Heat pump will tackle Ukraine’s extreme winters
1st July 2025
UK/UKRAINE: Birmingham’s Aston University has been working with scientist’s in Ukraine on a new heat pump that could cope with Ukraine’s winters, where temperatures can plummet as low as -21°C.
The university has been working with Professor Borys Basok and his team at the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Kyiv. The UK researchers have helped adapt heat pump technology to generate four times more heat in winter than Ukraine’s conventional systems.
The pioneering technology can easily be retrofitted to existing Soviet-style heating systems – providing a green fuel solution in response to Russia’s targeting of the country’s energy infrastructure.
The devices can also be powered by diesel generators during power blackouts meaning they could be used to provide more fuel-efficient warmth to Ukrainian soldiers and the estimated 3.7 million people who have been forced to flee their homes during the conflict.
The two-year project has received UK government funding under the first round of InnovateUkraine, a £16m clean energy competition run by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Dr Muhammad Imran, who is leading the project for Aston University, said: “We have specifically designed a heat pump that suits the Ukrainian needs during wartime. Most Ukrainian buildings and infrastructure use old Soviet-style radiative heaters made of cast iron so we need a heat pump that can generate 70-75°C to offer users appropriate warmth during the country’s severe winters.
“We’ve created a plug-and-play solution which uses a quarter less power and can be directly connected to the existing radiators that are so prevalent in Ukraine. The Russians are continually targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, so we have also adapted our heat pump technology to work off diesel generators during power blackouts. It can run off diesel six times more efficiently and cheaper than conventional alternatives.”
A prototype is now up and running at the institute in Kyiv. The 120kW heat pump is already supplying energy to 50-80 offices – around a quarter of the building. It’s hoped the successful trial launch will see the technology start to be rolled out across Ukraine.
“The legacy of this work will last far longer than the war. It also offers Ukraine a long-term solution to its energy needs as it rebuilds from the war. We can decarbonise the country as it bounces back to also help Ukraine win the battle against climate change.”
Professor Basok, who remains in Ukraine, added: “The heat pump we are developing with Aston University can help Ukraine fight back against Russia’s weaponisation of energy. This project offers a cheaper, more fuel-efficient way to heat our people during our extreme winters.”
The heat pumps are also expected to play a crucial role in combating spiking energy prices.
“This support from Aston University and the UK government is also ensuring a brighter future for Ukraine by enabling us to rebuild our country in a greener way,” Basok added.
