European Heat Pump Summit impresses the international sector

Attracting around 424 participants from 38 countries, the European Heat Pump Summit 2025 once again underscored its pulling power. The broad presence of experts from industry, research, and academia  reaffirmed the event’s role as the key knowledge and networking platform for the international heat pump sector. It reveals itself as strong and forward-looking – an impression that was underpinned by some 40 high-calibre presentations. In the accompanying Foyer Expo, 32 exhibitors showcased their latest technological developments and innovative solutions.

“The European Heat Pump Summit is a place where expertise meets practice – and that’s precisely what makes it so valuable for the international heat pump community,” stresses Daniela Heinkel, Director European Heat Pump Summit and Chillventa at NürnbergMesse. “To experience the openness and enthusiasm with which the participants engaged in professional dialogue was a genuine highlight for me personally. The large turnout and vibrant atmosphere reinforce the importance of the Summit for the industry.”

Dr Rainer Jakobs, technical coordinator of the European Heat Pump Summit and the Chillventa CONGRESS, was very pleased with the outcomes: “The contents reflected the ongoing evolution of the heat pump sector and its growing relevance in various fields of application. Alongside market analyses and policy frameworks, the focus was on leading-edge topics – such as modelling methods with digital simulation, including digital twins, or heat pump solutions for industry, and district heating in the megawatt range. It is remarkable that even established companies from the engine manufacturing and machine construction sectors are increasingly engaging with heat pump technology and are thus contributing to the ongoing development of the sector.

Congress programme helps heat pump sector navigate the way forward

The two-day congress programme offered a wide range of high-calibre presentations on current developments and challenges in heat pump technology. The focus topics included policy frameworks and the current market situation, as presented by the EHPA (European Heat Pump Association), for example, in its talk “From policy to certification”. The market analyses on the German and Dutch heat pump market also showed the extent to which political decisions and infrastructural changes influence the development of technology.

Presentations from the mechanical engineering sector explained how established industrial sectors are gearing themselves towards heat pump technology. For example, Manon Längle from Getzner Werkstoffe GmbH spoke about vibration minimisation, while Andreas Baumgartner from AVL List GmbH explained how automotive testing methods are advancing heat pump technology.
Technological innovations were also presented using the example of the world’s largest R-744 heat pump project in Esbjerg, Denmark, which is setting new benchmarks for industrial applications. This was complemented by presentations on the use of industrial waste heat, the integration of several heat sources in existing buildings, and the modelling of compressor processes with flammable refrigerants.

The wide range of topics reflected the breadth of the sector – from quiet heat pump solutions for living areas to megawatt applications for district heating. During these presentations, it became clear that the heat pump is not just the key technology for the energy transition but also a driver of interdisciplinary knowledge sharing.

“Connecting Experts”: networking with a personal touch

At the get-together on the first evening of the congress, many participants took advantage of the relaxed atmosphere to round off the day together, make new contacts, and nurture existing networks as they enjoyed regional delicacies and lively conversations. As a result, this informal gathering quickly became the social high point of the Summit and underlined the importance of personal encounters.

Foyer Expo – dialogue with market players

Accompanying the congress, 32 companies presented their solutions right next to the auditorium, offering an ideal opportunity for direct exchanges while demonstrating the connection between theory and practice. Among the German exhibitors, for example, Bitzer presented energy-efficient compressor technologies, while Ziehl Abegg demonstrated its cutting-edge fan and control solutions for quiet yet powerful heat pump systems. At the international level, the Foyer Expo included Danish company Danfoss with its smart control and sensor solutions, and Japanese company Mayekawa, renowned for industrial waste heat utilisation. This combination of component development, digital intelligence, and industrial process innovation once again underscores the motto “Chillventa Connecting Experts” – as industry specialists meet their peers and work together to expedite concrete solutions.

Save the date

The next opportunity for international industry dialogue will be Chillventa 2026, which is set to take place in Nuremberg from 13 to 15 October 2026. The Chillventa Congress will start the day before, on 12 October 2026. The next European Heat Pump Summit will be held from 26-27 October 2027.