ClimaFlex: the Italian project for air conditioning systems that support the electrical grid

ClimaFlex: the Italian project for air conditioning systems supporting the electrical grid The University of Padua and several local companies join forces to make heat pumps key players in energy flexibility and accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable electrical system. Tribano, February 18, 2026 – ClimaFlex, the research project funded by the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security under Ministerial Decree No. 386/2023 – “Mission Innovation 2.0” initiative, is now entering its operational phase. The project brings together four outstanding partners: MIPU, HiRef, R2M Solution, and the University of Padua.The day was particularly dynamic: all partners gathered for a session of discussion, brainstorming, and technical analysis, with the goal of aligning expertise and visions while giving momentum to future activities. A cutting-edge project for the energy transition ClimaFlex was born from a concrete challenge: transforming heat pumps from simple heating and cooling devices for buildings into strategic resources capable of providing flexibility services to the electrical grid. In a context where Italy is increasingly investing in renewable energy, the ability to modulate energy consumption according to grid needs becomes crucial to ensuring the stability and efficiency of the national energy system. Technological innovation serving sustainability The technological core of ClimaFlex is built on three fundamental pillars: Development of next-generation heat pumps, featuring superior environmental performance – using propane as a low-impact natural refrigerant – and advanced modulation capabilities. Intelligent digital platforms Two software platforms will form the project’s digital backbone: ClimaFlex Building Interface: an artificial intelligence-based energy management system that will optimize the operation of heat pumps. ClimaFlex P2G (Peer-to-Grid): a platform for the automated trading of flexibility services, enabling the aggregation of multiple users. Predictive algorithms and advanced control Innovative control logics will be developed to exploit the thermal inertia of buildings and storage systems in order to provide flexibility to the electrical grid without compromising user comfort. An ecosystem of complementary expertise The strength of ClimaFlex lies in the complementarity of the partners involved: MIPU, as project leader, contributes its experience in artificial intelligence applied to industry and predictive management of energy systems, with solutions already operating in more than 1,000 plants across 30 countries. HiRef represents Italian excellence in HVAC system manufacturing and will be responsible for the design and construction of the heat pump prototype. R2M Solution will provide its expertise in the development of digital platforms for energy flexibility management and peer-to-peer markets, leveraging experience gained through more than 140 European research projects. The University of Padua, through the BETALab research group of the Department of Industrial Engineering, will ensure the project’s scientific rigor and validate the proposed solutions through advanced simulations and experimental analyses. ClimaFlex will make it possible to test, across two real-world pilot projects, an advanced solution capable of intelligently orchestrating different assets and using buildings as batteries. It will be a solution that can make a real difference in the emerging local flexibility markets. Simone Buffa, R2M Solution The ClimaFlex project will allow us researchers to validate in real-world conditions what has so far been studied through simulations: namely, the possibility of using buildings, through the control of heating and cooling systems, as flexible resources for the electrical grid. One of the two demonstration sites where we will test the proposed technologies will be Unizeb, the living lab of the University of Padua, which will therefore play a role not only as an educational tool but also as a facility supporting research. Collaboration with the companies in the consortium will be essential to the success of the project. Jacopo Vivian, UNIPD Projections developed by the consortium indicate significant market potential: it is estimated that by 2030, ClimaFlex solutions could involve 5% of the heat pumps installed in Italy, delivering tangible benefits in terms of energy savings, CO₂ emissions reduction, and economic savings for end users. For more information: ulker.abbasova@mipu.eu The ClimaFlex project is funded by the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE) under the Public Call pursuant to Article 4, Paragraph 1, of Ministerial Decree No. 386/2023 – Strategic Area “Energy Flexibility and Storage” – Topic “Flexibility and Aggregation Services.”