Partners

Veolia Environmental Services NV (VEOLIA)

Project Coordinator & Energy Solutions Expert

Veolia drives ecological transformation by helping industries and cities decarbonise, improve energy efficiency, and protect vital resources. With worldwide expertise in industrial energy management, Veolia optimises energy use for steam, cold, electricity, and compressed air, while integrating renewable solutions. In EXQUISHEAT, Veolia leads the project as coordinator, guiding activities in process analysis and heat pump deployment. Its expert teams design, install, and operate high-efficiency heat pump systems, supporting food companies in reducing carbon emissions while maintaining reliable and cost-effective energy supply.

Dr. Jakob energy research GmbH & Co. KG (JER)

Technical Coordinator & Sustainability Expert

JER is an international consultancy specialising in energy-efficient buildings, industrial processes, and renewable technologies. With extensive experience in EU-funded projects and international research programs, JER excels in energy audits, process optimisation, and dissemination of innovative solutions. In EXQUISHEAT, JER leads WP6 on sustainability, replication, and exploitation, supports the development of standardised heat pump solutions, and assists VEOLIA as technical coordinator, ensuring that project results are effectively shared and implemented across the food and heat pump sectors.

Narodowa Agencja Poszanowania Energii (NAPE)

Industrial Energy Expertise & Data Analysis

Founded in 1994, NAPE is a Polish consultancy specialising in energy efficiency, technical audits, and capacity-building for industry and SMEs. With experience in over 4,000 energy audits and international projects, NAPE provides independent, expert analysis to optimise energy use and support decarbonisation. In EXQUISHEAT, NAPE leads WP2 on industrial process analysis, coordinates real-life data collection from food manufacturers, and drives the techno-economic assessment and business model development for standardised heat pump solutions, ensuring practical, economically viable outcomes for the industry.

European Heat Pump Association (EHPA)

Trade Association & Stakeholder Engagement

Founded in 2000, EHPA represents over 220 members from the European heat pump industry, including manufacturers, research institutes, and national associations. EHPA’s mission is to accelerate the deployment of heat pumps across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors by overcoming market barriers, sharing knowledge, and supporting policy development. In EXQUISHEAT, EHPA leads WP5 on the roundtable platform, fostering collaboration between the food industry and heat pump manufacturers, and WP7 on dissemination and communication, ensuring project results reach stakeholders across Europe. With extensive experience in EU projects and a broad network, EHPA maximises the visibility, uptake, and impact of the project’s innovations.

Food-Processing Initiative (FPI)

Innovation Network & Awareness Leader

Established in 2000, FPI is a trusted innovation network connecting the food industry, research institutions, and policymakers. FPI strengthens the competitiveness of SMEs by facilitating collaboration, knowledge transfer, and innovative solutions across the food sector. In EXQUISHEAT, FPI leads WP4 on awareness raising, engaging stakeholders, collecting user needs, and identifying relevant use cases for heat pump integration. By leveraging its extensive network, FPI ensures project results reach food companies effectively and supports the development of a strong dissemination strategy, including contributions to the final roundtable event.

AIT Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT)

Scientific Leader & Standardised Solutions Expert

As Austria’s largest research organisation, AIT brings over 20 years of expertise in sustainable energy systems and heat pump technology. Its interdisciplinary team covers everything from components to full system integration for industrial processes, buildings, and district heating. In EXQUISHEAT, AIT leads WP3 on the development of standardised heat pump solutions, using its experience in research, testing, and quality assurance to design practical and optimised solutions for the food industry. AIT also leverages its extensive network of technology providers and industrial partners to maximise the impact and exploitation of project results.

GEA Heating and Refrigeration Technologies (GEA)

Industrial Heat Pump Expertise

With over 15 years of experience installing high-temperature heat pumps in the food, dairy, and beverage industries, GEA brings practical knowledge of industrial process integration and customer needs. In EXQUISHEAT, GEA supports WP3 on standardised heat pump solutions, contributing field expertise on connecting heat pumps to process machinery. Leveraging its extensive network of existing and new clients, GEA will help disseminate project results and promote the adoption of heat pump technology across the European food sector.

SOCIACION CLUSTER ALIMENTARIO DE GALICIA (Clusaga)

Food Cluster & Awareness Multiplier

Established in 2010, Clusaga is a recognised food cluster driving sustainable growth, competitiveness, and internationalisation in the Galician food and drink sector. With nearly 200 members from industry, academia, and research, Clusaga fosters collaboration and innovation across the regional ecosystem. In EXQUISHEAT, Clusaga contributes to WP4 on awareness raising and WP2 on data collection, while acting as a multiplier to share project results and promote heat pump adoption across the Spanish food industry.

Clivet S.p.A.

Heat Pump Systems & Technical Expertise

Clivet is a leading company in the design and production of air conditioning and heat pump systems, with over 30 years of experience in delivering energy-efficient solutions for commercial and industrial applications. Focused on optimising system efficiency and reducing environmental impact, Clivet develops advanced solutions that simplify installation, improve control, and lower costs. In EXQUISHEAT, Clivet contributes to WP2 on technical development of standardised heat pump solutions for the food industry and WP4 on awareness raising, sharing expertise to support adoption and practical implementation.