factors are various forms of policy support, access to markets, skills and knowledge in the industrial base, and infrastructure.

Clean technology manufacturing

The report shows that the manufacturing capacity for clean technologies and materials today is highly concentrated geographically, with China being the largest single producer in all cases. However, in the case of heat pumps, there is a much larger manufacturing spread than in many of the other technologies, see Figure 1.11.

Looking at Figure 1.6 below (from the report), it can be concluded that the situation for heat pumps differs compared to the other clean energy technologies. First of all, the manufacturing additions have not been concentrated in China as for the other technologies - until 2023, when almost no additions were announced outside China.

Trade of clean energy technologies

Trade in clean energy technologies has expanded quickly over the last 10 years, helping to drive the energy transition. Trade in heat pumps has grown less rapidly than trade in the other technologies, as manufacturing capacity has grown significantly in the main demand centers to comply with local standards and building designs. Exports have grown by around 50% since 2010, reaching over USD 10 billion in 2023, with corresponding capacities of more than 25 GW.

Manufacturing cost

The report reveals that the contribution of upstream components to the Life Cycle Cost Of Production (LCCOP) of heat pumps is higher than that of all the other clean technologies, as manufacturing heat pumps consists mainly of the assembly of different parts. The cost of components such as compressors or heat exchangers represents the largest share of manufacturing costs for heat pumps.

Moreover, manufacturers that produce their own components and/or can benefit from economies of scale have a strong competitive advantage. It is explained in the report that these factors partially explain the significant cost gap between technologies and across regions. For example, an air-to-air heat pump for a ducted system manufactured in the United States can cost twice as much to produce per kW as an air-to-air split system manufactured in China, with up to 70% of the difference in cost being driven by component and material costs.

It is pointed out in the report that there are good possibilities to reduce heat pump production costs, for instance, via enhanced digitalisation and automation of some production processes, or via strategic partnerships on producing certain components. Installation costs could also be cut, for instance, by developing more modular, easier-to-install units and by training more installers.

Outlook for the Future

The anticipated development according to different scenarios has been studied by the IEA analysts. In the STEPS (the Stated Policies Scenario), existing building energy efficiency policies and financial instruments drive heat pump sales up to about 265 GW in 2035, more than doubling from 2023, and to about 365 GW in 2050. Deployment is even faster in the APS (Announced Pledges Scenario), with sales rising to about 350 GW in 2035 and 475 GW in 2050. In this scenario, heat pumps become the dominant heating technology globally, covering around one-third of space heating needs by 2050. In both scenarios, demand increases most strongly in major heating markets in advanced economies and China. However, there is still a substantial gap between the demand in the APS compared to IEA’s Net Zero Emission Scenario, where heat pumps cover 55% of the heating needs in 2050.

In the STEPS, the United States remains the second largest producing country, after China, thanks to generous financial support to manufacturers under the IRA. Mexico's heat pump production is expected to nearly triple by 2035, being the lowest-cost producer among North American countries, with the country exporting its surplus primarily to the United States.

The overall market dynamics in the APS are similar to those in the STEPS, with China remaining the leading manufacturer, followed by the United States and the European Union. Ambitious industrial policy plans could strengthen domestic production in some countries. In addition, countries with strong manufacturing capacity for air conditioners in Southeast Asia could significantly increase their production of reversible heat pumps, even though their share in the global total remains small. In the European Union, the NZIA (Net Zero Industry Act) aim of meeting 40% of domestic demand with domestic production has already been achieved for heat pumps but announced manufacturing expansions, if implemented in full, would be enough to cover almost all the region’s demand in 2030. However, imports – mainly from China, where production costs remain highly competitive, increase sharply thereafter as demand increases rapidly in this scenario. (APS).

HPT TCP has supported IEA with data information related to heat pumping technologies, and representatives from the TCP have reviewed the report.

Source: IEA Energy Technology Perspectives 2024

Energy Technology Perspectives 2024 – Analysis - IEA

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We are happy to announce that Italy has formally joined IEA HPT Annex 63 in October 2024. We welcome our new participating country and look forward to working together and learning from Italy on heat pump projects related to Placement Impact on Heat Pump Acoustics.

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We are happy to announce that Switzerland has formally joined IEA HPT Annex 63 in October 2024. We welcome our new participating country and look forward to working together and learning from Switzerland on heat pump projects related to Placement Impact on Heat Pump Acoustics.

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The meeting began with a welcome and an update on the revised Strategic Work Plan for 2023-2028 by Caroline Haglund Stignor from the Heat Pump Centre hosted by RISE in Sweden. (Link to Presentation)

Participants then received updates on current ideas and proposals for new international collaboration projects within the HPT TCP, as well as a newly started one, including:

• Project 66 "Optimal Heat Pump Design and Operation for Broader Acceptance" – New Project (former Annex) – Riley Bradley Barta from Purdue University, USA/ Christian Vering, Aachen University (Link to Presentation)
• Digital services for heat pumps (legal text approved) – Bernd Windholz from AIT, Austria (Link to Presentation)
• Industrial High-Temperature Heat Pumps – (follow up on Annex 58) Martin Pihl Andersen from DTI, Denmark (Link to Presentation)
• Flexibility from centralized heat pumps in thermal networks and industrial hubs or from coordinated operation of distributed heat pumps – Morten Herget Christensen from DTI, Denmark (Link to Presentation)
• Heat pumps for hydrogen and carbon capture – Veronika Wilk, AIT, Austria (Link to Presentation)
• Follow-up on Annex 62 Heat Pumps for Residential Multifamily Buildings in Cities – Kyra Sophie Rimrodt from Fraunhofer-Institute, Germany (Link to Presentation)
• Enhanced miniaturized components - Viktor Ölen, The Swedish Cooling & Heat Pump Association, Sweden (Link to Presentation)
• Comfort and Climate Box solutions for cooling and dehumidification – Kashif Nawaz, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA (Link to Presentation)
• Advanced vapor-compression and non-vapour-compression technologies for heating, cooling, and refrigeration – Metkel Yebiyo, HPC/RISE, Sweden (Link to Presentation)

