Objectives
EECA is inviting forward-looking New Zealand businesses to lead some of the country’s first demonstrations of very high temperature heat pumps.
Eligibility
- Industrial and commercial businesses in New Zealand with process heat requirements suitable for VHTHP technology.
- All New Zealand-based and New Zealand-registered legal entities, including State-owned enterprises, local councils and regional councils.
- Public service departments, non-public service departments (such as the New Zealand Defence Force), Statutory Crown entities are NOT eligible.
- Applicants will need to provide a completed pre-feasibility study of a potential VHTHP project.
What kind of project is this for?
We are looking to support very high temperature heat pump (VHTHP) projects across a range of project sizes and businesses sectors.
Projects must be delivered in New Zealand and:
- install a high temperature heat pump technology, which can also be a heat pump supplying steam or a mechanical vapour recompression (MVR) heat pump
- supply end uses requiring 85oC or higher, or steam at a pressure of 0.5 bar (absolute) or higher
- are expected to deliver a minimum 150% increase in energy efficiency (have a coefficient of performance COP of 1.5 or higher).
Why we’re offering this
EECA’s Very high temperature heat pump (VHTHP) activator initiative aims to support the market with new demonstration projects for efficient heat using VHTHP technologies, including via case studies and information. The technology is advancing rapidly, is showing results from the first projects, and can offer a practical pathway for businesses to reduce energy use and operating costs.
Projects will:
- prove potential to reduce energy use and operating costs
- support market uptake of low-emission technologies with case studies and information
- demonstrate viable applications of VHTHP technology.
Applications are also open to service providers who wish to enter umbrella agreements with EECA to work with businesses on projects.
What the funding covers
Targeted co-funding is available for both the development, and implementation of VHTHP projects.
Applicants can apply for up to $5 million of total EECA co-funding to co-fund up to 50% of an eligible project’s delivery costs, including contributions towards feasibility studies and business cases.
More detailed information, including a breakdown of funding available, is provided in the RFP document available on the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS).
Application process
We welcome applicants to apply through the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS) through the link below.
For any queries contact us through GETS or via email at: applications@eeca.govt.nz
Download the RFP document here: VHTHP Activator RFP - for Project Owners [PDF 700 KB]
EECA will hold an online briefing session for prospective applicants to learn more about the Very High Temperature Heat Pump Activator Initiative. This is an opportunity for applicants to ask questions about the requirements of the tender to inform the development of their response.
You can register for the briefing below, and the recording will be made available afterwards.
| Date and time: | Tuesday, 31 March 2026, 11.00am |
| Registration link: | Register now(external link) |