In order to meet the EU’s net-zero goals, almost all heating systems in Europe must be replaced with greener alternatives by 2050. Heat pumps are increasingly seen as a key way to achieve the goals. “As far as I can see, heat pumps are seeing a major takeoff now”, said Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), who presented a special report on the future of heat pumps last year. The EU wants an extra 10 million units installed by 2027 in order to reduce its dependence on Russian gas. The industry is booming, with world powers battling for a market share in one of the key future clean markets
A heat pump is an advanced technology for heating and cooling that uses thermal energy from the environment to provide heat or cooling. Piping plays a key role in heat pump systems, transmitting heat and refrigerants. In these pipes, the use of polyurethane is crucial. Polyurethane is a commonly used material for pipes with excellent insulation properties, high-temperature resistance, and corrosion resistance. Its application in heat pump systems can effectively reduce energy loss and improve energy efficiency. Polyurethane pipes not only help to save energy and reduce emissions but also ensure the reliability and durability of the system. Therefore, polyurethane plays an important role in heat pump piping. By reducing heat loss, polyurethane pipes can ensure that heat pump systems effectively capture and utilize thermal energy from the environment, thus achieving energy-saving and emissions-reduction goals.
World-renowned chemical manufacturer Huntsman has collaborated with Brugg Pipes to develop highly flexible pre-insulated polyurethane foam pipes for connecting ground source heat pumps and heating systems. Huntsman’s Suprasec Daltofoam TE system solution is put to good use by the new pipes, which have excellent insulation properties as well as thinner, lighter, and more flexible characteristics. The pipe is suitable for domestic and commercial buildings and its orders are now being placed around the world. Huntsman stated that growth in ground source heat pumps is evident across all primary heating markets in North America, Europe, and North Asia, as these solutions have a much lower carbon footprint. Bora Yayla, head of marketing at BRUGG Pipes, said that the key to their success was achieving a good degree of flex in pre-insulated pipes to ensure ease of handling without compromising insulation performance. Pipes that are more flexible have a smaller winding radius, meaning they are easier to transport and quicker for heating engineers and installers to lay in confined spaces or where there are tight bends and building entry points to navigate.
In terms of demand, China’s PMDI exports to Europe from January to April 2023 increased 102% year-on-year, thanks to the growing demand in building construction and insulation after the pandemic.
Figure: China PMDI Exports to Europe, January-April in 2022 & 2023
With the booming future heat pump market in Europe, the demand for polyurethane pipes is expected to soar. Heat pumps, as an eco-friendly and sustainable heating solution, are seen as one of the main paths to meet Europe’s climate-neutral goals. With the joint efforts of government and industry, the heat pump market will usher in huge growth potential, which will also boost the demand for polyurethane pipes.
