The European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) has highlighted the potential of industrial heat pumps to reduce CO2 emissions by 25% across the EU manufacturing sector. With the widespread adoption of this technology, the EU could see a significant decrease in industrial emissions. This would make a vital contribution to its climate goals.

Industrial Heat Pumps: A Game-Changer for Emissions Reduction

The EU’s industrial sector is a major consumer of energy, with more than 60% of its energy usage dedicated to heat for manufacturing processes. The EHPA estimates that industrial heat pumps could supply up to 37% of the industry’s process heat. This is thermal energy used in manufacturing. If fully deployed, this technology could reduce CO2 emissions by 146 million tonnes annually. This is equivalent to 24% of the sector’s current emissions, which is more than the annual emissions of Czechia.

Paul Kenny, Director General of the EHPA, emphasizes the importance of heat pumps in creating a sustainable and competitive industrial sector. He notes that these systems are already providing reliable, cost-effective heat in various manufacturing sectors. These include paper production and food processing.

Overcoming Barriers to Heat Pump Adoption

While heat pumps are already widely used in residential and commercial buildings, their adoption in industrial processes remains limited. A significant portion of the energy used in industrial manufacturing, especially in processes like brewing, dairy production, and paper manufacturing, still relies on fossil fuels. Industrial heat pumps can efficiently reach temperatures of up to 200°C. This makes them suitable for many energy-intensive processes.

However, barriers such as high upfront costs and a lack of awareness about the technology’s potential are slowing down its adoption. To address this, the EU provides financial incentives like grants, loans, and tax rebates to help companies invest in industrial heat pumps. The EHPA also advocates for more focus on research, regulation, and information sharing. This would accelerate the widespread use of heat pumps.

The EU’s proposed Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act aims to streamline the decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries. It does so by facilitating investment in cleaner technologies and supporting green markets. The EHPA calls on the European Commission to prioritize industrial heat pumps in its climate policy. This would help meet the EU’s emissions targets.