06 September 2024
Broadening horizons: Heat pumps for every apartment
Nowadays, heat pumps are a hot topic. Recently, they’ve been hailed as crucial for reducing reliance on (Russian) fossil fuels, even earning the nickname “peace pumps” from environmentalist Bill McKibben. This technology is praised for its efficiency, use of renewable or waste energy, and significant reduction of CO2 emissions, helping Europe meet energy and climate targets. However, high electricity prices limit its success, and critics put forward doubt on its suitability for old, unrenovated buildings. Despite these concerns, more than 20 million heat pumps are in operation throughout Europe, with thousands of examples in various building types, industrial applications, and district heating.