HeatInvest Study Visit in Nantes: Exploring Innovative Heating Solutions
The study visit in Nantes was organised and hosted by EQUIUM over two full days, combining company presentations and site visits to explore innovative technologies and business models across the heat pump and geothermal energy value chains. The visit highlighted Nantes as an emerging technology hub with a collaborative ecosystem and a strong openness to innovation.
Day 1 | 07.10.2026
On the first day, HeatInvest partners and their stakeholders gathered at EQUIUM’s headquarters, where the company’s CEO introduced its technology and development journey. The presentation explored the origins of thermoacoustics, a field of research that gained momentum in France during the 1980s, and how EQUIUM applies acoustic and mechanical principles to develop its innovative heat pump technology. Participants gained insights into the materials and technological combinations behind the solution, including the use of helium, as well as the role of software and material selection in technology development. Partners also discussed the advantages of this technology compared with conventional mechanical compressors and its potential to reduce both environmental impact and long-term operating costs.
The discussions also addressed the business challenges of bringing innovative technologies to market. Partners exchanged views on go-to-market strategies, the difficulties and opportunities faced by start-ups, the competitive position of established players in the heat pump market, and potential approaches to corporate financing and public funding. These exchanges offered valuable perspectives on the technical, commercial and financial considerations involved in bringing innovative heat pump solutions to market.
EQUIUM Demonstration Site
Following the presentation, partners visited EQUIUM’s demonstration site, where the company is piloting its acoustic heat pump as part of a combined heating system serving 60 social housing apartments. The installation demonstrated how technology can be integrated with an existing system to provide heating and domestic hot water, offering participants a practical insight into its application in real-life conditions.
Synerpod
In the afternoon, partners visited Synerpod, where they were introduced to the EnerPOD range of prefabricated building-energy modules designed for residential renovation and new construction. These factory-assembled units integrate several building services, including a heat pump, domestic hot water production, double-flow ventilation, control systems and remote monitoring. Manufactured off-site and delivered ready for installation, the modules illustrate how system integration can simplify the deployment of energy-efficient solutions in buildings.
Partners were particularly interested in Synerpod’s in-house production processes and its approach to improving installation efficiency. By defining the components required for each module in advance and preparing them in dedicated kits, the company reduces the need for installers to make repeated trips to suppliers to collect pipes and other materials. This approach streamlines the installation process, improves organisation and helps save time on-site.
Maintenance was another key topic of discussion. Synerpod has developed systems that can diagnose technical issues and draw on a decade of accumulated data to support the prediction of potential maintenance needs. In addition, locating most of the equipment outside the building makes maintenance interventions easier to organise, reducing the need to coordinate access to residents’ homes and arrange appointments with occupants. The visit demonstrated how combining prefabrication, digital monitoring and practical installation planning can improve operational efficiency and support the wider deployment of energy-efficient heating solutions.
Day 2 | 08.10.2026
The second day of the HeatInvest study visit in Nantes continued the exchange on innovative heating technologies and their practical applications. Hosted at EQUIUM’s headquarters, the programme combined a project meeting with an online innovation spotlight session featuring FreeHeat, Arkteos and DualSun. Partners reviewed ongoing activities and upcoming actions before exploring complementary technologies across the heat pump and geothermal energy value chains.
DualSun presented its photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) technology, which combines electricity generation with thermal energy recovery. The captured heat is transferred through a liquid circuit to a water-to-water heat pump, providing an integrated solution for space heating and domestic hot water production.
Arkteos, a French manufacturer of air-source and geothermal heat pumps for residential and commercial applications, showcased its range of heating solutions, designed and manufactured in France. The presentation also highlighted the company’s remote monitoring and maintenance capabilities, which enable systems to be supervised via the internet and support more efficient maintenance management.
FreeHeat introduced its shallow geothermal solutions, including the Caleo Terre geothermal wall, which uses ground collectors installed in shallow trenches as an alternative to deep boreholes. This approach offers a potential solution for residential applications where drilling costs or site constraints may limit the deployment of conventional geothermal systems.
Together, these presentations broadened the study visit’s focus beyond EQUIUM’s thermoacoustic heat pump, demonstrating complementary approaches to renewable heating, system integration and maintenance. Across both days, participants gained practical insights into emerging technologies, business models and opportunities for collaboration across the European heat pump and geothermal energy value chains.
