ZIMBA at the 15th IEA Heat Pump Conference 2026
11.06.2026
From 26 to 29 May 2026, Vienna became a key meeting point for the global heat pump community during the 15th IEA Heat Pump Conference (HPC2026). Bringing together participants from research, industry and policymaking, the event offered a rich forum for exchanging ideas, showcasing new developments, and discussing the role of heat pump technologies in the energy transition. With a comprehensive programme of scientific presentations, workshops, and policy discussions, the conference highlighted the growing importance of innovation in driving the decarbonisation of heating and cooling systems.
The presented work addressed both technological innovation and policy-related challenges linked to industrial heat decarbonisation. On the technical side, the contributions focused on the development and optimisation of ammonia–water absorption heat transformer systems, including innovative ejector designs aimed at extending the operating range and enabling the production of low-pressure steam for industrial applications.
In parallel, the policy-oriented paper explored the barriers to industrial heat electrification across Europe, offering recommendations to support the wider adoption of heat pump technologies and accelerate the transition towards low-carbon industry. Further details are available in the conference proceedings, accessible here.
The presented papers include:
- CFD-based ejector design to extend the operating range of ammonia/water absorption heat transformers
- Design of a water-ammonia heat transformer with an ejector for low-pressure steam generation in extended operating range
- Accelerating Industrial Heat Electrification in Europe: Barriers and Policy Recommendations to Heat Pump Adoption
ZIMBA contributions to HPC2026
The ZIMBA project was represented at HPC2026 by partners from CEA, Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI), and OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, contributing to the conference’s scientific programme with three research papers.
Contributions across key conference sessions
ZIMBA’s research was featured in two central thematic tracks of the conference:
- ICO – Innovative Components, focusing on advanced technological solutions for heat pump systems
- POS – Policies & Strategies for Heat Pump Roll-out, addressing the regulatory and market framework needed for large-scale deployment
Relevance for industrial decarbonisation
ZIMBA’s contributions at HPC2026 highlight the project’s focus on developing efficient and flexible ways to make better use of industrial waste heat. By advancing ammonia–water absorption heat transformer technology, ZIMBA is working towards delivering high-temperature heat with lower emissions, supporting industries in moving away from fossil fuel-based processes.
At the same time, addressing policy and market barriers ensures that technological innovation is matched with the necessary conditions for deployment, reinforcing the role of heat pumps as a key technology for achieving Europe’s climate objectives.
Engagement and collaboration
Beyond the presentations, HPC2026 offered a great opportunity for the ZIMBA consortium to engage with the international heat pump community, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations. The event facilitated interactions with researchers, industry representatives, and policymakers, strengthening the project’s visibility and positioning within the broader innovation landscape.
ZIMBA’s participation was supported by a multidisciplinary team, including Hai Trieu Phan, Tommaso Toppi, Giovanni Vaghini, and Cordin Arpagaus, whose contributions reflect the strong collaboration across project partners.