Panasonic and Centrica’s Energised Futures launch pilot to unlock smart heat pump potential
Panasonic has announced a partnership with Energised Futures, energy services provider Centrica’s in-house research and innovation incubator, in a new pilot designed to advance intelligent heat-pump control. Demonstrating how collaboration across manufacturers, installers and technology innovators can accelerate the shift to smarter, more efficient low-carbon heating.
The research explored the automation and optimisation of heat pumps in seven Dublin homes as part of the EU-funded Horizon 2020 programme – the DEDALUS project – to develop user-centred demand-side response (DSR) systems. By combining technical innovation from Energised Futures with Panasonic’s manufacturing expertise alongside local installer partner MOS Mechanical’s on-the-ground installer insight, the project reflects the full lifecycle of heat pump deployment.
Building on its UK government-funded Marram Energy Storage Hub (MESH) project, Energised Futures uses digital twins and predictive algorithms to remotely optimise Panasonic heat pumps. The system automatically schedules heating and hot water for when electricity is cheapest and cleanest—lowering household bills and emissions while maintaining occupant comfort and supporting grid stability.
Digital Twins and Demand Response
Insights from the Dublin trial will feed directly into complementary pilots in Austria, Denmark, Italy, Spain and Romania, helping to build a holistic understanding of how smart heating and flexibility solutions work across different climates, housing types and energy systems. The overall programme wrapped up at the end of April, after which the combined results from Dublin and the other EU pilots are being analysed and shared.
Leaders in unlocking heat pump potential
Ben Krikler, PhD, Head of Energised Futures and Director of Research & Innovation, Centrica, emphasised the opportunity ahead. He said, “Heat pumps have incredible potential, but that potential isn’t being fully realised. By combining advanced controls, predictive algorithms, and real-world data, we can make heat pumps smarter, more efficient, and more rewarding for households by delivering comfort at the lowest running cost while also helping to balance the grid and reduce emissions.”
Laurence Cox, Country Manager for Panasonic Heating & Cooling Ireland, added, “This project highlights the real-world benefits of heat pump technology, from reduced energy costs and improved comfort to lower carbon emissions. We are proud to be working alongside Centrica and MOS Mechanical to help underline the growing importance of proven, low-carbon technologies in supporting the transition to a more sustainable built environment.”
A user-centric, behavioural science approach
The pilot adopts a user-centric, co-creation approach to understand what drives or hinders participation in demand response, including comfort, data privacy, and energy literacy. Supported by a robust social science framework and drawing on behavioural science, motivation theories, and socio-economic insights, the project actively involves participants through workshops, segmentation analysis, and interface testing.
Empowering installers and consumers on the ground
Kildare-based MSM Renewables provided real-world installation and household support for the trial.
MOS Mechanical CEO Mick O’Shea emphasised that hands-on experience with evolving tech builds installer confidence and maximises household benefits. The partners are now leveraging insights from the project to shape policy and accelerate clean heating rollouts.
To find out more about Panasonic’s range of solutions, visit https://www.aircon.panasonic.eu For more information about Energised Futures, visit – https://www.energised-futures.com