Innovation in focus

Knowledge sharing and industrial adoption

On Friday 17 July, the Kickstart consortium gathered for an inspiring meeting at Heinen & Hopman, IBK's parent company. On entering the reception hall, attendees were immediately immersed in the future: a hologram presented the Kickstart heat pump, the innovation at the heart of the day.

The main purpose of this plenary session was to share results and inspire one another. A central topic was how Dutch industry currently views the adoption of high-temperature heat pumps, particularly steam-producing heat pumps. Alongside the project's overall progress, the programme highlighted in-depth technical research that is helping to pave the way for this sustainable transition.

Aerospace technology meets the heat sector

One of the highlights after lunch was a presentation by Aeronamic. This high-tech aerospace company is applying its advanced compressor technology in the Kickstart steam-producing heat pump.

IBK also shared important news: the Kickstart heat pump will be available for field testing in the third and fourth quarters of 2027. IBK and Aeronamic are already making preparations for two pre-series units.

These pre-series units, each with a thermal output of approximately 1.5 MW and a steam temperature of 130 °C, will be available for further field testing in mid-2028.

From the factory to the laboratory

The day concluded with an exclusive factory tour, giving the partners an opportunity to see the Kickstart heat pump first-hand. The machine made a strong impression: it is relatively compact and technologically impressive.

The next milestone is already scheduled. After the summer, the heat pump will move to TNO's Carnot laboratory in Petten. There, the installation will be connected for an extensive test programme due to begin in early 2027.

We would like to thank all the Kickstart partners who attended for their contribution, and Heinen & Hopman in particular for their hospitality.