The Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies (CRSES) at Stellenbosch University University hosted a two-day specialised training course on heat pump systems for commercial and large residential applications from 5–6 August 2026 at the General Engineering Building in Stellenbosch.

Delivered through the SOLTRAIN+ programme, the course brought together 41 professionals and emerging experts from across the renewable heat sector, including project developers, consultants, installers, municipal engineers, lecturers and postgraduate students. The training provided a platform for participants from industry, government and academia to exchange knowledge while building practical skills in the design and integration of heat pump systems.

The course was facilitated by Anna Gantner of AEE INTEC, who led participants through the fundamentals of heat pump technology, including renewable energy sources, thermodynamics, key system components and the formulas required for system design. The programme also explored different types of heat pumps, including high-temperature systems, as well as their application for both heating and cooling.

The training combined technical presentations with practical exercises, allowing participants to move beyond theory and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. One of the first practical sessions focused on data evaluation and interpreting air heat pump datasheets, while subsequent exercises involved calculating the performance of an air heat pump and identifying its key components.

The programme also placed a strong emphasis on the South African context. Derwalt Erasmus of Energy Partners Engineering presented examples of heat pump projects implemented in South Africa and the broader Southern African region. The presentation offered participants an opportunity to connect the technical concepts covered during the training with systems already being implemented locally. The practical relevance of these examples was particularly well received by participants.

The second day expanded the technical programme to include boundary conditions for heat pump projects, possible combinations of heat pumps with PVT and solar thermal systems, refrigerants, specialised heat pumps and green cooling. Participants continued to engage in practical exercises designed to strengthen their understanding of heat pump calculations, system design and component identification.

The training also incorporated the broader objectives of Southern African Solar Thermal Training & Demonstration Initiative (SOLTRAIN) . Anna Gantner provided an overview of the SOLTRAIN project, while Simnikiwe Gulwa, from CRSES, Stellenbosch University presented on the capacity-building and gender activities associated with the SOLTRAIN+ programme.

With 41 participants, 15% of which were females, the course attracted professionals at different stages of their careers, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange between experienced practitioners, academics and postgraduate students. The diversity of professional backgrounds contributed to discussions that connected technical knowledge with industry practice, municipal infrastructure, teaching and research.

Participant engagement remained strong throughout the two-day programme, particularly during the practical sessions and discussions around locally implemented heat pump projects. The interest in continuing professional development was evident in participants’ enquiries about when the next training opportunity would be offered.

The course concluded with a technical tour on 7 August, taking participants to Huis Ebenhauser and Mediclinic Cape Town Hospital. The tour provided an opportunity to connect the classroom-based learning with real-world applications of heat pump technology and further explore how such systems can be integrated into large residential and commercial environments.