Following this, participants engaged in a brainstorming workshop to develop ideas for new international collaboration project topics across four prioritized areas for RDD&D within HPT TCP: System Integration, Robust Value Chains, Extending Application Range, and New Technologies and Refrigerants. Discussions took place in breakout rooms focused on these areas, with summaries provided below.

Breakout Room Discussions across the Prioritized Areas for RDD&D

System Integration

The discussion centered on the role of heat pumps in integrated energy systems at building, district, and city levels, with a focus on enabling sector coupling. Key challenges identified included current barriers to smart, flexible heat pump integration, as well as the need for improved evaluation methods. Proposed solutions emphasized creating metrics and frameworks for integrating heat pumps more effectively into smart energy systems, addressing flexibility, and overcoming technical barriers.

Robust, Sustainable, and Affordable Value Chains

Participants explored ways to create easy-to-install heat pump products, such as plug-and-play systems and self-commissioning options. Several challenges were highlighted, including:

• The complexity of ventilation systems.
• Long installation times and a lack of installer experience.
• High installation costs, which can exceed 100-200% of the product price.

Proposed solutions included improving diagnostics for installers and end-users to reduce installation complexity, providing better training for installers, and simplifying installation processes through dual-operation systems that combine existing boilers and heat pumps.

Value Chains & User Behavior

This group focused on creating robust, sustainable, and user-friendly heat pump value chains. The key challenges discussed included ensuring product acceptance and ease of use while fostering comfort and flexibility. Solutions revolved around addressing both technical and behavioral barriers, such as improving user education and making products more intuitive to install and operate.

Extending Applications for Heat Pumps

The main discussion in this room was around expanding the operation range of heat pumps and retrofitting them into buildings with special requirements, such as older structures or high-accuracy industries like pharmaceuticals. The group proposed focusing on energy efficiency improvements and integrating heat pumps into clean rooms and other industrial applications that demand high precision.

Heat Pumps for Cooling and Dehumidification

This room concentrated on the use of heat pumps and air conditioning for cooling, dehumidification, and drying in industrial and buildings’ settings. The major challenges within the building sector is increased efficiency when demand is set to soar. Within the industrial sector, the challenges identified were increasing efficiency and recovering heat from industrial cooling processes. Proposed solutions included using absorption heat pumps to maximize energy recovery and minimize energy losses in industrial operations.

New Technologies and Refrigerants

The discussion in this room focused on developing non-vapor compression technologies and emerging innovations with low Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). Participants noted uncertainties around performance, durability, and the high investments required to scale these technologies. Solutions included integrating these technologies into smart grids and transport systems while addressing challenges related to material availability and sustainability.

Low GWP Refrigerants

Participants in this room discussed the use of low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants in heat pumps and the associated safety measures. Key challenges included reducing reliance on synthetic refrigerants, particularly for large-scale heat pumps, and finding viable, sustainable alternatives. The group proposed adopting advanced sorption heat pumps that use ammonia and implementing refrigerant reclamation and reuse practices to improve environmental outcomes.

The meeting concluded with a reflection on the breakout room discussions and an overview of potential topics for the 2025 Heat Pumping Technologies Magazine. Moreover, the organizers reminded that the call for abstracts for the 15^th IEA Heat Pump Conference will open on November 15. Overall, the event successfully fostered international collaboration and laid the groundwork for future research and development projects within the HPT TCP by IEA.

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The IEA World Energy Outlook report, released on October 17, is published every year and is the most authoritative global source of energy analysis and projections. One of the main messages of the report is that geopolitical tensions and fragmentation are major risks for energy security and for coordinated action on reducing emissions. Clean energy transitions have accelerated sharply in recent years, shaped by government policies and industrial strategies, but there is more near-term uncertainty than usual over how these policies and strategies will evolve.

This applies also to heat pumps. Despite the upward trajectory for heat pumps, the heat market faced a temporary slowdown in 2023, with global sales declining by 3% after two consecutive years of double-digit growth. The energy crisis of 2022 had initially driven strong growth, but a combination of factors, including falling natural gas prices, policy changes, inflation, and lower demand for large-scale purchases due to high interest rates, contributed to this recent contraction. China was the only major market to see an increase, with a 12% rise in heat pump sales during 2023, bucking the global trend.

The outlook for heat pumps remains positive, driven by their increasing cost competitiveness compared to traditional gas boilers. In regions like the United States, where natural gas prices are relatively low, heat pumps are already one of the most cost-effective solutions when both heating and cooling are considered. Policies like the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, aimed at expanding local manufacturing and lowering costs, are expected to support further growth in this sector.

According to the report, faster uptake of heat pumps is central to boosting energy efficiency and cutting fossil fuel use in buildings. Around 110 GW of heat pumps were installed in 2023. Although sales of heat pumps slowed in 2023 in some regions, and saw a major slowdown in Europe in the first half of 2024, their market share in space heating is still set to almost double by 2035 in the STEPS (Stated Policies Scenario), and to reach approximately 30% in the APS (Advances Pledges Scenario) and 40% in the NZE (Net Zero Emission Scenario). If heat pump additions were to remain at 2023 levels, natural gas demand would be around 40 bcm higher in 2040 than in the STEPS.

