Heat pumps for industry, homes and businesses are critical for Europe’s energy security and competitiveness. That was the clear takeaway from the debut event dedicated to heat pump innovation last week.
Held in Milan, Italy, Heat Pump Technologies is a new conference and exhibition fully dedicated to heat pump innovation and market development. Over the course of two days, the event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and manufacturers — confirming the growing momentum around this key clean technology.
Despite being a debut edition, the event exceeded expectations, attracting 116 exhibitors and welcoming over 6,000 visitors from across Europe and beyond. Attendees represented the full spectrum of the heat pump value chain — from R&D and engineering to sales professionals, installers, and policy experts — reflecting both the local Italian ecosystem and the broader international market.
EHPA at the heart of the conference programme
The European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) played a central role as official co-organiser of the conference. EHPA hosted a dedicated booth within the exhibition and led a high-profile, three-hour session on the morning of day two.
Focused on “Heat Pumps Driving Clean Technology and Industrial Growth”, the session explored market trends, policy frameworks, and the strategic role of heat pumps in Europe’s energy transition. The discussion featured insights on emerging initiatives such as the Clean Industrial Deal and the Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act.
“Heat pumps must be at the heart of the Clean Industrial Deal, with clear directives for their development to drive electrification, decarbonisation, and energy security,” stressed Benedetta Scuderi, MEP (Greens Party, Italy).
Jacopo Tattini, Policy Officer at the European Commission (DG GROW), added context during a panel debate: “While heat pumps may not be explicitly named in the Clean Industrial Deal, the strategy includes critical measures to support their growth — from affordable electricity prices to local manufacturing expansion.”
Paul Kenny, Director General of EHPA, emphasised the need for long-term vision: “To build a more energy-secure Europe, we must think beyond quick wins — scaling up the workforce, optimising systems, and ensuring stable policies that make heat pumps affordable and accessible.”
The session attracted a large and engaged audience, with lively panel debates and presentations from experts across R&D, manufacturing, certification bodies, industry associations, and the European Commission.
Italy’s role in the heat pump market
On the national front, Italy remains a key player in the European heat pump industry — despite ongoing challenges following the Ecobonus scheme crisis. Italian manufacturers reported sustained customer demand, reinforcing the country’s strategic role in driving sector growth.
A promising outlook
The success of this first edition sets a strong foundation for the future of Heat Pump Technologies. Congratulations to RX Italy for delivering an outstanding inaugural event. We are already looking forward to the second edition, set to take place on 7-8 April 2027.
The issue of energy security will be explored at a European Parliament breakfast on 24 April, organised by EHPA and hosted by Thomas Pellerin-Carlin MEP. It will also feature in the conference on urban heating and cooling decarbonisation coming up in Krakow, Poland on 13-14 May – Decarb Cities.
