J ohnson Controls is positioning high-temperature heat pumps as a practical pathway to cleaner industrial operations. The company has introduced its new Sabroe HitemHP range to the regional market, offering energy-intensive sectors a technology designed to replace conventional fossil fuel-based heating systems while delivering significant operational savings.

The launch comes at a time when manufacturers, food processors, pharmaceutical producers and biotechnology companies face increasing pressure to decarbonise processes that require temperatures above 100-degC, one of the most challenging areas of industrial energy transition. Traditionally dependent on boilers fuelled by gas or other fossil fuels, these operations are also exposed to fluctuating energy costs, creating a growing appetite for more efficient alternatives.

Johnson Controls believes its latest innovation can help bridge that gap. In a customer application, the Sabroe HitemHP system reportedly achieved up to three times the energy efficiency of conventional electric boilers, while reducing energy costs by more than 91 per cent. The technology also delivered water savings of up to 30 per cent and cut on-site CO² emissions by as much as 82 per cent when utilising waste heat from a refrigeration plant.

“The UAE Energy Strategy aims to reduce emissions from the water and energy sectors to ensure they achieve net zero by 2050,” says Devrim Tekeli, Vice President and General Manager, MEA, Johnson Controls. “With our new Sabroe high-temperature heat pumps, Johnson Controls is delivering a breakthrough solution that can help critical industries and institutions secure their energy future, significantly cut operational costs and align with regional industrial modernisation, energy efficiency and decarbonisation ambitions.”

Developed and manufactured in Holme, Denmark, the HitemHP range reflects a growing shift towards natural refrigerant technologies. The system uses ultra-low-GWP refrigerants, including butane and iso-butane, supporting both sustainability goals and evolving environmental regulations.

At the heart of the solution is the Sabroe SMC single-stage reciprocating compressor, engineered to maintain performance under varying load conditions while extending service intervals by nearly 50 per cent. This flexibility is particularly valuable for industrial operators whose energy demands fluctuate throughout the day.

Efficiency remains a key differentiator. The system can achieve up to 20 per cent higher coefficient of performance (COP) during part-load operation than at full capacity, helping facilities further reduce electricity consumption and operating costs. Its modular design allows output to scale from full capacity down to just 18 per cent, enabling operators to closely match production requirements without sacrificing efficiency.

Beyond performance gains, Johnson Controls has focused on simplifying deployment. The factory-assembled, standardised configuration is designed to shorten lead times and streamline installation and commissioning, helping customers accelerate the adoption of low-carbon heating technologies.

Notably, the HitemHP range was developed in close collaboration with customers at the company’s Holme testing facility, ensuring the technology addresses real-world industrial challenges. As regional industries pursue ambitious decarbonisation targets and seek greater energy resilience, high-temperature heat pumps are increasingly emerging as a viable alternative to traditional process heating, with Johnson Controls aiming to help shape that transition.