Tribano, 18 February 2026 – ClimaFlex, the research project aimed at transforming air conditioning systems into active resources for grid stability and renewable energy integration, is now fully underway.
The project launch day was marked by an intensive exchange among all the partners involved. Researchers, engineers and company representatives from the consortium gathered for a dynamic working session dedicated to brainstorming and in-depth technical discussion of the project’s main challenges. The meeting made it possible to align expertise and strategic visions, define operational priorities and lay the groundwork for effective collaboration in the years ahead.
ClimaFlex is funded by the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security under Ministerial Decree No. 386/2023 – the “Mission Innovation 2.0” initiative, and brings together four partners of excellence: MIPU, HiRef, R2M Solution and the University of Padua. The project was established with the objective of developing technologies and operational models capable of making air conditioning systems smarter, more flexible and better integrated within the national energy system.
Through technological innovation and collaboration between industry and academia, ClimaFlex aims to make a concrete contribution to the energy transition, promoting more efficient use of energy resources and opening up new opportunities in flexibility markets.
A Cutting-Edge Project for the Energy Transition
ClimaFlex addresses a concrete challenge: transforming heat pumps from simple heating and cooling devices into strategic resources capable of providing flexibility services to the electricity grid.
In an energy system increasingly characterised by the presence of renewable sources such as solar and wind, it is essential to have technologies capable of adapting energy consumption to grid conditions. The ability to modulate the operation of air conditioning systems makes it possible to contribute to the stability of the electricity network, reducing demand peaks and improving the integration of renewable energy.
The project systematically addresses the technical, economic, regulatory and social barriers that currently limit the use of HVAC systems in flexibility markets. The objective is to develop innovative solutions involving the entire energy supply chain: from end users to grid operators, and from technology manufacturers to energy service providers.
Technological Innovation in the Service of Sustainability
The technological core of ClimaFlex rests on three main pillars.
1. Next-Generation Heat Pumps
The project involves the development of advanced heat pumps featuring superior environmental performance. These systems will use propane as a natural, low-environmental-impact refrigerant and will be equipped with advanced modulation capabilities, allowing the operation of the system to be adapted to the needs of the electricity grid.
2. Intelligent Digital Platforms
- Two software platforms will form the project’s digital infrastructure:
-
- ClimaFlex Building Interface, an energy management system based on artificial intelligence algorithms that will optimise the operation of heat pumps in buildings.
- ClimaFlex P2G (Peer-to-Grid), a platform dedicated to the management and automated trading of energy flexibility services, capable of aggregating multiple users and coordinating their contribution to the grid.
3. Predictive Algorithms and Advanced Control
Innovative control logics will be developed to exploit the thermal inertia of buildings and energy storage systems. This will make it possible to offer flexibility to the grid without compromising occupant comfort, turning buildings into active participants in the energy system.
An Ecosystem of Complementary Expertise
The strength of ClimaFlex lies in the complementary expertise of the partners involved.
MIPU, as project lead, brings its experience in developing artificial intelligence solutions applied to industry and to the predictive management of energy systems, with technologies already operational in over 1,000 installations across 30 countries.
HiRef, part of the Galletti Group, represents Italian excellence in the production of HVAC systems and will be responsible for the design and construction of the modulating heat pump prototype developed within the project.
R2M Solution will contribute its expertise in developing digital platforms for energy flexibility management and peer-to-peer markets, gained through participation in over 140 European research projects.
The University of Padua, through the BETALab research group of the Department of Industrial Engineering, will ensure the scientific rigour of the project and the validation of solutions through advanced simulations and experimental analyses.
Statements
Simone Buffa – R2M Solution
“ClimaFlex will allow us to test, at two real pilot sites, an advanced solution capable of intelligently orchestrating different energy assets and of using buildings as genuine batteries. This is an innovative approach that can make a real difference in the new local flexibility markets.”Jacopo Vivian – University of Padua
“The ClimaFlex project will allow us as researchers to verify in real-world conditions what we have studied so far through simulations: the possibility of using buildings, by controlling heating and cooling systems, as flexible resources for the electricity grid. One of the two demonstration sites will be UniZEB, the University of Padua’s living lab, which will play a role not only as a teaching tool but also as a research support infrastructure. Collaboration with the consortium companies will be fundamental to the success of the project.”
Expected Impact and Market Outlook
The consortium’s preliminary analyses indicate significant market potential for the solutions developed within ClimaFlex.
According to estimates, by 2030 these technologies could reach approximately 5% of heat pumps installed in Italy, delivering concrete benefits in terms of reduced energy consumption, lower CO₂ emissions and economic savings for end users.
The project therefore represents an important step towards the creation of a more resilient, intelligent and sustainable energy system, in which buildings and infrastructure can actively collaborate with the electricity grid.
For news and updates, follow the Linkedin page.
Press: Ulker Abbasova, ulker.abbasova@mipu.eu
The ClimaFlex project is funded by the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) under the Public Notice pursuant to Article 4, paragraph 1, of Ministerial Decree No. 386/2023 – Strategic Area “Energy Flexibility and Storage” – Theme “Flexibility Services and Aggregation”, with the support of European Union funding – NextGenerationEU.
