Gamechanger Shoebox NX Heat Pump Wins International Tech Award

Greetings, Net Zero News Community,

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news that highlights the remarkable strides being made in the world of sustainable energy. Kensa, a leading British manufacturer, has recently received international acclaim for its innovative Shoebox NX ground source heat pump at the prestigious Energy Institute’s International Energy Awards, where it won the coveted International Technology Energy Award. This recognition not only underscores the ingenuity of British engineering but also its potential to revolutionise how we approach heating in our homes.

The Energy Institute’s 2025 awards showcased an impressive array of over 140 entries from a record 29 countries, making the competition fierce. In a category dedicated to celebrating pioneering innovations poised to disrupt the energy sector, Kensa’s Shoebox NX stood out for its transformative potential to decarbonise homes on a significant scale while making efficient, low-carbon heating more accessible to the masses.

Designed and manufactured right here in the UK, the Shoebox NX is engineered to facilitate the large-scale adoption of renewable heating systems through a networked heat pump model. This innovative approach allows thousands of homes to benefit from efficient, low-carbon heating simultaneously. Moreover, the compact design of the Shoebox NX is instrumental in tackling energy efficiency challenges, with the capacity to elevate Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings by as much as two bands in properties that currently score low.

The implementation of networked heat pumps is already reshaping the heating landscape across the UK. From newly constructed homes to century-old Edwardian social flats, countless residences are enjoying the benefits of Kensa’s original Shoebox heat pump. As we move into a new era of sustainable heating, the Shoebox NX is set to build upon this legacy, aiding Kensa in its ambition to connect tens of thousands of homes to networked heat pumps each year.

In the realm of social housing, networked heat pumps are proving invaluable for housing providers striving to decarbonise their properties, enhance energy efficiencies, and reduce energy bills for residents. Not only do these systems help existing homes transition to greener alternatives, but they also ensure that new builds comply with upcoming regulations, such as the Future Homes Standard, which aims to phase out gas boilers in new properties.

Since its launch in February 2024, the Shoebox NX has garnered multiple accolades, including the Innovation Product of the Year at the 2024 Unlock Net Zero Awards and the Best Heat Pump at the 2024 Build It Awards. Furthermore, Kensa was honoured as the Independent Innovator of the Year at the UK Housing Awards for its contributions to decarbonising social housing and lowering energy costs for residents.

Looking ahead, projections indicate that by 2040, up to 8,000 homes per week in the UK could be connected to ground source heat pumps, primarily through the networked heat pump model. This monumental shift is expected to attract over £100 billion in investment, generating tens of thousands of jobs in the green sector, further cementing the UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions.

Tamsin Lishman, CEO of Kensa, expressed her enthusiasm upon receiving the award, stating:

“It’s brilliant for the Shoebox NX heat pump to receive this prestigious Energy Institute award. The game-changing, compact heat pump has redefined what ground source heat pumps can deliver.”

“When designing, our goal was to create a high-performance heat pump that delivers reliable, efficient heating for those who need it most. The Shoebox NX does exactly that – and more – and brings us closer to a future where every home has access to better, more efficient heating.”

“The Shoebox NX is a superb example of British innovation, engineering and manufacturing, and tackles one of the biggest challenges in the transition to net zero—decarbonising heat at scale. From social housing flats to listed buildings and new build homes, the Shoebox NX is destined to become a cornerstone of the UK’s heating future.”

This remarkable achievement by Kensa not only signifies a leap forward in technology but also a crucial step towards achieving a sustainable future. As we navigate the challenges posed by climate change, innovations like the Shoebox NX are essential in paving the way for a greener and more energy-efficient society. It is innovations like these that ignite hope and inspire action as we work collectively towards our net-zero goals.

As members of the Net Zero News Community, let us celebrate this milestone and continue to advocate for and support advancements in sustainable technologies. Each step we take towards embracing renewable energy solutions brings us closer to a world where clean, efficient heating is a reality for all. Together, we can drive the change needed to create a sustainable future for generations to come.

Stay tuned for more updates on the latest innovations and developments in the realm of net-zero initiatives. Together, we can be champions of change in the fight against climate change!