ZIMBA Project: Official Kick-Off  

The ZIMBA project has officially launched, marking the beginning of an exciting collaboration between five partners across four European Union countries. The consortium includes top-tier organisations: CEA (France), Politecnico di Milano (Italy), Clauger (France), AMIRES (Czech Republic), and Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland). The project began with a successful kick-off meeting held at CEA’s premises in Chambéry on January 30-31, setting the stage for the next chapter in sustainable energy development. 

Project goals 

The project aims to develop and validate an innovative heat pump at TRL4 (15kWth scale), based on an Absorption Heat Transformer (AHT) system with ammonia/water refrigerant and upgraded with an ejector to enable an expanded range of operational capacities. This heat pump will initially target 110°C for industrial heat production, with plans to reach 130°C in the future. The focus on industrial heat production plays a critical role in driving energy efficiency and decarbonising industrial processes by recovering waste heat from various systems. 

Collaborative effort 

The project has received generous funding from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency. Over the next four years, the consortium members will work together to achieve this ambitious objective, combining their expertise in engineering, innovation, and energy solutions. 

The kick-off meeting not only allowed the team to discuss the scope and deliverables but also to establish a strong foundation for collaboration. The atmosphere was collaborative, with insightful discussions that paved the way for the work ahead.  

The meeting also included a tour of CEA’s facilities, where the team got a first-hand look at the advanced technologies that will help drive the project to success.  

The meeting featured special guests, including the CINEA Project Officer, who offered valuable guidance on the project grant and its scope, as well as External Advisory Board members, whose expertise will enrich the consortium’s work. 

Looking Ahead 

As the ZIMBA project moves forward, the consortium is committed to making groundbreaking advancements in energy efficiency. The development of this high-performance heat pump will play a pivotal role in recovering industrial waste heat, thus contributing to the EU’s goals for clean energy and decarbonisation. 

Read the full press release for more details and stay tuned for more updates as we work towards a sustainable future!

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