Germany Accelerates Heat‑Pump Adoption with New Subsidies and Technology Demonstrations

German heat‑pump manufacturers are highlighting new solutions to improve efficiency. CTX Thermal Solutions offers aluminium profile heat sinks that can dissipate 55‑75 °C from power‑electronics in heat‑pump inverters, aiming to keep components within safe operating temperatures.

In the historic town of Bamberg, private owners are increasingly installing air‑water or ground‑source heat pumps. Local experts note that retrofitting existing buildings is feasible without full renovation, provided the distribution system and flow temperatures stay around 55 °C. The federal KfW funding programme (programme 458) now covers up to 70 % of qualifying costs, with a maximum grant of €28 000 per primary residence. Income‑based bonuses raise the effective subsidy for households earning up to €30 000 to 70 % of costs.

The government has recently reduced the overall heating‑subsidy budget from €12.5 bn to €10 bn and lowered the maximum eligible cost by €2 000. The revised rules give stronger support to low‑ and middle‑income households while favouring European‑made equipment.

Separately, ebm‑papst has built a heat‑pump demonstrator in Landshut that integrates a high‑speed turbo‑compressor, inverter electronics and a propane (R290) refrigerant cycle into a single monoblock unit delivering 23 kW at water temperatures up to 70 °C. The project showcases system‑level integration aimed at improving overall efficiency and reliability.