Hellers Hot Water Heat Pump

Hellers - NZ's Butcher

Hot Water Heat Pump

$148,000 Annual Savings for 2.5 Years Payback On Investment

Problem

Hellers Ltd, New Zealand's best known butcher and small goods specialist, consumes a significant amount of hot water which is primarily generated by LPG fired steam boilers. They had reduced hot water consumption, and implemented heat recovery, and to further reduce costs sought alternative methods for generating hot water.

Solution

DETA Consulting proposed a high temperature heat pump for the site, utilising waste heat from the refrigeration system and boosting it to a usable temperature. This significantly reduced the need for LPG on site, however, did consume slightly more electricity. After a successful study, DETA developed the design and business case in conjunction with Active Refrigeration, Heller’s refrigeration partner. 

Outcome

The project was delivered successfully in 2015 and represents only the second ammonia high temperature heat pump installed in New Zealand. 1.4 GWh/annum saved. Equivalent to $148,000/yr (or the energy required to process 160,000 sheep) at a payback of 2.5 years.

Industrial plant at dusk with glowing smokestacks, steel structures, and city lights under a cloudy sky
by Jeff Smit 9 June 2026
Move beyond grid constraints. Discover three asset-backed engineering paths to operationalise demand-side flexibility and protect your production uptime.
Industrial refinery at dusk with glowing orange sky and sprawling metal pipes
by Jeff Smit 4 June 2026
Does the government's gas loan scheme actually add up? Jeff Smit breaks down the NZ energy crisis and the real infrastructure barriers stalling industrial transition.
Industrial facility with large metal tanks, rooftop equipment, and a parked truck on a wet lot.
17 May 2026
Volatile diesel prices and declining gas fields are changing the game. Learn why Australasian industry must act now to de-risk CapEx and electrify.
Show More