The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) has published a new Technical Brief, “Domestic Heat Pumps Using Hydrocarbons: Current Status and Market Overview in Europe”, spotlighting the transformative potential of hydrocarbon-based heat pumps in decarbonizing the European heating sector.
Heating systems account for at least 25% of global energy consumption, with governments and industries prioritizing the shift away from fossil fuels and synthetic refrigerants due to their environmental and health impacts. Hydrocarbons (HCs), such as propane (R290), offer a sustainable alternative with low toxicity, zero ozone depletion potential, and exceptional thermophysical properties.
While hydrocarbons present significant advantages, challenges such as flammability risks and the need for HC-optimized components remain. The Technical Brief emphasizes continued innovation in system designs, risk mitigation measures, and scaling up production to address these barriers.
The report underscores the readiness of the industry to adopt hydrocarbon-based solutions, supported by advancements in compressors and heat exchangers and substantial investments by manufacturers in HC technologies.
Prepared under the coordination of Alberto Coronas, the document is freely available to IIR members, with a Summary for Policymakers accessible in open access.
For more information and to download the Technical Brief, visit the IIR website or contact info@iifiir.org.
This publication reinforces the pivotal role of hydrocarbons in driving Europe’s energy transition and achieving sustainability in the heating sector.