Copeland has announced a strategic investment in BlueHeart Energy, a Netherlands-based startup developing a thermo-acoustic heat pump. The move reflects Copeland’s strategy to support emerging technologies that contribute to decarbonising heating systems and achieving net-zero emissions.
BlueHeart’s technology offers a compact, low-noise alternative to traditional compressors, particularly suited for smaller residential applications. The startup's thermo-acoustic system is designed to operate quietly and efficiently, potentially complementing conventional scroll compressor-based systems.
“This investment will assist BlueHeart in taking their novel technology to commercial readiness and reinforces Copeland's dedication to driving the global energy transition and delivering efficient, sustainable heating solutions worldwide,” said Ross B. Shuster, CEO of Copeland.
BlueHeart aims to use the investment to scale production, support industrialisation, and meet application-specific needs in global markets. “As a result, BlueHeart can take a major leap forward in bringing the BlueHeart system to market complemented and supported by a leading global partner,” said Michiel Hartman, CEO of BlueHeart Energy.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that clean heat technologies such as heat pumps must account for 50% of global sales by 2030 to meet the Paris Agreement target of net-zero emissions by 2050. Heat pumps could reduce global CO₂ emissions by at least 500 million tonnes by the end of this decade, according to IEA projections.
Copeland will provide support to BlueHeart in areas including design for manufacturing, market strategy, customer engagement, and access to global sales channels. The collaboration is intended to accelerate product development and help BlueHeart reach commercial viability.
The European Innovation Council Fund has also joined as a strategic investor, further signalling confidence in the potential impact of BlueHeart’s thermo-acoustic heat pump technology.