Record growth in the global heat pump market is leading to greater recognition of the importance of variable frequency (VFD) drive technology in the efforts to support decarbonisation and reduce climate change.

Today, at the international refrigeration technology summit Chillventa, in Nuremberg, Germany, Invertek Drives announced its membership of the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA). They met with the association’s Secretary General, Thomas Nowak, to discuss Invertek’s investment in VFD technology to support the rapidly growing heat pump market.

A global manufacturer and innovator of VFD technology, Invertek has already launched a VFD aimed specifically at OEMs involved in heat pump manufacturing. Optidrive Coolvert is designed to work specifically with heat pumps, BLDC compressors and CDUs. It is also supporting the growth in the refrigeration market where natural CO2 and propane refrigerants are used.

Heat pump sales in Europe grew by 34 per cent in 2021

“Heat pump sales in Europe grew by 34 per cent in 2021. That was 2.18 million heat pumps, an increase of more than half a million in just one year,” said Mike Carman of Invertek Drives.

“Globally, the sales of heat pumps are reaching significant levels countries tackle climate change and look to reduce carbon emissions through greater use of renewable technology.

“Our VFDs are already significantly reducing energy use in electric motor, pump and compressor applications and significantly increasing efficiencies in such processes. This is leading to a reduction in harmful emissions, helping support the drive to cut climate change.”

He added: “We recognise the importance of the heat pump market in supporting decarbonisation and the importance of VFD technology to support this. By becoming part of the ever-growing EHPA we will work with them, their members and other stakeholders to support the sector’s rapid growth globally.”

More than 44 million tonnes of CO2 emissions are now being avoided in Europe thanks to heat pumps 

The EHPA published a report on the European heat pump market in July. It revealed more than 2.18 million heat pumps were sold in 21 countries in 2021, an increase of 560,000 on 2020. It stated that more than 44 million tonnes of CO2 emissions were now being avoided.

EHPA Secretary General, Thomas Nowak, said: “Heat pumps boost Europe’s energy security and climate action, and the more the sector works together, the stronger we can be.”

He added: “That is why we are delighted to welcome Invertek Drives to EHPA and to thank all our more recent and longer-standing members for their hard work and contribution to making this a truly united sector. At a time of climate crisis and spiralling gas prices, it is more important than ever to speak with one voice.”

Caption: Sarah Azau of the European Heat Pump Association and Thomas Nowak, Secretary General of the EHPA, with Dylan Davies and Mike Carman of Invertek Drives Ltd at Chillventa 2022

For media information, contact:
Owain Betts, PR and Communications Manager
t: +44 (0)1938 558 253
m: +44 (0)7483 072 739
e: Owain.Betts@shi-g.com
w: www.invertekdrives.com