Johnson Controls launches industrial heat pump with 122°C output to boost energy efficiency

Johnson Controls has introduced the Sabroe HitemHP industrial heat pump, targeting a major shift in industrial energy use by delivering hot water at temperatures up to 122°C. The launch, announced on 18 September 2026, marks a significant advance for industrial sectors seeking cleaner and more efficient heating solutions.

The HitemHP, which uses butane or isobutane as refrigerants, is designed to serve industries such as food and beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, chemicals, and advanced manufacturing. Its ability to operate at loads as low as 18% of its rated capacity provides flexibility for processes with variable demand.

Heating capacities range from 100 kW to 1 MW, with reference conditions showing outputs from 125 kW to 511 kW and shaft power consumption between 45 kW and 173 kW. This results in a heating coefficient of performance (COP) between 2.8 and 3.0 at higher temperatures, while lower temperature operation yields capacities from 240 kW to 964 kW with COP values between 4.1 and 4.4.

The company claims the new system can replace traditional fossil-fuel and electric boilers, offering potential energy cost reductions of more than 91% and on-site CO₂ emissions cuts of up to 82% in specific applications. These gains reflect both improved energy efficiency and the ability to use cleaner electricity or waste heat sources, helping industries meet decarbonisation targets.

Physically, the packaged units measure around 5.75 to 6.5 meters long, 1.25 meters wide, and 2.25 meters high, with a dry weight of 5.36 to 6.7 tonnes. The refrigerant circuit operates at pressures below 28 barg, which aligns with industrial safety standards but could face regulatory scrutiny due to the use of hydrocarbon refrigerants.

The market impact could be significant in Europe and Latin America, where industrial energy costs and emissions regulations are tightening. For investors and policymakers, the HitemHP offers a route to greener industrial production and lower long-term operating costs, although adoption may be slowed by resistance to new technologies and regulatory requirements for refrigerants.

The launch positions Johnson Controls at the forefront of the transition to sustainable industrial heat, as sectors globally accelerate efforts to cut costs and carbon footprints.