The high efficiency of heat pumps means the additional electricity demand from them is modest, adding only around 325 TWh by 2035 in the STEPS, 445 TWh in the APS, and 425 TWh in the NZE Scenario.

Furthermore, heat pumps play a crucial role in meeting global climate goals, according to the report. Their widespread deployment across residential, commercial, and industrial applications can significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels. However, lower natural gas prices, particularly in the European Union and China, pose a risk to the pace of heat pump adoption, potentially slowing down the replacement of gas boilers. Sensitivity analysis within the report suggests that heat pump sales could fall by 20% in these regions, leading to a 10% reduction in overall stock by 2030, which would increase gas demand and delay electricity savings from heat pump usage.

Overall, the IEA underscores the importance of continuing to expand heat pump technology in order to achieve emissions reductions and improve energy efficiency, particularly in the face of fluctuating fossil fuel prices and evolving policy landscapes (WorldEnergyOutlook2024). IEA (2024), World Energy Outlook 2024, IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2024, Licence: CC BY 4.0 (report); CC BY NC SA 4.0 (Annex A)

The IEA’s Technology Collaboration Programme on Heat Pumping Technologies (HPT TCP) plays a significant role in advancing the heat pump sector through international collaboration on research, development, demonstration, and deployment projects. The HPT TCP works closely with researchers, manufacturers, and policymakers to ensure that the latest technological advancements and findings are incorporated into global energy strategies and has a continuous dialogue with the analysts at IEA, providing them with data and expertise.

Through this collaboration, the HPT TCP ensures that heat pumps remain at the forefront of the global energy transition, helping countries meet their climate targets while providing reliable and affordable energy solutions. With the continued momentum behind both technological advancement and international cooperation, heat pumps are poised to become a cornerstone of sustainable energy systems worldwide.

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On September 25-26, the European heat pump community met up in Brussels for the HP Forum 2024, organized by the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA). During the forum keynote speeches, as well as several panel discussions on different themes and topics, took place. Panellists shared their viewpoints on the various challenges and possibilities for heat pumping technologies to transform the heating and cooling sector.

The Situation for Heat Pumps in Europe

Paul Kenny, the new Director General of EHPA, introduced the meeting, asking the questions – are we serious about getting rid of fossil fuel? Is the European Commission serious about implementing the Fitfor55 package? If the answer is yes, actions are needed from the sector as well as from the policy level. He emphasized that to reach the objectives set out by the Commission, the EU Heat Pump Action Plan, ensuring support to manufacturing and training, is needed. The sector needs to work to ensure a sufficiently good consumer journey for those who want to replace a fossil fuel boiler with a heat pump. In countries like, for example, Sweden, this journey is rather smooth, proving this is possible! Paul Kenny finalized his presentation, talking about his plans to build a strategic action plan for the members of EHPA to deliver 60 million heat pumps in accordance with the objectives of the European Commission.

Martin Hojsík, Vice-President, European Parliament, held a keynote presentation. He pointed out that there is an insane number of roadblocks to transform the market away from fossil fuel. It will need to change some regulations, but moreover, he recommended the sector to approach the end consumer and promote multiple benefits of the technology. To look at a design for improved resilience by combining heat pumps and solar PV as an example.

A second keynote presentation was given by Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, MEP, Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats. He asked the audience to look back at 2022 when the invasion of Ukraine took place and the RePowerEU policy package, as well as the ETS2 (Emission Trading System for buildings, road transport, and additional sectors), were launched. EU had a high ambition to scale up the deployment of heat pumps and we could note a booming. These policies should have led to continued growth, but instead, the market shrunk again after a sharp increase. Why? The main reason was a lack of policy consistency, primarily on a national level in Germany, France, and Italy, as well as in other countries. Now, policy makers need to reestablish people’s confidence in relying on the fact that electricity prices will be reasonable and fossil fuel alternatives will always be more expensive. He recommended the sector to try to be provocative and creative in their communication with the new European Commission – there is a good window in the EU to reach them now.

During the following panel discussions, panellists shared their viewpoints on various topics.

The situation in Europe, where we are right now, struggling with scaling of green technologies, was discussed and compared to the situation in China and the US, where the progress is much better right now. One of the success factors there are public-private partnerships, since public funding is a strategic enabler to attract private capital to a sector. There, they have created a demand and a supply, while in Europe, many companies have already built new factories to secure supply, but miss the demand. One question raised was – how can we use the money that are already there, like those from ETS, for example. Many panellists shared the opinion that public money should rather be used for investments in infrastructure or industry than for subsidies, even though the latter could be needed to kick-start a market.

The Future for the EU Heat Pump Action Plan

Stefan Moser, Head of Unit, European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER) informed that the EU Heat Pump Action plan will be framed in a heating and cooling strategy and an electrification strategy, with a significant focus on heat pumps. In addition, guidance documents to implement the new regulations in the Fitfor55 package will be published. Moreover, a lot must be defined at the member state level on how to reach the energy efficiency targets and develop heating and cooling plans, including collective and individual solutions. He pointed out that for European as well as for national policy makers, it is of importance to find the right balance between affordability for citizens, competitiveness for industry, and climate ambitions. However, in the end, member states are legally bound to have a plan to get out of fossil fuels by 2040 and to have the policies to make it happen.

