A new EU-funded initiative, HP4INDUSTRY, has been launched to accelerate the decarbonisation of industrial heating and cooling by developing replicable large-scale heat pump systems. The project, which began with a kick-off meeting on 20 January 2026, will run for three years and focuses on low- and medium-temperature applications using geothermal, solar thermal and waste heat sources.
The initiative aims to address the current lack of standardised heat pump solutions for industry. Existing systems are often bespoke, which can increase costs and complexity while limiting efficiency and CO2 reduction potential. HP4INDUSTRY seeks to develop heat pump-based solutions that are easier to replicate and scale across different sectors, particularly pulp and paper, food and beverage, and chemicals.
The project follows a three-phase approach. First, it will assess industrial heating and cooling needs and identify suitable heat upgrade technologies. Next, the consortium will develop and test standardised solutions under real-world industrial conditions. The final phase will focus on replication and outreach to support broader market adoption.
According to Philippe Dumas, Secretary General at the European Geothermal Energy Council and coordinator of HP4INDUSTRY, “Energy security, affordability and competitiveness are at the heart of today’s policy-making, and industrial heat pumps deliver on all three. By bringing together clean tech providers with end users, HP4INDUSTRY aims to generate new business partnerships and help to increase the take-up of heat pump solutions.”
HP4INDUSTRY is funded under the European Union’s LIFE Programme. The consortium includes the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC), European Heat Pump Association (EHPA), Turboden SPA, Smart Energy Europe, Optit Srl, Stichting S-ISPT, Solar Heat Europe, MM Frohnleiten GmbH, CO.PRO.B – Cooperativa Produttori Bieticoli Società Cooperativa Agricola, and Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
