Carel iconCarelSep 17, 2026 ~1 min source read

High-temperature industrial heat pumps: an overview

Industry accounts for 38% of global energy consumption and consequently a large part of greenhouse gas emissions [1]. To achieve a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050, heating and cooling processes, which make up 50% of global energy consumption, must become more efficient [2].

High-temperature industrial heat pumps: an overview

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Useful takeaways from this story.

Industry accounts for 38% of global energy consumption and consequently a large part of greenhouse gas emissions [1].

To achieve a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050, heating and cooling processes, which make up 50% of global energy consumption, must become more efficient [2].

The EU has taken a clear and decisive direction, and procedures such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) have a wider impact globally.

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The useful part

Industry accounts for 38% of global energy consumption and consequently a large part of greenhouse gas emissions [1]. To achieve a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050, heating and cooling processes, which make up 50% of global energy consumption, must become more efficient [2]. The EU has taken a clear and decisive direction, and procedures such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) have a wider impact globally.

How it works

  • In the industrial sector, however, HTHPs work with significantly hotter heat sources and loads.
  • In this scenario, industrial high-temperature heat pumps (HTHPs) are emerging as one of the key technologies in this transition.
  • Technology A high-temperature heat pump is a reverse cycle thermodynamic system designed to convert heat at a lower temperature into heat at a significantly higher temperature.
  • System efficiency is defined by the COP (coefficient of performance) and is theoretically limited by the ideal Carnot cycle.

Details worth keeping

The aim is to prevent the delocalisation of carbon emissions. This difference in operating range brings specific technological challenges, but also enormous potential: the aim is to electrify industrial heating, reducing the use of fossil fuels, and providing heat at temperatures between 90°C and 150°C <...

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