14 November 2025
|
Daikin has officially opened its new European Research and Development Centre (EDC) in Ghent, Belgium, a £123 million investment that marks a major step forward in sustainable heating and refrigeration innovation.
The new 30,600 m² facility, located at the Tech Lane Ghent Science Park, serves as Daikin’s principal development hub for Direct Expansion systems and refrigeration solutions in Europe and as the global R&D centre for heat pump heating. It features 23 advanced test chambers, a purpose-built product testing complex, and a modern office building designed to foster collaboration and innovation. The test chambers push HVAC systems to their limits, from Arctic freezes to desert heat. This ensures that Daikin systems perform flawlessly, whatever the weather.
Double the capacity
By opening the Ghent R&D centre, Daikin has doubled its product testing capacity in Belgium, with existing facilities in Ostend continuing to operate alongside the new site. This major expansion reinforces Daikin’s position as a technological leader in low-carbon heating and cooling solutions, supporting the UK and Europe’s transition away from fossil fuels and towards energy independence.
The EDC will focus on next-generation heating and climate solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. It also brings together Daikin’s global R&D activities for air-to-water heat pump technology, ensuring closer collaboration between engineers, product designers, and testing experts. Among its flagship innovations is the Daikin Altherma 4 residential heat pump, which uses the natural refrigerant R290 to deliver low-CO₂ heating, and the world’s first VRV system using CO₂ refrigerant, both developed by the EDC’s research teams.
Commenting on the opening, Daikin’s Residential Product Manager, Hamid Salimi said: “This new, world class facility strengthens Daikin’s R&D capabilities and enables us to deliver the next generation of low carbon heating and cooling solutions. This will cement our position as the UK’s leading provider of heating and cooling solutions.”
The new Ghent EDC marks the latest milestone in Daikin’s ongoing investment in innovation infrastructure, following previous expansions in manufacturing and R&D capacity. As governments and businesses accelerate their efforts to decarbonise building heating and cooling, Daikin’s enhanced R&D presence in Belgium positions the company at the forefront of the world’s sustainable energy future.
The future of home and business comfort is being built today by Daikin and it's smarter, cleaner, and more efficient than ever.
