Daikin and Ghent partner on heat pumps

BELGIUM: Daikin Europe has signed a two-year partnership with the City of Ghent and Ghent University to advance heat pump innovations.

The focus of the agreement will be on energy efficiency, smart climate technology, sustainable urban development and social engagement. This will involve research, knowledge sharing and joint initiatives.

Specifically, they will be exploring pilot projects that involve small-scale collective heat pumps and low-noise systems. It will also include the role of heat pumps in future heat networks and the fitting of heat pumps into existing buildings.

Daikin Europe recently opened a new €140m EMEA Development Centre in Ghent, a city which is 70km south east of the company’s factory in Ostend.

The partnership builds on previous joint projects. The City of Ghent and Ghent University previously collaborated on a fossil-free Muide-Meulestede and Mariakerke. Daikin and Ghent University, on the other hand, have already worked together on the financing of research into heat pumps in the Ghent region.

“As an international heating and cooling technology company with strong roots in Ghent, we want to actively contribute to a low-carbon city,” said Wim De Schacht, Daikin Europe’s vice president service and solutions and corporate affairs. “The city will become a testing ground for innovation, and we will use our expertise in heat pump systems and components to make a difference in Ghent.”