Hengelo Scale-Up Cooll Debuts World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Heat Pump
Hengelo, Monday, 27 January 2025.
Cooll introduces a groundbreaking hydrogen-based heat pump, paving new paths for sustainable heating and reinforcing the Netherlands’ leadership in the renewable energy sector.
Pioneering Innovation in Sustainable Heating
Hengelo-based scale-up Cooll has achieved a significant breakthrough with the world’s first heat pump operating entirely on hydrogen [1][2]. The innovative system, developed at their facilities in Twente, has been successfully operating since December 26, 2024, demonstrating performance comparable to traditional natural gas variants [4][7]. According to Johannes Burger, Technology Director and co-founder of Cooll, this development represents an absolute world first, with only a handful of companies globally working on similar technologies [1].
Significant Efficiency Gains
The hydrogen-powered heat pump showcases impressive efficiency metrics, consuming 30-40% less fuel compared to conventional HR boilers [1][2]. The technology, which originally proved successful in space applications, has been effectively adapted for residential use [1]. Testing has been conducted at Cooll’s laboratory in Hengelo before being installed at the HEAT House in Groningen, a specialized research center for hydrogen applications [7].
Strategic Collaboration and Future Prospects
This groundbreaking project emerged from a collaborative effort between several key players, including RVO, GasTerra, and Entrance, with additional contributions from the University of Twente and the European Space Agency [2]. Gerard Martinus, Manager of Energy Transition at GasTerra, emphasizes that unlocking multiple routes to sustainability has been a crucial objective [2]. The system is designed to be ‘hydrogen-ready,’ allowing for initial operation with natural gas before transitioning to green hydrogen, ultimately creating a CO2-neutral heating solution [7].
Market Implementation and Scale-up Plans
Looking ahead, Cooll has announced plans for mass production, targeting market introduction in the Netherlands, Belgium, and the UK [2]. The rollout is scheduled for March 2025 [5], marking a significant step forward in sustainable heating solutions. This innovation positions the Netherlands at the forefront of hydrogen applications [2], offering a practical solution for homes where traditional electric heat pumps might not be optimal [1].