We are inviting submissions of proposals from New Zealand-based businesses to deploy high temperature heat pump systems (≥90°C), including steam-generating systems.
We will gather insights and data from the projects to demonstrate their potential to improve industrial energy affordability, security, and productivity.
How the initiative will work
EECA will collect baseline energy data, and then data for 3 years after commissioning, to provide real-word use-cases to enable and encourage further uptake. Successful applicants will be involved in promoting their projects and sharing their experiences with others in their region and/or industry.
Who should apply
EECA seeks applications from New Zealand-based businesses that:
- will deliver the project in New Zealand
- have completed a feasibility study assessment of the appropriateness of the technology for their process heat requirements
- confirm they have the ability to fund 75% of the total project cost and have confirmed approval to invest in the project (or will have this within 30 Business Days of contract signing)
- will be the ongoing owner or lessee of the equipment for the duration of the project.
Applications must:
- use high-temperature process heat (≥90°C), including steam
- currently use fossil fuels or operate inefficient heat systems
- increase energy efficiency by a minimum of 150%, COP of 1.5.
Other technologies that may qualify as part of the project, if essential for the operation of the HTHP can include waste heat recovery (e.g. heat exchangers, pipework) and electricity connectivity upgrades related to the HTHP project.
Funding available
Applicants can apply for up to 50% of total eligible project costs, to a maximum of $2 million EECA co-funding per project (plus measurement and verification costs).
Co-funding has 2 components:
- Base payment – 25% of total project cost (up to $1 million).
- Contingent payment – Up to 25% of total project cost (capped at $1 million), payable under certain conditions.
Projects are expected to achieve the anticipated energy savings, so the full contingent payment is unlikely to be required.
Funding conditions:
- EECA funding cannot exceed 50% of total project cost (excluding M&V costs following implementation).
- Funding is inclusive of any feasibility study, technical design, or business case development.
- EECA payments cannot exceed 50% of actual costs expended to date.
Example funding levels
|
Project total cost |
Maximum grant (50%) |
25% Base payment |
25% Contingent payment |
|
$250,000 |
$125,000 |
$62,500 |
$62,500 |
|
$500,000 |
$250,000 |
$125,000 |
$125,000 |
|
$1,000,000 |
$500,000 |
$250,000 |
$250,000 |
|
$2,000,000 |
$1,000,000 |
$500,000 |
$500,000 |
|
$5,000,000 |
$2,000,000 |
$1,000,000 |
$1,000,000 |
|
$10,000,000 |
$2,000,000 |
$1,000,000 |
$1,000,000 |
You can use our table to calculate loan levels based on your total project costs here: Contingent grant calculation table [XLSX 55 KB]
Eligible technologies
Applicants can apply for support for high temperature heat pump technologies that produce heat above 90oC including steam heat pumps, and eligible technologies that are an integral part of the project, including project related costs such as waste heat recovery and connectivity upgrades (if required).
Project enablement costs can be applied for, including for detailed feasibility study and technical design, business case development, project management (external resource) and a measurement & verification plan. Talk to EECA about what may be applied for if you are not sure.
How to submit your proposal
We welcome applicants to apply through the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS).
For full RFP details and to apply visit the GETS website (external link)(external link)
GETS ID:
Workshops on high temperature heat pump selection and integration are planned for late 2025. Details will be published on EECA’s website and via GETS.
Key dates
|
RFP opens for applications |
From 5 November 2025 |
|
Supplier briefing |
12 November 2025 |
|
Deadline for questions |
12:00 pm, 11 February 2026 |
|
Applications close |
12:00 pm, 16 February 2026 |
|
Successful applicants notified (indicative) |
From 15 April 2026 |
|
Funding agreement starts (indicative) |
15 May 2026 |
For any queries contact us through the Government Electronic Tenders System (GETS) or via email at applications@eeca.govt.nz.