One of the panellists pointed out that if we want the electrification of the energy system to continue, the energy bill cannot be the cash cow of the member states. On average, in Europe, we pay 40% taxes and levies for electricity. In the US, this amounts to 10-11%. In addition, it is a much higher tax on electricity compared to gas in Europe – 89 Eurocent compared to 15 on average.

Flexibility, Digitalization, and the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Flexibility, digitalization, and the use of AI within the sector were also discussed. Rafael Martinez Gordon, Clean Energy Analyst, International Energy Agency, pointed out that if we want to meet the 2030, 40, and 50 emission targets, we need to apply demand response, and heat pumps are one of the solutions. Before, the question was whether the grid could cope with more heat pumps. Now the question has been changed to - can we reach the renewables targets without heat pumps?

Other panellists supported this argument, stating that the building around the heat pumps is a thermal storage facility, and a smart heat pump could enable the use of this storage. The algorithm already exists. AI is not necessarily needed; simple algorithms could be applied. However, AI could help develop better algorithms. Such a model could also learn when there are internal gains, impact from weather, etc., and the machines should be able to respond ahead of time to price models and so on. AI could also make installation and service better and more efficient.

Empowering the Narratives Around Heat Pumping Technologies

The theme of the last session was about how to empower the narratives around heat pumping technologies since they have become politicized lately. This means that the communication around the technology responds easily to installation errors and to information attacks.

This applies especially to Germany, where there was massive hype for heat pumps in 2022 due to a fear of gas shortage. There was a massive rush for heat pumps and subsidies, and the media became very interested in heat pumps. Policy makers declared ambitious targets that 500 000 heat pumps should be installed per year. Thereafter followed a mild winter and not so high gas prices as anticipated. In addition, there were some misinterpretations about a new legislation to replace gas boilers to 2027, which was picked up by journalists. The heat pump euphoria disappeared, the narratives around heat pumps became negative, and some political parties turned against the technology.

To overcome this situation, we need simplified messages about well working heat pumps that people can relate to. We need to continue to provide objective information and try to spread positive messages from normal people that a lot of heat pumps are running well in many countries and regions.

If you want to learn more about the event, you could also take part in EHPA’s press release.

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This article was written by Frédéric Genest from Natural Resources Canada, the Canadian participant in HPT TCP by IEA Annex 60 on heat pump deployment in large non-domestic buildings.

The Canadian and North American heat pump market is currently undergoing a great change. In accordance with the Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol, starting January 1, 2025, refrigerants GWP limits defined in federal regulations of both the Canada and the US for various applications will severely limit the availability of many equipment and systems using higher GWP refrigerants. For the space conditioning industry, this means it will not be possible to import products manufactured after that date using refrigerants such as R-134a and R-410a (those F-gases will be available until 2036 for existing equipment). Provincial regulations also provide additional restrictions in their various jurisdictions.  As these two refrigerants are used in most chillers, air conditioners, and heat pumps used for space heating and cooling, this results in a very large number of products currently being discontinued.

After some delays in their approval, the recent updates to ASHRAE 15-2022, Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems, and CSA B52-2023, Mechanical refrigeration code, introducing specific requirements for lightly flammable refrigerants (Safety Classes A2L and B2L), now fully open the door for low-GWP HFOs and their blends.

Since the beginning of 2024, new products have been announced every month to replace the disappearing product lines. The newly introduced products use a variety of refrigerants, as North American manufacturers have not yet standardized on a specific subset of F-gases as they had before. Among the new offerings today, we see R-454B and R-32 as fairly common options for A/C units and heat pumps, while R-513A appears popular for chillers and larger products. Still, a large selection of new low-GWP refrigerants has been retained for a variety of air-conditioning products, sometimes even as options for a single product line (for example, R-513A, R-1234ze, R-515B, and R-1233zd for the chiller line of a specific manufacturer). Furthermore, specialized refrigeration applications see other sets of HFO-based refrigerants or blends, depending on the use and operating conditions.

Though manufacturers have striven to market products with similar capabilities, the changes in refrigerant often result in different equipment capacities and efficiency. Also, the variety of refrigerants may complicate the maintenance tasks of refrigeration specialists as they will constantly need to adjust to the refrigerant characteristics of the equipment they are dealing with. Hence, it is difficult at this time to judge the impacts that these new products will have on the operation and maintenance activities of building owners.

One interesting side effect of the refrigerant change is that many low-GWP HFOs and their blends tend to have different thermodynamic characteristics. These open new avenues for heat pumps applications, such as operation with a larger temperature lift between source and load, as well as with a higher load supply temperature. Consequently, we expect to see more products in the air-source cold climate heat pump categories (able to operate at outdoor temperatures below -20 C), while high-temperature heat pumps (able to supply hot water at 80 C and more) are already available from a variety of small and large product manufacturers. These new products will greatly support the decarbonization objectives of the building sector in the coming years.

Lastly, natural refrigerants are present in the North American market, though their use is still limited. The regulations in place greatly hinder the market presence of hydrocarbons, though these are present in smaller equipment, such as domestic refrigerators, where the refrigerant charge is below the current limitations. Regarding ammonia and CO2, systems using these are generally limited to specific applications (large chillers/heat pumps, domestic water heating, supermarket refrigeration systems, etc.). But, with the increasing pressure to reduce GHG emissions, as well as the growing concerns with PFAS, interest in natural refrigerants and products using them will certainly increase during the coming decade, as the European market can bear witness to.

