Six substantial heat pumps to be installed by Johnson Controls in Zurich

Johnson Controls to Provide Climate-Neutral Heat Solution for Zurich

Zurich, the city renowned for its commitment to sustainability, is set to take a significant step towards achieving its climate goals with the implementation of a heat transition project. This project, spearheaded by Entsorgung & Recycling Zurich (ERZ), will see the deployment of a 42 MW heat pump solution provided by Johnson Controls.

The heat pump system, announced by Johnson Controls, will harness low-temperature heat from the flue gases of an existing waste incineration plant. Six high-performance screw compressors will form the heart of this system, designed to operate using ammonia, a natural refrigerant with no global warming potential.

Jürg Bruder, Head of Large Projects at ERZ, will oversee the implementation of this project in collaboration with Johnson Controls. This project is a vital part of Zurich's strategy to drive the heat transition forward and is a key pillar in the city's objective of becoming climate-neutral by 2040.

Richard Lek, President of Johnson Controls EMEA, has highlighted the potential of such projects, stating that excess heat is a large untapped energy source with the potential for companies to reduce costs, increase resilience, and achieve climate goals. He believes that this project paves the way for a more sustainable future in Zurich.

The heat pump solution is expected to provide climate-neutral heat to approximately 15,000 households starting from 2027. While the heat transition project in Zurich does not explicitly state the start date for this provision, it is implied as a continuation of the project.

This ambitious project is a testament to Zurich's dedication to sustainability and its pursuit of a more climate-friendly future. By expanding its CO2-free heat supply, the city is taking concrete steps towards its goal of becoming climate-neutral, demonstrating that even in the heart of Europe, a sustainable future is within reach.