Uniper, Evonik and Iqony Advance Energy Transition with Scalable Industrial Waste Heat Recovery Solution

Uniper, Evonik and Iqony Advance Energy Transition with Scalable Industrial Waste Heat Recovery Solution

(IN BRIEF) Uniper and Evonik have commissioned an innovative high-temperature heat pump in Herne, Germany, capable of converting industrial waste heat into district heating for around 1,000 households. The system, operated in collaboration with Iqony, delivers up to 1.5 megawatts of heat and reduces annual CO₂ emissions by up to 1,750 tons by replacing fossil fuel-based heating. By upgrading low-temperature waste heat from chemical production to usable levels for district heating networks, the project demonstrates a pioneering approach to decarbonisation. Designed as a pilot with strong scaling potential, the initiative could expand to integrate significantly more waste heat in the future, highlighting the role of advanced technologies and industrial collaboration in transforming energy systems.

(PRESS RELEASE) HERNE, 14-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Uniper and Evonik have begun commissioning an advanced high-temperature heat pump in Herne, marking a significant step forward in sustainable district heating for Germany’s Ruhr region. The innovative system is designed to convert industrial waste heat from Evonik’s chemical production processes into usable energy for local households.

The facility will supply approximately 1,000 homes with district heating through Iqony, delivering up to 1.5 megawatts of thermal energy into the network. By utilizing waste heat that would otherwise be lost, the project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by as much as 1,750 tons annually, replacing heat previously generated from fossil fuels.

At the core of the system is a high-temperature heat pump that operates similarly to a conventional refrigerator, but in reverse. Waste heat generated during chemical production—typically reaching temperatures of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius—is captured and upgraded to temperatures of up to 130 degrees Celsius. This substantial temperature increase enables the energy to be fed directly into existing district heating networks, which require high flow temperatures that traditional heat pump technologies cannot achieve.

Holger Kreetz described the project as a major technological milestone, demonstrating how low-temperature industrial waste heat can be effectively integrated into the energy system through electrification and sector coupling. The initiative also highlights the role of innovative energy solutions in supporting decarbonisation while maintaining reliable and cost-effective supply.

Thomas Wessel emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing sustainable industrial practices, noting that the project illustrates how technological innovation and partnerships can drive both environmental and economic progress. By repurposing waste heat, Evonik also benefits from reduced operational energy costs, as the system lowers reliance on traditional cooling mechanisms.

The project has been developed as a pilot initiative with significant potential for expansion. Based on early results, the partners are evaluating opportunities to scale the concept further, with the possibility of integrating an additional 20 megawatts of waste heat into the network in the future.

Matthias Ohl highlighted the broader potential of industrial waste heat across the Ruhr region, where multiple untapped sources could contribute to a more sustainable and resilient heating infrastructure. The project represents the latest in a series of waste heat integrations into Iqony’s network, further strengthening its portfolio of climate-friendly energy solutions.

Local leadership has also underscored the project’s importance for regional development. Frank Dudda pointed to the initiative as an example of how industrial innovation can support urban sustainability, transforming waste heat into a valuable resource while enhancing energy security and reducing emissions.

Through this collaboration, Uniper, Evonik, and Iqony are demonstrating how advanced heat pump technology can play a critical role in decarbonising heating systems, supporting the transition toward a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.

Your contacts for more information: 

Evonik
Nadine Albach
External Communications Evonik
T +49 152 09392461
nadine.albach@evonik.com

Igony
Henning Heinemann
Spokesperson Steag Iqony 
T+49 151 59966904
henning.heinemann@iqony.energy

Uniper SE
Svenja Kaltheuner
Spokesperson Uniper
T +49 151 51500408
svenja.kaltheuner@uniper.energy

About Evonik: Leading beyond chemistry

By combining innovative strength with leading technological expertise, Evonik goes beyond the boundaries of chemistry. Headquartered in Essen, the chemical company operates in more than 100 countries and generated sales of €14.1 billion and adjusted EBITDA of €1.9 billion in 2025. Around 31,000 employees worldwide are united by a shared purpose: to give customers a decisive competitive advantage as a superpower for industry with tailored products and solutions – and thereby improve people’s lives. In all markets. Every day.

_{^{Legal notice – Evonik
Insofar as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or statements refer to the future, such forecasts, expectations or statements may be associated with known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may differ depending on changes in underlying conditions. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its affiliated companies undertake any obligation to update forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.}}

About Iqony

“Iqony makes green energy possible”: The Essen‑based company plans, builds and operates green energy plants. It combines more than 85 years of engineering and energy industry experience with current technological developments. More than 2,600 employees deliver complex projects for industrial companies, utilities, cities and municipalities. Iqony focuses on expanding renewable energies, modern district heating networks and operating its own generation assets. Its portfolio includes district heating, photovoltaics, wind power, storage technologies, decarbonisation and hydrogen solutions. In the future, Iqony also plans to deploy hydrogen‑ready and thus climate‑neutral gas‑fired power plants. Its overarching goal is to make a significant contribution to the energy and heat transition in Germany and Europe.

About Uniper

Düsseldorf-based Uniper is a European energy company with global reach and operations in more than 40 countries. It has about 7,000 employees and plays a key role in ensuring a secure energy supply in Europe, particularly in its core markets of Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Uniper’s 18.5 gigawatts of power generating capacity make it a mainstay of reliable power production. Uniper is a leading gas trader and one of Northwestern Europe’s most important LNG importers, and its broad procurement portfolio enhances supply security. Uniper’s investments in renewables, hydrogen, and other low-carbon energy carriers propel the transformation of the energy system.

Uniper provides energy and services to about 1,000 municipalities and industrial companies in its home market, Germany. Uniper is also Germany’s largest operator of gas storage facilities and hydropower plants.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Uniper SE Management and other information currently available to Uniper. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. Uniper SE does not intend, and does not assume any liability whatsoever, to update these forward-looking statements or to modify them to conform with future events or developments.

SOURCE: Uniper