Johnson Controls Launches High-Efficiency Heat Pumps for Industrial Use
News related to:Johnson Controls · 2 min read
Johnson Controls has unveiled a new line of industrial high-temperature heat pumps designed to electrify energy-intensive industries while significantly improving efficiency and reducing operating costs. The company's Sabroe HitemHP range is engineered to deliver up to three times the energy efficiency of electric boilers and natural gas boilers, making it a key solution for industries requiring high-temperature process heat in Europe.
According to Steve Bell, vice president and general manager of Industrial Refrigeration at Johnson Controls, the new heat pumps are part of the company's broader strategy to help European industries electrify and decarbonize without compromising performance.
The HitemHP range is built for high-temperature applications, delivering output temperatures up to 122°C for demanding industrial processes. It uses natural refrigerants, aligning with upcoming EU regulatory compliance. The system is engineered with industry-leading compressor technology, the Sabroe SMC single-stage reciprocating compressor, which delivers exceptional part-load performance. This compressor can achieve up to 20% higher coefficient of performance (COP) under part-load operation, helping reduce electricity consumption and operating costs.
The HitemHP range offers operational flexibility, working across a wide range of heat sources and scaling its capacity from 100% down to 18%, matching its output to the building's needs to save energy and reduce wear. It also features a standardized, modular design that enables fast commissioning and reduces lead times, costs, and installation complexity. The compact, factory-assembled units are designed for ease of installation and quick startup.
In a specific customer application, the HitemHP system demonstrated significant potential for energy savings and emissions reduction. 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. These results were based on site-specific operating conditions and assumptions, including energy prices, water volumes, and water quality requirements.
Johnson Controls has been a heat pump pioneer for decades and now offers one of the industry's most comprehensive portfolios of low- and ultra-low GWP solutions. In 2025, the company's heat pump portfolio helped customers reduce heating costs by an estimated 32% and cut emissions by 55%. The new HitemHP range is manufactured at the company's advanced heat pump and chiller facility in Holme, Denmark, and is designed to help industries meet evolving EU regulations and decarbonization goals.