IEA HPT - Heat Pumping Technologies

Heat pumps, which use the heat in air, earth, and water, have the potential to greatly reduce consumption of fossil fuels and CO₂ emissions. However, the prominence and popularity of this technology differ widely from country to country, depending on the price of electricity and the price of other energy carriers. In addition, the country’s energy infrastructure, the population’s prosperity and ecological awareness, and the climatic conditions all play a role.

This is the field in which the Technology Collaboration Programme on Heat Pumping Technologies (HPT TCP) works. These technologies involve raising heat from a low temperature to a higher one, such as heat pumps, air conditioning, and refrigeration.

The goals of HPT TCP are:

• determining and promoting the energy-saving potential and environmental benefits (locally and   globally) of heat pumping technologies,
• developing and supplying information materials to support the introduction of suitable heat pumping technologies,
• facilitating and supporting international cooperation to develop knowledge, systems, and practices relating to heat pumping technologies through continued research, development, demonstration, and introduction,
• providing an effective information flow between interest groups and other relevant organizations.
  
  

As part of the HPT Technology Collaboration Programme, the Heat Pump Centre (HPC) provides information about the various topics and new projects concerning the energy efficiency and environmental friendliness of heat pumping technologies. The centre’s activities are aimed at national and international stakeholders who can help to support the use of heat pumps. Its target groups are policymakers, energy agencies, manufacturers, researchers, public utilities, planners, end consumers, installers, and other organizations. Along with distributing information, HPT’s fundamental task is to promote international cooperation in research, development, and distribution in the field of heat pumping technologies and to accelerate technological progress with regard to energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, and sustainability.

Another important activity of the programme is the organization of an international conference that takes place every three years, the IEA Heat Pump Conference. Experts from industry, research, and politics are invited to the event to find out about and discuss the latest developments in heat pumping technologies and their applications.