Danfoss has entered into an agreement to acquire 100 per cent of the share capital in the Danish company KH nordtherm a/s, which is based in Ikast and produces heat pumps for farms and residential buildings. KH nordtherm a/s was founded in 1980 and, since then, has become a leading Danish heat pump manufacturer.
In addition to conventional ground heat pumps, KH nordtherm a/s also specialises in heat pumps for stables. The systems collect surplus heat via a circuit from for example the stable’s slurry channels, milk tank or potato storage. A heat pump then transfers the surplus heat to hydronic heating systems mounted in stable floors or in residential buildings. At the same time, this process cools down the heat source, which improves the indoor climate substantially by reducing odour and ammonia emission from the slurry channels.
"The large potential of heat pumps as an alternative energy source has caught the attention of more and more people. In the stables it is obvious to make use of the heat pumps’ ability to utilize the heat energy from substances, which are in need of cooling down. This provides the farmer with an opportunity for a total economy, which is unique,” says KH nordtherm’s managing director, Knud Henning Olesen, who will continue to lead the company together with technical director Henrik Andersen.
Largest in Europe
The acquisition is in keeping with Danfoss’ strategy to become Europe’s leading manufacturer of heat pumps that generate heat for hydronic floor heating and radiator systems. It is Danfoss’ fifth acquisition in this area in less than two years, and Danfoss currently produces heat pumps in six different countries in Europe.
"By entering into this agreement with KH nordtherm a/s, Danfoss is positioning itself as a clear market leader in the Danish heat pump market. But, above all, it will provide us with a good platform for developing the market further, both within stable systems, which we consider to have large export potential with the support from Danfoss’ global organisation, and within traditional air/ ground heat pumps, which the Danes are only now opening their eyes to,” says Carsten L. Sørensen, Senior Vice President of the Danfoss Heat Pump business.
KH nordtherm’s headquarters in Ikast will function as the sales and service centre of the Danfoss Heat Pump business in Denmark, and an extension of the administration facilities is included in the agreement with Danfoss.
Ordinary homeowners can also save money
A heat pump is not just a good investment for farmers. Ordinary homeowners can save up to 70 per cent on their heating bills if they replace traditional heating methods with a heat pump.
Heat pumps in average residential buildings extract naturally stored solar energy from the lawn via buried hose or directly from outdoor air via a ventilator. The heat pump is driven by electricity, but typically supplies between three and four times as much energy as it uses.
"The interest in heat pumps is booming in our neighbouring countries, but, so far, the Danes have been more hesitant. There is only one way in the future, considering the Danes’ interest in saving energy – modern heat pumps make good sense and provide environmentally-friendly energy,” says Carsten L. Sørensen.
For further information:
Nikolaj Stig Nielsen, Communications Advisor, Danfoss Heating Division, +45 23 74 10 71
Carsten L. Sørensen, Senior Vice President, Danfoss Heat Pumps, +46 70 60 69 697