References:

• Refrigerants: it’s the end of the recreation! | Kolostat
• Puron R410a Refrigerant is Phasing Out || R410a Refrigerant Updates
• Adapting to Upcoming Refrigerant Regulations in Canada (amegroup.ca)
• Preparing for the Transition to Low-GWP Refrigerants in HVAC - Pro Tool Reviews

The post The impact of the Kigali Agreement on the North American heat pump market: challenges and opportunities appeared first on HPT - Heat Pumping Technologies.

HTP TCP is pleased to announce that Project 66, “Optimal heat pump design and operation,” will launch in October at Chillventa in Nuremberg, Germany. The kickoff meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 8^th, from 15:30 – 17:30 in Room Basel, NCC Mitte. All interested parties are welcome to join.

Despite significant interest & growth of residential heat pumps, significant hindrances remain, including diverse (residential) buildings and retrofitting of existing heating and cooling infrastructure. The international nature of this challenge adds complexity, such as multiple heat pump working principles (i.e., air-to-air vs. air-to-water) and differences in existing infrastructure and legislative landscape. As a result, the design and selection of heat pumps is costly, and their operation is rarely optimized.

Our strategy to address this problem consists of the following three steps:

1. Collect and develop heat pump design, control strategies, and best practices from the respective member countries
   1. Base strategies on a common, holistic heat pump design and control methodology
      1. with consideration of both the new build and retrofit applications and installer feedback

   1. Open-source dissemination of experimental data and simulation tools

      1. in a common format and platform

The scope of this project focuses on residential heat pumps, with 8 – 40 kW_th, and considers air-to-air, air-to-water, and ground source designs. The tasks and associated timeline to address these challenges and implement this strategy are shown below.

The goal of this Project is to bring an international team together to help collect and develop optimal heat pump designs, control strategies, and experimental data based on a common system understanding. The Project focuses on the optimal heat pump design and optimal control methods, such as model predictive control or adaptive control strategies, with respect to the new build and retrofit applications in theory and experiments.

Key Data

• Project duration: 1 October 2024 – 30 September 2027
• Operating Agent: Riley Barta
• Deputy: Christian Vering
• Participating Countries: USA, Germany, Spain
• Website: https://heatpumpingtechnologies.org/project66/

There is still time to join the project. For information on how to participate, contact operating agent Riley Barta at bartar@purdue.edu

The post Launch of HPT TCP Project 66 “Optimal heat pump design and operation” – welcome to join the kick-off meeting! appeared first on HPT - Heat Pumping Technologies.

Authors:

Hengyi “Cooper” Zhao, General Secretary of the China ‎Heat Pump Alliance‎(CHPA)

Frank Gao, Market Director for HVACR for the International Copper Association (ICA).

Harry Schmitz, Director of Strategic Communications with the Kellen Company.

Several prominent global organizations recognize the essential role of heat pumps as part of broader plans to phase down dependence on fossil fuels. Heat pumps support decarbonization, electrification, and energy efficiency. It is now broadly acknowledged by international organizations such as the International Energy Agency (IEA) that the challenge of residential and commercial heating is best met with heat pumps.

China’s “Double Carbon” policy aims for a carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.  Presently, a major challenge is the deployment of heat pumps. Different regions of the world face common hurdles in deploying heat pumps on a massive scale. Chief among these challenges are providing heating in cold climates and the equitability of the deployment of heat pumps.

The China Heat Pump Forum (HPF) is a major accelerator for the global deployment of heat pumps. It is an annual event organized by China Heat Pump Alliance (CHPA) and sponsored by its members. Since its founding 15 years ago, the CHPA has grown from six members to more than 600 members today. For many years, the HPF was a regional event attended mainly by members of the CHPA. Today the HPF is an event of global importance. The 2024 HPF brought together more than 1000 industry professionals from all over the world. The HPF is a global event that is 100 percent focused on heat pump technology, It brings together big HVACR appliance OEMs and successful startups focused on new heat pump technology as well as policy makers and pioneers in new heat pump technologies from all over the world.

Considering its leading position in heat pump design and production, China is perhaps underrepresented at scientific conferences dedicated to heat pump technology. That is unfortunate because China has much to offer the heat pump community. China is already renowned for new products and manufacturing methods in the fields of solar panels and electric vehicles. The HPF is now a unique event for forming partnerships with the key stakeholders in the global heat pump industry. The HPF is widely recognized as an important event for discourse on the future of heat pumps not only for China but also for the world.

China Leads the Way

China holds a pre-eminent position in the global air-to-water (ATW) heat pump market. According to JARN’s special issue on "The World ATW Heat Pump Market – 2024 Update" [1], the ATW market in China grew to 2.47 million units in 2023 (Figure 1). China not only manufactures heat pumps for its domestic use but also exports heat pumps, especially to Australia, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain.

Every year for eight years, from 2014 to 2021, ATW heat pump sales in China exceeded the sales in all other countries combined. Meanwhile, sales of heat pumps in Europe caught up with and exceeded sales in Japan, although this growth of heat pumps in Europe slowed in 2023.

Figure 1: The ATW market in China grew to 2.47 million units in 2023. (Courtesy of JARN.)‎

Spotlight on the 2024 Heat Pump Forum in Shanghai

The most recent HPF was held this past summer at the Convention Center in the Songjiang New City International Ecological Business District. This setting was appropriate because Shanghai is living proof of what can be accomplished in a short period of time. The rapid development of Shanghai and indeed all of China is a modern miracle [2].

