Evaporator
Evaporator
Absorbs industrial waste heat and evaporates the refrigerant. This turns low-grade heat into the first step towards high-grade process heat.
Waste heatupgraded to steam.
An innovative high-temperature heat pump that converts industrial waste heat into sustainable steam. Making energy use smarter, more efficient and fit for the future.
Explore the technology01 - From waste heat to steam
Industrial waste heat gets a second life as sustainable steam.
With the same electrical power input, our high-temperature heat pump produces more than three times as much steam as an electric boiler. A smart solution for both decarbonisation and grid congestion.
This innovative high-temperature heat pump is being developed by a consortium of leading industrial companies and research institutions, with IBK as initiator and technology lead.
Engineered for industrial performance
- Thermal outputModular and expandableUp to 1 MW
- Steam productionApprox. 1,700 kg/hour130–150 °C
- Source temperature90–100 °C
- Electrical inputApprox. 320 kW
02 - Technology
The heat cycle, visualised.
From the evaporator to the compressors, the core components work together to upgrade waste heat into usable steam.
Condenser
Condenser
Transfers the upgraded heat to the process and produces sustainable steam for industrial applications.
Vessel / Flash tank
Separator vessel
Controls refrigerant storage, separation and circulation to ensure stable, safe and efficient system operation.
Compressor
Compressors
Increase the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant. This is the heart of the heat pump, where the refrigerant's heat is upgraded to a usable temperature level.
03 - Design
Design
This heat pump is fundamentally different from conventional industrial heat pumps.
High temperatures
Engineered for industrial steam production
High-grade process heat or steam at temperatures up to approximately 150 °C, supplied directly at the production process.
Oil-free technology
Maximum sustainability, reliability and efficiency
No chemical oil waste, no refrigerant contamination and consistently high efficiency. Less maintenance and a low total cost of ownership throughout the system's service life.
Modular architecture
Built to scale
A compact, modular design simplifies installation and future expansion.
Brownfield-ready
Designed for existing plants
The heat pump is engineered to make optimum use of existing waste heat and integrate easily into established production processes.
Origin & security of supply
Dutch technology. Built in Europe.
The HTHP combines Dutch compressor technology and manufacturing with components sourced in Europe. This means short supply lines, readily available parts and less dependence on global supply chains and geopolitical developments.
A deliberate choice for security of supply and European manufacturing.
Product film
From design to reality.
See how Kickstart is developed, built and prepared for industrial deployment.
Product film · 03:140:00 / 3:14
04 - Industries
Where waste heatgains value.
Developed for industries that generate waste heat and require process heat or steam, our technology offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels across a range of market segments.
Food industry
Pharmaceutical industry
Chemicals & refining
Paper & textiles
Plastics & building materials
Automotive & recycling
05 - Performance
Help shape the next generation of industrial heat.
Become one of the first companies to harness industrial waste heat for sustainable process heat and steam.
We support the entire journey, from initial assessment to commissioning, including technical integration, system engineering and suitable funding opportunities.
Together, we create a viable business case.
06 - News
Latest updates
Updates on the production, validation and application of industrial heat pumps.
FeaturedConsortium
Innovation in focus
The Kickstart consortium met at Heinen & Hopman to share results, see the heat pump first-hand and look ahead to the next testing phase.
Read article
Production
From design to reality: construction of the high-temperature heat pump begins
Read article
Market development
Kickstart accelerates the market launch of industrial heat pumps
Read article
Production
Kickstart enters production: the steam-producing heat pump comes to life
Read article
Research
Kickstart researches industrial heat pumps at TNO's Carnot laboratory
Read article
07 - Contact
Ready to decarbonise your production process?
Discover what industrial waste heat could mean for your organisation.
We map your heat flows and provide insight into technical feasibility, the business case and available funding opportunities.
Why schedule an exploratory consultation?
- Analysis of your heat flows
- Insight into technical feasibility
- Initial estimate of energy savings and CO₂ reductions
- Support in identifying funding opportunities
08 - FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Who is Kickstart designed for?
Industrial companies with waste heat at around 90–100 °C and a clear demand for steam at temperatures up to 150 °C.
What does a pilot site require?
A suitable heat stream, an electrical connection, process integration and scope for on-site support throughout the pilot phase.
Can Kickstart be scaled modularly?
Yes. The system uses 500 kW modules, allowing capacity to be scaled to suit each process and site.
Who is developing the system?
IBK acts as system integrator, bringing technology, partners and real-world applications together.
What temperatures does Kickstart deliver?
Kickstart uses waste heat at around 90–100 °C as its source and produces usable steam at temperatures up to 150 °C.
What stage has the development reached?
Kickstart is in the pilot phase, focused on measurable validation of its reliability ahead of market launch.
What does a pilot project involve?
From initial assessment and engineering through installation and validated measurements, with intensive support tailored to each site.
What are the benefits of becoming a pilot partner?
Early access to the technology, the opportunity to influence its further development and attractive pilot terms.
Are there costs associated with participating as an implementation partner?
Yes. As an implementation partner, you invest in the heat pump and become the owner of the installation. In return, you gain a unique position: you will be among the first users of a TNO-tested technology and receive intensive support from IBK and its technology partners during implementation and commissioning. Together, we also assess which funding opportunities available through the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) can contribute to an attractive financial business case.