Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Australia – May 16, 2025
In a landmark move to reshape the industrial energy landscape in Australia, Finnish cleantech innovator Oilon and Australian energy services leader O’Brien have entered a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the adoption of high temperature heat pump technology across the nation’s manufacturing and processing sectors.
This collaboration is poised to transform the production of high-temperature process heat up to 120°C, enabling industries to replace fossil fuel dependent systems with electrified, low carbon heat generation all while significantly reducing energy costs and emissions.
Turning Up the Heat Electrically and Sustainably
As Australian industry confronts dual pressures of rising energy costs and decarbonisation mandates, the shift to electrified process heat is no longer a choice, but an imperative. The Oilon O’Brien partnership brings to market a solution that addresses both demands head-on: cost-effective, high efficiency heat pumps capable of delivering up to 120°C of process heat, a temperature range previously thought out of reach for large-scale heat pump systems.
“Oilon’s high temperature heat pumps are among the most advanced globally,” said Jussi Alpua. “By teaming up with O’Brien, we are aligning our global technology leadership with deep local expertise, unlocking immediate carbon and cost savings for Australian industry.”
Economic and Environmental Advantages
Heat pumps have long been celebrated for their efficiency – often delivering 3 – 4 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed. However, their application in high-temperature industrial settings has lagged due to technical constraints. Oilon’s breakthrough technology changes the game.
Key benefits of the partnership include
• Lower Operating Costs – Compared to traditional gas or oil-fired boilers, high-temperature heat pumps can slash energy bills through significantly improved efficiency.
• Carbon Reduction – Transitioning to electrified heat aligns with Australia’s 2030 and 2050 net zero targets and helps industries meet ESG commitments.
• Thermal Versatility – The ability to generate process heat up to 120°C makes these systems suitable for a wide array of sectors from food and beverage to pharmaceuticals, textiles, and chemicals.
• Grid Ready and Scalable – With Australia’s growing renewable energy base, these systems offer a seamless integration with solar and wind inputs, ensuring truly zero-emission heat.
Leading Australia’s Process Heat Transition
O’Brien, with a ½ century long legacy in thermal systems and national reach, will provide engineering, integration, and lifecycle service support for Oilon systems across industrial facilities.
“Decarbonising industrial heat is one of Australia’s toughest but most critical challenges,” said Brendan O’Brien, CEO of O’Brien. “Our partnership with Oilon brings global best in class technology into the hands of local industry, accelerating the transition to clean, cost-effective process heat. It’s not just about carbon it’s about competitiveness and resilience.”
The Future of Heat is O’Brien
As Australia marches towards a low emissions economy, heat pumps are rapidly emerging as a cornerstone of industrial transformation. With their proven ability to deliver high-temperature heat cleanly and efficiently, the Oilon O’Brien alliance signals a new chapter for industrial energy in the Southern Hemisphere. Together, these two companies are not just turning up the heat they’re reinventing it.
About Oilon
Oilon is a Finnish energy and environmental technology pioneer, developing high performance heat pumps, burners, and solutions for sustainable energy use in over 50 countries.
About O’Brien
O’Brien is a leading Australian energy solutions company, specialising in industrial heating, and energy transition technologies across multiple sectors.
Contacts:
Jussi Alpua
Chief Business Officer
jussi.alpua@oilon.com
+358443374475
Brendan O’Brien
Executive Chair
brendan@obrien.energy
+61 3 8325 1000