More than a thousand heat pump professionals espoused the continual improvement and sustainable development of the heat pump industry. (See Figure 2.) Speakers addressed the "hot topics" of markets, policy, and technology in nine specialized sessions:

1. High-Temperature Heat Pumps and Industrial Applications
2. Heat Pump Market Growth and Breakthroughs
3. Clean Heating Development Forum
4. International Policies and Market Development for Heat Pumps
5. Heat Pump Exports and Refrigerant Substitution
6. Multi-Energy Complementary Technologies
7. Commercial Heating and Regional Energy Digitalization
8. Comfort Systems Development
9. Drying and Special Applications.

Figure 2: The 2024 China Heat Pump Forum, Plenary conference, Shanghai, China. More than a thousand heat pump professionals espoused the industry's continual improvement and sustainable development. Speakers addressed the "hot topics" of markets, policy, and technology in the plenary conference and nine specialized sessions.

To facilitate communications, spoken words were translated in real-time and projected onto screens along with the slideshow presentations. Simultaneous translators provided audio translations through headsets in select sessions as well. Technical papers were printed and bound with many of the abstracts, figure captions and charts translated into English.

CHPA executive general secretary Hengyi Zhao emphasized how heat pump technology is characterized by energy savings, low carbon emissions, and other environmental benefits. According to Zhao, the reason for the rapid replacement of fossil fuels by heat pumps is that they optimize thermal energy production, especially in middle and low-temperature ranges. "Heat pumps are the key to new, high-quality, productive forces in the thermal energy field. The technologies have significant implications for green, low-carbon transitions in heating sectors in China and globally," says Zhao.(See Figure 3.)

Figure 3: Hengyi (Cooper) Zhao, general secretary of CHPA, presentation for the China heat pump industry annual report of 2024

IEA on the 2024 Heat Pump Forum in Shanghai

This year, the International Energy Agency (IEA) published "The Future of Heat Pumps in China." The 129-page report is the result of collaboration between the IEA and the Tsinghua University Building Energy Research Center (BERC). Created in 2005, the BERC is devoted to the development of energy-efficient and environmentally responsible buildings in China in accordance with national and international energy and environmental targets. Hengyi Zhao (China Heat Pumps Alliance) and ChinaIO especially were acknowledged for their support on data collection and valuable insights. The full report is available for free download from the IEA website [3].

IEA Analysts Chiara Delmastro and Rafael Martinez Gordan reviewed the new report on the second day of the HPF in the session on the International Heat Pump Policy and Market Development Forum. Their presentation on “The Future of Heat Pump in China” covered the highlights of this IEA report of the same name.

Caroline Haglund Stignor, manager of the Heat Pump Centre, the program office of the Technology Collaboration Programme on Heat Pumping Technologies (HPT TCP by IEA), delivered a second IEA presentation titled “The Heat Pump Global Market and Technology Development” in the session on “Heat Pump Export and Refrigerant Substitution Forum” [4]. (See Figure 4.)

Figure 4: Caroline Haglund Stignor described existing IEA Heat Pumping Technology Annexes at the 2024 China Heat Pump Forum, Shanghai, China.

What is a Heat Pump?

One topic frequently discussed was the definition of a heat pump, especially in the context of industry statistics. It was noted by several attendees that the definition varies depending on the region of the world. In China, for example, split-type reversible residential appliances are not counted in heat pump statistics, even though the number of units sold is very large. Most split-type room air conditioners can now also provide heating by running them in a reverse cycle. These are not counted as heat pumps in market statistics for China. On the other hand, in the United States and other regions, these reversible split units would be considered heat pumps, which distorts the market statistics.

Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) technology has greatly improved over the past decade. These systems are more economical than ground source heat pumps (GSHPs), especially with respect to installation costs. The heat collected at the outdoor evaporator of an ASHP can raise the air temperature in space heating with an air-to-air (ATA) HP; or, more commonly in China, it can be used to raise the temperature of water in an air-to-water (ATW) HP.

In recent years, ATW heat pumps have become popular across residential, commercial, industrial, and district heating applications in China. One of the main advantages of such ATW system is that the refrigerant stays in a sealed unit outdoors, and cold or hot water is sent to the building. This enables the use of flammable natural refrigerants such as propane at higher charge levels. ATW hot water output can be used to heat spaces as well as domestic hot water (DHW), which is stored in water tanks and comes in contact with humans. The versatility and environmental friendliness of ATW HPs have led to their high popularity and an accelerated rate of adoption across China's climate zones. The IEA has provided a detailed schematic of all the major heat pump types and their applications [5].

The European Market

The European Heat Pump Association was represented at the HPF by Mélanie Auvray, Policy Manager, who traveled to Shanghai to present in the session ‎on European Policies and Market Development for Heat Pumps (Figure 5). Also, EHPA's new President, Patrick Crombez, shared his insights through a special video message [6].

Figure 5: EHPA, Mélanie Auvray, Policy Manager of EHPA, presentation about European Policies and Market Development for Heat Pumps

Auvray attributes the lower numbers in 2023 to natural gas prices, electricity prices, high interest rates, political debate, reduced ambition, and uncertain subsidy schemes. EHPA released a four-page manifesto for the European Union in February 2024, stressing these five points:

1. Set Clear Policy Direction and Targets
2. Make Heat Pumps Affordable for All
3. Strengthen Industrial Leadership and Skills
4. Unlock the Full Potential of Large Heat Pumps
5. Use Heat Pumps' Flexibility to Support the Energy System

"Heat Pumps: The Heart of Europe's Energy Future: EHPA priorities for EU policy 2024-2029" is the title of the Manifesto, which serves as an excellent executive-level briefing on European heat pump markets and policies. It is available for free download [7].

