Johnson Controls has launched its Sabroe HitemHP line of industrial high-temperature heat pumps.
The heat pumps are designed to help industries requiring high temperature process heat to electrify and decarbonise without compromising performance.
In one specific customer application1, the system delivered up to three times the energy efficiency of electric boilers while reducing energy costs by more than 91%, annual water costs by up to 30%, and on-site CO₂ emissions by up to 82% when paired with waste heat from a refrigeration plant.
A wave of growth across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and food and beverage processing is driving demand for tighter, more energy-intensive operating conditions.
At the same time, industrial heating remains a major challenge, particularly for processes requiring temperatures above 100°C, where businesses have traditionally relied on fossil fuel-based systems that are costly to operate, difficult to decarbonise, and increasingly exposed to energy price volatility.
The HitemHP range is built for this new reality. Engineered and manufactured in Europe, it enables customers to be resilient in the face of energy-related challenges by reducing energy costs and emissions, improving efficiency, and accelerating decarbonisation while ensuring reliable operations and outcomes.
Johnson Controls industrial refrigeration vice president & general manager, Steve Bell, said European industries face unprecedented pressure to stay competitive while energy security and affordability have become key concerns.
"Until now, electrifying high-temperature heat has been one of the hardest problems to solve. With our new Sabroe high-temperature heat pumps, Johnson Controls is delivering a breakthrough solution that can help critical industries and institutions secure their energy future, significantly cut operational costs and align with the ambitions of Europe's Clean Industrial Deal, driving the competitive advantage of our customers in cutting-edge industries,” he said.
Engineered and manufactured in Europe at the company's advanced heat pump and chiller facility in Holme, Denmark, the HitemHP range uses only natural refrigerants, aligning with upcoming EU regulatory compliance.
At the heart of the system is the proven Sabroe SMC single-stage reciprocating compressor, an aerodynamic innovation engineered for exceptional reliability, even under part-load conditions. This extends service intervals by nearly 50% while also improving energy performance.
Under part-load operation, the system can achieve up to 20% higher coefficient of performance (COP) than when operating at full capacity, helping reduce electricity consumption and operating costs.
Additional key features include:
- Operational flexibility: Works across a wide range of heat sources, with capacity that can scale from 100% down to 18%, matching its output to the building's needs to save energy and reduce wear.
- Future-proof refrigerants: Uses ultra-low GWP butane and iso-butane, aligning with upcoming EU regulations.
- Standardised, modular design: A configure-to-order approach reduces lead times, costs and installation complexity. Compact, factory‑assembled units enable fast commissioning.
The HitemHP market-leading features and exceptional range reflect input directly from customers who partnered with Jonhson Controls experts at the company's state-of-the-art testing facility in Holme, Denmark.