Gas absorption heat pumps reintroduced to UK market as transitional decarbonisation option
21 May 2026 
Specialist heat pump provider Pure Thermal has relaunched the Italian manufactured Robur commercial gas absorption heat pump (GAHP) range in the UK, following its appointment as the
brand’s UK partner.
Robur GAHP systems were widely deployed across the UK up to 2014, with hundreds of units installed and operating in commercial applications. During the subsequent industry shift
towards electrification of heat and fuel switching away from gas, the technology was withdrawn from the UK market in favour of electrically driven heat pump systems.
As the industry progresses towards 2050 net zero targets, there is increasing recognition of the need for transitional technologies capable of delivering near-term carbon reductions. In this
context, gas absorption heat pumps are being reconsidered as a means of reducing gas consumption without requiring increased electrical capacity.
GAHP systems utilise heat pump technology to improve the efficiency of gas use, enabling carbon savings while avoiding the need for electrical infrastructure upgrades. This is particularly relevant in retrofit scenarios, where increasing electrical supply can be both costly and constrained by local grid limitations.
Garry Broadbent of Pure Thermal commented: “We have 25 years until 2050 and it’s clear that a more transitional approach, rather than immediate fuel switching from gas, can really benefit some carbon reduction focused applications”, adding, “we would ask if GAHP technology has been overlooked, in favour of electric heat pumps, because gas is seen as something that must be removed rather than gas usage being reduced.”
Gas absorption heat pumps can therefore be considered as a transitional solution, allowing lower capital cost carbon reduction measures to be implemented immediately while deferring the
need for major electrical upgrades. Electrification can then follow as grid capacity improves.
From an application perspective, GAHP systems integrate with existing gas infrastructure and require minimal electrical input. As outlined by Pure Thermal, approximately 1 kW of electricity is required to generate up to 40 kW of heat output. Compared with conventional gas boilers, this can result in reduced gas consumption while maintaining heating performance.
Garry Broadbent states: “GAHP are relatively straightforward to apply as they use the incumbent/existing gas supply and use only 1 kW electricity to generate 40kW of heat”, continuing, “consider that we have a commercial gas heater which is more than 100% efficient offering an immediate reduction in gas usage when compared to boilers”.
The technology has an established track record, with widespread UK deployment since 2004 and continued application across Europe. This operational history demonstrates that GAHP
systems are a well-established alternative heat pump technology rather than a new or emerging solution.
System configurations are modular, typically based on the Robur A-Plus 40 kW unit, which can be installed individually or in multiple-unit arrangements. Factory-assembled skid-mounted
systems are also available, along with hybrid configurations combining GAHP units with conventional boilers. In such systems, heat pumps are prioritised to maximise carbon reduction, with
boilers providing additional capacity at lower ambient temperatures, typically below 5°C.
Pure Thermal indicates that application support is available through case studies and system design guidance from both UK and European installations, aimed at supporting consultants and
specifiers in evaluating appropriate use cases.
In operation, GAHP systems differ from electrically driven vapour compression heat pumps in that a gas burner provides the energy input to drive the refrigeration cycle. However, both
systems utilise renewable energy sources such as ambient air, ground or water.
Typical performance suggests GAHP systems can reduce gas consumption by approximately 40% compared with conventional boilers, while delivering flow temperatures of up to 70°C. This makes
them suitable for both new-build and retrofit applications, particularly where higher temperature heat distribution systems are required.
The future role of gas within the UK energy system remains subject to ongoing policy development, including a government consultation on gas transition launched in November 2025. However, developments such as investment in hydrogen blending and increasing availability of biogas indicate potential for lower-carbon gaseous fuels within the existing grid.
For further information please visit: www.purethermal.co.uk