Watch video: Pioneering projects are pushing the boundaries of industrial decarbonisation (2026)
This video showcases how pioneering industrial projects are pushing high-temperature heat pumps from research into real-world operation – and redefining what is possible in industrial decarbonisation. As the need for rapid emission reductions grows, first-of-a-kind installations are proving that high-temperature heat pumps can deliver reliable, low-carbon process heat at scale.
Focusing on projects such as SPIRIT, VICINITY and AHEAD, the video highlights how advanced high-temperature heat pump systems using natural refrigerants and unconventional heat sources – including river water - are moving from the lab to full-scale industrial environments. These projects demonstrate steam production at high temperatures, show how quickly decarbonisation results can be achieved, and provide concrete evidence that industrial processes can be electrified without compromising performance.
Hear directly from Veronika Wilk (AIT), Kenneth Hoffmann (GEA), and Thomas Staude (Everllence) in this video.
Through insights from these three project stakeholders, the video explores the main technological advancements, the challenges encountered during design, installation and operation, and how these were overcome. It sheds light on the keys to success - from rigorous testing and validation to close collaboration between research, technology providers and industrial users - and explains why real-world demonstrations are essential to build confidence in new solutions.
These early successes are helping to de-risk investment, inspire similar initiatives across sectors and regions, and accelerate the broader rollout of high-temperature heat pumps in industry.