Northvolt team targets heat pumps as-a-service with Aira

Based on a subscription model, Aira will look to offer customers a turnkey solution for decarbonising their domestic heating, including planning, installation, maintenance and the integration of government grants. The company is currently running a pilot in Italy and is due to launch later this year in the UK, where just one per cent of homes are equipped with heat pumps and government schemes to increase adoption have so far fallen flat. Aira said it plans to serve five million homes across Europe within 10 years.  

“The EU’s Fit-for-55 is a vital political framework for reaching the Paris Agreement, but we need bold business initiatives to meet the commitments,” said Harald Mix, founder and chairman of Vargas and Aira.

“By applying Vargas proven model of vertical integration and scale, Aira can offer consumer cost-savings as well as greener residential heating – this is the most efficient way to achieve net zero. The heat pump technology is widely adopted across Scandinavia. Aira’s offering, together with national regulations and subsidies, will accelerate adoption across Europe.”

Heat pumps’ high efficiency rates and ability to dramatically reduce domestic emissions have made them the core initial focus for Aira. However, the company has grand plans to offer many more green home solutions, including battery storage, dynamic electricity tariffs and solar panels. Aira said this integrated energy ecosystem will be managed by the company’s digital platform and could reduce energy bills by up to 50 per cent.

The company’s 2030 ambition is to be present in more than 20 markets, with over 10,000 clean energy experts and technicians employed across Europe. Aira has also recently acquired a former Volvo factory in Wroclaw, Poland, which it is refitting to begin production of heat pump equipment from 2024.

“With clean energy-tech for every home, Aira is transforming residential heating and accelerating Europe’s energy transition and decarbonisation,” said Martin Lewerth, CEO of Aira.

“Today, consumers spend thousands of euros on inefficient, dirty and expensive gas based heating. We will make heat pumps affordable, cut energy bills and emissions. Our unique direct-to-consumer model will dramatically change how European families heat their homes.”