GEA installs ammonia heat pumps at Utilitas Väo energy complex in Tallinn

GEA has commissioned four high-efficiency heat pumps at the Utilitas Väo energy complex in Tallinn, including the first GEA Grasso L XHP screw compressor-based heat pump. The system recovers waste heat from a biomass CHP plant to supply district heating to approximately 8,000 homes and businesses, supporting the city’s target of net-zero emissions by 2050.

The installation includes three GEA Grasso LT screw compressors (model XB) and the newly developed GEA Grasso L XHP screw compressor, operating at up to 70 bar. The heat pumps dynamically adjust supply temperatures—65°C in summer, 85°C in winter, and up to 95°C if required. The recovered low-temperature heat, up to 35°C (95°F), is raised to 82°C (179.6°F) for district heating through second-stage flue gas condensers, reducing the use of back-up boilers and associated emissions.

Utilitas Tallinn CEO Robert Kitt stated that the project contributes to the company’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. “The Väo energy complex is a crucial step towards that goal,” said Kitt. “Choosing to work with GEA for this installation is entirely in line with that strategy: We knew we had a reliable partner who would offer an efficient and sustainable solution.”

The GEA heat pumps use ammonia as a natural refrigerant. “Its thermodynamic properties and long service life make it a long-term solution that is in line with evolving refrigerant regulations,” said Kenneth Hoffmann, Manager Heat Pumps at GEA Heating & Refrigeration Technologies.

In the first heating season, the system produced approximately 80,000 MWh of heating energy. According to Indrek Sang, Project Team Leader at Utilitas Tallinn, the installation has reduced annual CO₂ emissions by 20,000 tons. “We have achieved a coefficient of performance (COP) of more than four,” Sang said.