BDC Represents USA

At the HPF, Panama Bartholomy reviewed the American heat pump markets and policy trends in a well-received presentation [8]. Bartholomy is currently the Executive Director of the Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC), a cross-sectoral initiative to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from the built environment. He worked for many years with the California Energy Commission before joining the BDC. Bartholomy concurs that the ATW market has not developed in the USA in part because blown-air furnaces are more prevalent in the USA compared to hydronic systems. He pointed to the importance of legislation at the state level in driving the adoption of heat pumps See Figure 6.

Figure 6: Panama Bartholomy pointed to the importance of legislation at the state level in driving the adoption of heat pumps in the United States.

Natural Refrigerants

Jan Dusek, Co-founder, Group COO, & Head of APAC, ATMOsphere traveled to the HPF to make the case for the use of natural refrigerants. Dusek presented in the session on Heat Pump Exports and Refrigerant Substitution [9]. He described the trend toward natural refrigerants over the past 15 years in parallel with the emergence of the heat pump marketplace. He pointed out the many models of heat pumps on display at the ISH in March 2023. See Figure 5. Many models use ultralow-GWP propane refrigerant in residential heat pumps as well as commercial-sized heat pumps. Dusek also reviewed the success of the R744 residential hot water heat pumps in Japan, commenting on how the cost came down dramatically thanks to competition.

Figure 7: Jan Dusek from ATMOsphere reviewed the success of natural refrigerants in heat pump applications.

A Major New Global Market Report

A highlight of the HPF was the debut of The Global Heat Pump Market Report (2024). This major global report was jointly produced by the China Heat Pump Alliance (CHPA) and Beijing Zhixindao Sci-Tech Corp., Ltd. ‎‎(ChinaIOL). The Report is available for free download [10]. (See Figure 8).

Figure 8: A new market report from the CHPA and ChinaIOL debuted at the Heat Pump Forum and is now available for free download [10].

The Global Heat Pump Market Report draws on multiple research projects by both CHPA and ChinaIOL. It embodies the ‎market research data and technical results accumulated over many years by the two parties. It ‎systematically describes the current state of the global heat pump industry, elaborates on ‎trends, and predicts future developments. The report not only sets forth a global policy profile ‎and technical standards but also analyzes local heat pump markets in Asia, Europe, North ‎America, and other regions, focusing on the development of the Chinese market. It is divided into five parts:

1. The global industry
2. Regional markets
3. The ‎Chinese market
4. Global forecasts, and
5. Brand showcasing.

Its content is further ‎subdivided into space heating, sanitary hot water, industrial and agricultural drying, upstream ‎components, and industry forecasts. The report reasonably predicts the scale of global ‎demand for heat pumps while focusing on specific markets and applications.‎ The market research encompasses air-source heat pumps for water heaters and ‎heating but excludes heat pump drying products and swimming pool heat pumps. Chinese ‎market research includes household air-to-water heat pumps, VRF with hydronic heating ‎modules, low-temperature air-to-air heat pumps, commercial air-to-water heat pumps, heat ‎pumps, and wall-hung gas boiler 2-in-1 systems, (water) ground source heat pumps, and ‎absorption heat pumps.‎

The Procurement Process

The HPF would not be complete without the procurement exhibition. Next-generation cold-climate heat pumps from innovative companies boasted good efficiency at ambient temperatures as low as – 36 °C (i.e., – 33 °F).

Manufacturers included Grundfos for water pumps, Highly, Danfoss, and Copeland for compressors, and many others for expansion valves, distributors, pipe connectors, water tanks and much more. A designer could identify economical and reliable suppliers of high-quality products for practically any heat exchanger system design.

More than one hundred companies showcased premium heat pumps and heat pump components in spaces just outside the conference rooms. These companies typically have manufacturing plants on multiple continents. (See Figure 9).

Figure 9: Exhibit Floor at the 2024 China Heat Pump Forum.

Conclusion

Today, China is at the center of heat pump research, product development, and manufacturing. The HPF is an annual event that typically draws more than 1500 participants from around the globe. Even more participants are expected in 2025 as the uptake of heat pumps accelerates globally. There is no question that traditional heating by fossil fuels will be replaced by heat pumps. It is now only a matter of when this will happen. Current models of climate change warn that this transition needs to be scaled up in a matter of years, not decades. Already, we are halfway through the decade of the heat pump, and the transition is just beginning. Anyone involved in decision-making in the HP sector should make plans to attend the 2025 Heat Pump Conference [11].

References

1. JARN, "The World ATW Heat Pump Market – 2024 Update," July 2024.

https://www.ejarn.com/detail.php?id=84611

2. Songjiang Plan awarded for 'green development' concept, Official Website of Songjiang District,

'Songjiang Plan' awarded for 'green development' concept | Songjiang

3.https://www.iea.org/reports/the-future-of-heat-pumps-in-china/executive-summary

4. Caroline Haglund Stignor, “Heat Pump Export and Refrigerant Substitution Forum,” Presentation at the 2024 China Heat Pump Forum, Shanghai, China.
5. IEA, “Schematic: Heat pump types and applications,” in “The Future of Heat Pumps in China – Analysis,”

https://www.iea.org/reports/the-future-of-heat-pumps-in-china/schematic-heat-pump-types-and-applications

