A new non-profit initiative, Heat Pumps Watch, has been launched by Dr. Marek Miara, a long-time researcher at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, to provide independent, science-based information about heat pumps. The platform aims to support professionals, policymakers, and homeowners in making informed decisions during the heating transition.
Heat Pumps Watch gathers and presents scientific findings in a clear and accessible way. According to Dr. Miara, the initiative addresses a key barrier in the heat transition: a lack of trust in heat pump technology. “We want to remedy this with easily accessible information,” he said during European Heat Pump Day. Miara has been active in heat pump research at Fraunhofer ISE since 2003 and has recently focused on communicating findings to the public.
The organization’s first project is an 18-part series funded by the Climate Neutrality Foundation. It answers common questions about heat pumps, including their use in existing buildings and potential integration with artificial intelligence.
An advisory board supports Heat Pumps Watch with expertise from various sectors. Members include Jan Rosenow, Tanja Loitz, Thomas Nowak, Anja Floetenmeyer-Woltmann, and Prof. Dr. Peter Schossig of Fraunhofer ISE. “The electrification through heat pumps is crucial,” said Prof. Schossig, emphasizing that over 50 percent of final energy consumption in Germany is related to heat.
Heat Pumps Watch plans to expand its scope beyond Fraunhofer ISE research, incorporating findings from international institutions.
