As industries across Europe accelerate their decarbonization strategies, the concrete manufacturing sector faces the challenge of reducing emissions while maintaining reliable production processes. To support this transition, Daikin delivered an innovative high-temperature heat pump solution for Willy Naessens Group, a leading manufacturer of concrete products in Luxembourg.
The project demonstrates how industrial heating processes traditionally powered by fossil fuels can be successfully replaced with efficient, low-carbon technologies, ensuring production continuity, operational safety, and long-term sustainability.
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The customer was seeking a sustainable alternative to fossil-fuel-based heating systems traditionally used to produce concrete blocks and precast concrete elements. The objective was to reduce the environmental impact of the manufacturing process while maintaining the high levels of reliability and performance required in an industrial setting.
To support the company's decarbonization strategy, the new solution needed to provide a dependable source of heat year-round and deliver water temperatures above 60°C, a critical requirement for concrete production. Environmental performance was also a key consideration, with the customer aiming to use a refrigerant with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) below 150 and prioritising safety by adopting a non-flammable refrigerant.
In addition, the system had to serve multiple production lines simultaneously and ensure stable operation even when outdoor temperatures fell below 8°C, a condition that can significantly affect product quality and production efficiency. Finally, the customer was looking for a trusted technology partner capable of providing proven expertise, long-term reliability, and comprehensive service support.
To address these requirements, Daikin provided a high-efficiency heating solution consisting of six EWYE-CZ high-temperature heat pumps, installed in two cascaded systems, each with three units, totalling 420 kW of cooling and heating capacity.
The heat pumps supply energy to two 2000-litre buffer tanks located inside a dedicated technical container positioned adjacent to the production area. The container also houses a hydraulic collector that distributes heat to six production lines, ensuring the concrete receives the required thermal treatment whenever outdoor temperatures fall below the operational threshold.
By replacing fossil-fuel-based heating with advanced heat pump technology, the installation significantly reduces carbon emissions while maintaining the high temperatures required for the manufacturing process. The use of a low-GWP, non-flammable refrigerant further enhances the system's environmental and safety performance.
Beyond meeting the project's technical requirements, Daikin's reputation for reliability and service played a key role in the customer's decision. The success of the installation led the Willy Naessens Group to sign a maintenance agreement covering all six units, reinforcing confidence in the solution's long-term performance and paving the way for potential replication at additional production sites.
This project highlights how Daikin's high-temperature heat pump technology can help industrial manufacturers achieve ambitious sustainability goals while ensuring operational reliability, energy efficiency, and production continuity.