NIBE and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries launch joint technical platform. “Will attract new markets and customers.” Swedish heating technology company NIBE today presented the first result of its new collaboration with Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The two companies have jointly developed a completely new technology platform for outdoor air heat pumps, the fastest growing heat-pump segment in Europe. The new platform will make energy-efficient heating available for new markets at a reasonable cost. And at the same time it can also provide cooling. Sales of the first product - NIBE SPLIT - will start during spring 2009. NIBE SPLIT is a variation on the so-called “air/water” or “outdoor air” heat pumps - the most rapidly growing heat pump segment in Europe. The product is primarily designed for markets where the average outdoor air temperature is warmer than is the case in northern Europe, and where there is a greater need for cooling. “Our current products are mainly developed with the demanding northern European market in mind”, says Kjell Ekermo, business area manager at NIBE Heating (NIBE Villavärme). NIBE is one of the world's leading companies in heat pump technology for commercial and residential buildings. “The heat pump market in the southern parts of continental Europe is growing rapidly but the climate in this region calls for different specifications. Now, with this new development, we are able to meet these requirements, which obviously gives us a strong market position.” “We feel that the new product concept will attract new markets as well as new customers.” Hot water, heating and cooling. NIBE SPLIT consists of an outdoor and an indoor module. MHI's technology is used primarily in the outdoor module, where the company's international experience from the air-conditioning industry comes into its own. NIBE Heating has developed the indoor unit along with the advanced control system for the whole product. NIBE SPLIT produces hot water and heating, distributed via underfloor heating or radiators. On hot days the concept provides cooling instead, which is usually distributed by fan coil convectors. “NIBE and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have given each other full access to all relevant technology. This has made the development of the joint platform very smooth. “The development has been driven by a technical team that has benefited from the key competences of each company, resulting in a high-tech product with optimal functionality, performance and quality.” The new product concept will be sold by both companies under their respective brands, with differing designs. NIBE also estimates that the product launch will make it possible to broaden the business area's customer base, as NIBE SPLIT also will be of interest to installers of cooling systems. Growing international market Interest in environmentally sound, and energy-efficient, heating is growing all over the world. NIBE SPLIT fully supports the European Parliament resolution which, among other things, concluded that by 2020: - At least 20% of energy consumption in Europe must come from renewable sources - CO2 emissions in Europe must be reduced by at least 20% - Energy-efficiency in Europe must be improved by at least 20% In line with the EU decision, both ground source heat pumps and outdoor air heat pumps have been classified as important products in helping achieve these goals. “The Nordic countries have been forerunners in this area for a long time. But now energy-efficient heating, combined with cooling, at a reasonable cost will be available to completely new markets. “The new-generation heat pumps will be a key factor in the continued international expansion of NIBE Heating.” In Europe alone, the annual replacement market for central heating exchange is estimated at around 5 million units. As NIBE SPLIT is easy to install, generates high energy recovery and leads to substantial cost savings for customers, it will contribute to speeding up the transfer from fossil fuels to renewable energy. “In the long-term this will lead to increased sales for NIBE Heating and boost our ongoing international expansion,” Kjell Ekermo continues. “NIBE's part of the new product will be manufactured at NIBE Heating's Heat Pump Centre in Markaryd, Sweden, where we make the rest of our heat pump range.” Sales of NIBE SPLIT will start during the first quarter of 2009. For more information please contact Kjell Ekermo Business Area Manager, NIBE Heating + 46 (0)433 -73 000 kjell.ekermo@nibe.se