While heat pumps have been a reliable source of home heating in Sweden for over 30 years, many countries still view them as an emerging technology. In just three and a half years since its inception, Swedish heating company, Qvantum, has rapidly reshaped the residential heating landscape. Starting with a modest team of six, Qvantum has expanded to over 300 employees across eight European countries, all driven by a clear mission: to electrify heating and cooling systems in densely populated urban areas.
Jesper Jarnhäll, one of the original co-founders, brings extensive experience in the energy sector, particularly within the heat pump industry. “Together with my colleagues, we have developed heat pump products specifically tailored for Europe’s major cities,” he shares. “Our goal is to electrify heating and cooling solutions, addressing the unique challenges of urban environments.” This commitment positions Qvantum as a leader in transforming the heating landscape, especially in regions where traditional gas boilers still reign.

Opportunities in the UK market
Qvantum’s innovative heat pump technology is adaptable to any apartment size, making it ideal for large-scale, city-wide projects. In the UK, where gas boilers are the predominant heating system—accounting for approximately 1.6 million of the 1.8 million heating units sold annually—Qvantum is actively working to transition thousands of homes to sustainable, electrified alternatives. The UK government’s ambitious target of installing 600,000 heat pumps by 2028 highlights the growing demand for greener heating solutions, positioning Qvantum as a pivotal player in this transition.

To support its expansion, Qvantum is building a robust network of project developers, consultants, and service providers in the UK. Jesper emphasises the importance of collaboration: “Engaging with key stakeholders is vital for our growth. We are eager to work closely with the UK Department for Business and Trade to navigate the regulatory landscape and explore new opportunities.”
Targeting densely populated areas is crucial for Qvantum’s strategy. “The current heating market is heavily reliant on gas boilers, with over 80% of heating equipment sold in Europe still based on combustion,” Jesper points out. “Our heat pump technology not only meets the urgent need for sustainable solutions but also addresses a significant gap in the market for multifamily homes.” By capitalising on this opportunity, Qvantum is not just exporting technology; it is bringing invaluable expertise in effectively deploying heat pumps in urban settings, ultimately driving the transition to a greener, electrified future.
Driving innovation in heating technology
At the heart of Qvantum's success is its pioneering heat pump technology, meticulously designed for urban environments. The breakthrough lies in developing decentralised heating systems capable of scaling to serve entire neighbourhoods. “The apartment heat pump can fit seamlessly into your kitchen, bathroom, or wherever your existing gas boiler is,” Jesper explains. “That was the key innovation.”
One major initiative currently underway is the retrofitting programme in Long Silvertown, London, aiming to convert 6,500 homes from gas to renewable heating solutions. This project exemplifies Qvantum’s commitment to contributing to the UK's Net Zero targets, employing communal thermal boreholes to harness renewable energy and provide advanced heating solutions to urban residents. “We are focusing on large-scale projects that create decentralised, scalable systems integrated into existing urban infrastructure,” Jesper adds.

Navigating challenges and seizing future opportunities
As Qvantum continues to grow, it stands at the forefront of the energy transition, unlocking significant opportunities within the UK market. While navigating customs and manufacturing logistics as a non-EU entity presents some challenges, Jesper remains optimistic: “The goal is to help everyone by providing technology that reduces costs while offering effective solutions.”
By filling a critical gap in urban heating markets, Qvantum is targeting areas where reliance on gas boilers is prevalent. Its innovative heat pump solutions cater to a diverse demographic, offering both affordability and scalability. With government backing for heat pump adoption and impending legislation phasing out gas boilers, Qvantum is uniquely positioned to lead the UK’s shift towards sustainable energy.
As the UK government intensifies its efforts to reduce gas dependency, Jesper identifies numerous opportunities on the horizon: “The upcoming ban on natural gas in new builds signals a shift that we can help drive.” Qvantum's ability to adapt to the UK's regulatory environment, combined with its strategic partnerships, solidifies its role as a key player in the country’s journey to net zero. The future looks promising as the company continues to pave the way for greener heating solutions.

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