New Electric Heat Pumps Chase Fossil Fuels Out Of Boilers

The article discusses the emergence of industrial-scale electric heat pumps as a transformative alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered steam boilers, which have been widely used since the 19th century in industries such as papermaking and food processing. US startup AtmosZero is at the forefront of this innovation, aiming to replace coal, oil, and gas boilers with more energy-efficient electric heat pump systems. Despite shifts in federal energy policy, AtmosZero has made significant progress, including pilot projects with partners like New Belgium Brewing and collaborations with engineering firms such as Danfoss. In 2024, the company secured a $3.1 million Department of Energy grant to develop commercial and industrial-scale electric heat pumps. In early 2025, AtmosZero opened a new manufacturing campus in Loveland, Colorado, initially planning to produce 100 units of its “Boiler 2.0” heat pump boilers. The startup recently announced a strategic partnership with R.F. MacDonald, a 70-year-old boiler supplier,