The addition introduces district heating and cooling expertise from Sweden and enables NIBE to support both standalone, heat-pump-led projects and large-scale heat networks.
NIBE’s new heat networks team includes Alan Unwin, who brings over a decade of Cetetherm experience, alongside Gulam Seedat, NIBE’s dedicated Heat Network Specialist. Together, they will lead the UK launch and support delivery.
“Our ambition has always been to offer the total HVAC solution – from heat pumps to solar PVT and ventilation. The Cetetherm Pioneer HIU and substations bring district and local heat network capability, addressing bespoke projects and housing developments where individual heat pumps may not be suitable,” said Paul Smith, Managing Director, NIBE UK. “We aim to offer a consultative and non-bias approach to our customers and the market's needs and this step ensures we can offer the right combination of technologies for each project.”
Heat networks (also known as district heating) utilise centralised heat sources (e.g., heat pumps, biomass, CHP and EFW) and pipe hot water through insulated pipework to multiple dwellings or buildings. An HIU like Cetetherm’s Pioneer acts as the critical bridge within each dwelling, using plate heat exchangers to deliver space heating and hot water on demand. HIUs are highly efficient, space-saving, remotely controllable, and enhance energy metering and billing for individual users.
The Cetetherm Pioneer is a fourth-generation HIU, compatible with both district heating and heat-pump systems. It features low return temperatures (55–65 °C supply), smart control via Cetetherm myUplink, BESA/UKReg4 approval, and compact, pre-assembled design.
“Having spent over a decade working with Cetetherm, I’m excited to bring that experience into the NIBE fold. This integration is a natural next step, combining trusted HIU and substation technology with NIBE’s strong reputation in sustainable heating. Together, we’re uniquely positioned to support the UK’s transition to smarter, low-carbon heating systems — from large-scale heat networks to tailored, multi-dwelling projects,” Alan Unwin, who leads the new heat network solutions team alongside Gulam Seedat, comments.
Gulam Seedat, Heat Network Specialist at NIBE, added: “The Pioneer HIU combines remote optimisation, low-temperature efficiency and precise real-time monitoring. For bespoke builds and retrofits, heat networks offer a scalable, smart, and net-zero compatible solution, and NIBE is now equipped to deliver it.”
Andreas Johnsson, managing director of Cetetherm Group, commented: “Entry into the UK for HIU’s and substations via NIBE’s market reach and technical strength makes perfect sense – we share a vision for energy-efficiency and delivering advanced heat network systems to help achieve carbon targets.”
This latest step marks a natural evolution for NIBE, as it continues to grow its UK portfolio to meet the diverse heating needs of homes and developments. By combining proven Swedish engineering with local expertise, NIBE is now perfectly positioned to deliver tailored, low-carbon HVAC solutions, from individual homes to large-scale heat network projects.