To Decide on the Future Work in the TCP the Executive Committee Met in Madrid

At the beginning of November, about 35 representatives from 16 countries, including South Korea, Japan, Canada, the United States, and, and 12 European states traveled to Madrid for the bi-annual Executive Committee Meeting of the Technology Collaboration Programme on Heat Pumping Technologies.

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.