The 2026 High-Temperature Heat Pump Symposium, held in January in Copenhagen, brought together industry, policy, and research stakeholders to discuss the growing role of high-temperature heat pumps (HTHPs) in industrial decarbonisation.
Participants emphasized that the technology is ready and deployment is already underway. Discussions focused on how to scale deployment more rapidly, with stable policy frameworks and access to clean, affordable electricity identified as key enablers.
System integration emerged as a central theme. According to Jozefien Vanbecelaere, Policy Director at the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA), Europe’s strength lies in integrating HTHP solutions into real industrial processes, not just in manufacturing. Early user involvement and coordination across the value chain were highlighted as essential to scaling repeatable projects.
The symposium also addressed the importance of flexibility, including the role of thermal and electrical storage. Participants explored how HTHPs can support the power system, noting that further potential remains to be unlocked through practical implementation and market design.
EHPA contributed to the event through stakeholder engagement and presentations of several EU-funded innovation projects, such as Push2Heat, BETTED, SPIRIT, EXQUISHEAT and GeoFlex. These initiatives demonstrate the shift of HTHPs from niche use cases to core components of industrial decarbonisation strategies.
