CALGARY, AB (June 26, 2025): NGIF Accelerator, a catalyst for cleantech innovation in Canada’s natural gas sector, is awarding $1,068,853 in grant funding to Robur through its Industry Grants program. This investment will support the development of the Robur K18 Gas Absorption Heat Pump, a high-efficiency heating solution that addresses modern residential energy needs while creating opportunities to use lower-emission fuels.
The Robur K18 is an innovative gas absorption heat pump that delivers both space heating and domestic hot water for residential buildings. Operating on natural gas or propane and requiring minimal electricity, the K18 features a thermally driven absorption cycle that uses an F-Gas-free refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential (ODP = 0) and zero global warming potential (GWP = 0). The unit is also 20% hydrogen-ready, supporting the shift toward lower-emission energy sources.
Designed for plug-and-play installation, the K18 runs on single-phase power and requires no electrical upgrades. Maintenance is simple and comparable to that of a traditional furnace or boiler. With modulating operation and Gas Utilization Efficiency (GUE) up to 152%, the system performs reliably in cold climates down to -40°F, without the need for electric backup. Its compact and quiet design—measuring only 43 dB(A) at 16 feet—allows for seamless integration into new or existing residential heating systems, working with a variety of emitters such as radiant floors, fan coils, or radiators.
The project will unfold in multiple phases, beginning with research and development (R&D) and the production of the first prototype. Future milestones include reliability testing, certification, industrial pre-series development, and the validation of a hydronic kit to support domestic hot water and air handling units.
Image: The Robur K18 Absorption Heating Pump.
“Robur’s hydrogen-ready K18 Heat Pump brings together efficiency, environmental responsibility, and ease of integration, offering a smart, energy-efficient alternative to conventional heating systems,” said John Adams, President and CEO of NGIF Accelerator. “Our Industry Grants program and its focus on de-risking technologies through field trials and pilots are part of NGIF’s integrated model of industry validation, customer creation, and technology commercialization.”
“The K18 Project, developed for the North American market with the valuable support of NGIF Accelerator, marks a major strategic milestone for Robur. We are now able to offer a broader audience a concrete solution for everyday comfort, one that not only delivers high performance and efficiency but also significantly reduces CO₂ emissions. The K18 Heat Pump is a tangible step toward decarbonization and a low-emission energy future,” said Leonardo Guerra, President, Robur Corporation.
“FortisBC recognizes that new products and approaches are needed to help advance provincial climate action targets and goals set out in the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030,” said Dawn Mehrer, Vice-President of Corporate Services and Technology at FortisBC. “Our financial and organizational support for this stage of the K18 Project reflects our commitment to the development of energy technologies with the potential to improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, and to providing long-term value for the customers we serve.”
“Canadians want and need the affordable, reliable, and low-emission energy service offering they have come to expect from the natural gas industry. When we created NGIF, it was our vision to bring the entire natural gas value chain together to support cleantech development that enhances environmental and economic performance for the sector. I am glad to see our vision in action as NGIF continues to support innovations like Robur K18,” said Timothy M. Egan, President and CEO, Canadian Gas Association, and Chair, NGIF Capital Corporation.
Industry Grants’ Participants and Project Partners
About Industry Grants program
The Industry Grants program is industry-led and offers non-dilutive grants to fund early-stage startups for technology development and field demonstration. The program specifically de-risks pre-commercial technology solutions that have the potential to increase the environmental performance of the natural gas sector. Each project in the program will accelerate technology readiness level progressions through controlled pilot testing and field trials to advance commercialization.
About NGIF Accelerator
NGIF Accelerator is the not-for-profit arm of NGIF Capital and operates all technology and innovation programs. The NGIF Accelerator mandate is to de-risk and accelerate technology development by supporting startups through their pilot projects, field trials, and industry validation. It will coordinate with federal and provincial governments to co-fund projects to advance market commercialization. NGIF Accelerator currently operates the Industry Grants program and administers the NGIF Emissions Testing Centre program.
About Robur Corporation
Robur is a leading manufacturer of sustainable heating and cooling solutions, committed to advancing energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. With nearly 70 years of innovation and expertise, Robur develops reliable, low-impact technologies for residential, commercial, industrial, and public sector applications. The company specializes in gas absorption heat pumps and chillers that reduce electricity consumption and carbon emissions, helping to shape a cleaner, smarter energy future. Please visit https://www.robur.com/ for more information.
About Canadian Gas Association
The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is the voice of Canada’s gas energy delivery industry, including natural gas, renewable natural gas (RNG), and hydrogen. Its members are distribution and transmission companies, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, and other service providers. Today, natural gas meets almost 40 per cent of the country’s energy needs.
Fund Information:
John Adams
President and CEO, NGIF Accelerator
President and CEO, NGIF Capital Corporation
Media Information:
Dini Philip
Communications Coordinator,
