IIR Releases Technical Brief on Domestic Hydrocarbon Heat Pumps: Key Role in Europe's Energy Transition

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.

Addressing the Heating Sector's Environmental Impact

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.

Highlights from the Technical Brief

The document, authored by IIR experts from leading European research institutes, presents the following insights:

• Market Growth: Europe aims to install 30 million hydronic domestic heat pumps (DHPs) by 2030, potentially reducing residential CO2 emissions by up to 46%.
• Advantages of Hydrocarbons: Propane’s energy efficiency, heat transfer properties, and technological compatibility position it as a preferred refrigerant for DHPs.
• Safety Advancements: Updates to IEC 60335-2-40 safety standards allow for higher HC refrigerant charges, enabling their use in larger systems while maintaining safety.
• Policy Drivers: The EU’s 2024 F-Gas Regulation prohibits high Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants in new systems under 12 kW by 2035, accelerating the shift to hydrocarbon-based solutions.

Challenges and Innovations

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.

Industry Readiness and Investments

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.

Accessing the Technical Brief

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.