6. EHPA News, “EHPA heads to Shanghai for the 2024 China Heat Pump Forum,” 5 August 2024, EHPA heads to Shanghai for the 2024 China Heat Pump Forum - European Heat Pump Association.
7. EHPA Manifesto, "Heat Pumps: The Heart of Europe's Energy Future: EHPA priorities for EU policy 2024-2029," 16 February 2024.
8. Building Decarbonization Commission Website: Driving the Future of Electrification | BDC (buildingdecarb.org).
9. About ATMOsphere, https://atmosphere.cool/about/ . Download CHPF slideshow from https://naturalrefrigerants.com/partner/the-china-heat-pump-alliance-chpa/
10. The Global Heat Pump Market Report (2024). Produced by the China Heat Pump Alliance (CHPA) and Beijing Zhixindao Sci-Tech Corp., Ltd. ‎‎(ChinaIOL). Free download: http://www.chinaiol.com/download/index.html.
11. CHPA, “About Us” http://www.chpa.org.cn/Index/lists/catid/10.html.

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The agenda for the meeting will include a brief update on new international collaboration projects (annexes) in the pipeline and existing ideas and proposals that are currently under discussion and development within the HPT TCP. Part of the meeting will be allocated to an ideation process for the generation and development of new ideas. A detailed agenda will follow shortly.

The preliminary agenda for the workshop is given below:

• Introduction
  • Welcome & Update on the revised Strategic Work Plan 2023-2028 for HPT TCP (Caroline Haglund Stignor from RISE/HPC, Sweden)
• Update about new projects (annexes) in the pipeline and already existing ideas and proposals
  • Project 66 "Optimal Heat Pump Design and Operation for Broader Acceptance" – New Project (former Annex) – Riley Bradley Barta from Purdue University, USA
  • Digital services for heat pumps (legal text approved) – Bernd Windholz from AIT, Austria
  • Industrial High-Temperature Heat Pumps – Martin Pihl Andersen from DTI, Denmark
  • Flexibility from centralized heat pumps in thermal networks and industrial hubs or from coordinated operation of distributed heat pumps – Morten Herget Christensen from DTI, Denmark
  • Heat pumps for hydrogen and carbon capture – Veronika Wilk, AIT, Austria
  • Follow-up on Annex 62 Heat Pumps for Residential Multifamily Buildings in Cities – Kyra Sophie Rimrodt from Fraunhofer-Institut, Germany
  • Enhanced miniaturized components - tbd
  • Comfort and Climate Box solutions for cooling and dehumidification – tbd
  • Advanced vapor-compression and non-vapour-compression technologies for heating, cooling, and refrigeration - tbd
• Brainstorming/Workshop, suggestion of new Project/Annex Topics
• HPT Magazine Topics for 2025
• Conclusion of the meeting

Please register for the meeting no later than October 11. We will send out a meeting link well in advance of the meeting.

You are welcome to forward this invitation to other researchers and industry representatives etc., from your country.

Caroline Haglund Stignor and Metkel Yebiyo

Heat Pump Centre

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The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Heat Pumping Technologies (HPT) Annex 64, focused on “Safety with Flammable Refrigerants,” will host a seminar at the Chillventa Congress to be held from October 7 to 10, 2024, in Nuremberg, Germany. The seminar will delve into the safety aspects and strategies for using flammable refrigerants in heat pumps, featuring insights from global experts and ongoing research.

The following presentations will be given during the seminar:

·October 7, 2024 (13:25 – 13:40 Room Kiew, NCC Ost, Level 2):
Safety with Flammable Refrigerants – IEA HPT Annex 64 Presentation
Speaker: Björn Palm (KTH Royal Institute of Technology)
This presentation will cover the ongoing work within IEA HPT Annex 64, focusing
on safety considerations when using flammable refrigerants in heat pump
systems.

·October 7, 2024 (13:40 – 14:00 Room Kiew, NCC Ost, Level 2):
Consequences and Prospects of the Broad Use of R-290 in Heat Pumps in
Germany
Speaker: Thore Oltersdorf (Fraunhofer-Institut für Solare
Energiesysteme ISE)
This session will explore the widespread use of R-290 (propane) in heat pumps
across Germany, discussing safety concepts and developments for multi-story
buildings.

·October 7, 2024 (14:00 – 14:20 Room Kiew, NCC Ost, Level 2):
Methods for Refrigerant Charge Determination in Residential Heat Pumps –
IEA HPT Annex 64 Presentation
Speaker: Odile Cauret (EDF / Mines Paris)
This presentation will highlight research results from a PhD thesis
collaboration between EDF and Mines Paris, discussing refrigerant charge
determination methods in residential heat pumps.

·October 7, 2024 (14:20 – 14:40 Room Kiew, NCC Ost, Level 2):
Overview of Flammable Refrigerants Research in the United States
Speakers: Kashif Nawaz (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) &
Xudong Wang
This presentation will provide an overview of recent collaborative research
efforts in the U.S. on flammable refrigerants and outline future plans.

·October 7, 2024 (14:40 – 15:00 Room Kiew, NCC Ost, Level 2):
Strategies for Refrigerant Charge Reduction in Heat Pumps Using Flammable
Refrigerants
Speaker: Minkyu Jung (Chung-Ang University)
Charge reduction is crucial when using flammable refrigerants like R-290
(propane). This session will discuss various strategies for reducing
refrigerant charge in heat pump systems.

The seminar offers a unique opportunity to learn about the latest
innovations and safety measures for using flammable refrigerants, especially in
the context of transitioning towards low-GWP (Global Warming Potential)
solutions in heat pump technology. For more information and a complete schedule, visit the Chillventa Congress website.

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