Reclaim Energy

What Reclaim Energy does

Reclaim Energy is an Australian engineering company that designs and distributes CO2 (R744) heat pump hot water systems for residential and commercial customers across Australia and New Zealand. Operating legally as Solar Thermal Australia Pty Ltd and headquartered in Byron Bay, NSW, the company originated in 2003 initially representing the Apricus brand, before evolving to develop its own Reclaim-branded CO2 heat pump platform and rebranding as Reclaim Energy. The core technology is a transcritical CO2 refrigeration cycle that draws ambient heat, compresses it via an integrated compressor (most recently Panasonic KY Series sourced from a Zero CO2 Emissions factory in Kyoto), and transfers heat to a stainless-steel or glass-lined storage tank through a condenser; the system requires no backup booster, achieves a Coefficient of Performance of 5-6.02, and operates at 37dB.

The product portfolio spans the residential Reclaim Eco R290 (Australian-designed), Reclaim CO2 Wi-Fi, and Reclaim CO2 Heat Pump lines, plus the commercial Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Q-TON (CO2 air-to-water, configurable up to 16 modules, operating to -25°C), and a co-developed Panasonic-branded unit. Differentiators include a proprietary Wi-Fi controller with API-based load-shifting and PV-surplus activation, frost/freeze/legionella control, split-system installation flexibility, and the only top-10 Australian heat-pump brand using natural CO2 (GWP of 1) instead of R134A.

The company distributes exclusively through licensed plumber and electrician dealers across Australia and New Zealand, supported by state-based relationship managers and an integrated rebate-claim workflow via Green Energy Trading's Geo platform. Commercial Q-TON sales are conducted directly through a technical sales department. Revenue is generated primarily via one-time hardware sales; pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, with end-customer cost materially reduced by federal STCs and state-level ESCs/VEU rebates. Consumer financing is offered through a Plenti Group partnership. The company is privately held, founder-led by Dr Chris Taylor, and bootstrapped with no disclosed external funding.

Name

Reclaim Energy

Legal name

Solar Thermal Australia Pty Ltd

Website

https://reclaimenergy.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Reclaim Energy is an Australian engineering company that designs and distributes CO2 (R744) and R290 heat pump hot water systems for residential and commercial customers in Australia and New Zealand via a licensed plumber dealer network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Heat Pump Water Heaters

NAICS

Ventilation, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (33341), Power Boiler and Heat Exchanger Manufacturing (33241)

SIC

Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585), Heating Equipment, Except Electric & Warm Air Furnaces (3433), Refrigeration & Service Industry Machinery (3580)

akta.pro primary industry

Heat Pumps (Air/Water/Ground Source) (IMAHAKAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Heat Exchangers & Thermal Transfer Equipment (IMAHAKAC), Waste Heat Recovery & Heat Integration (HRSG/ORC, Pinch Analysis, Heat Exchangers) (EUABAJAF)

Keywords

• Hot water heat pumps
• CO2 refrigerant systems
• Residential water heating
• Commercial heat pump
• Natural refrigerant energy

Headquarters

HQ city

Byron Bay

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Operations

Revenue model

1. CO2 Heat Pump Hot Water System Sales: The primary revenue stream is the sale of CO2 heat pump hot water systems (hardware), including the heat pump unit, storage tanks (stainless steel or glass-lined), controllers, and accessories. Sales are conducted through a dealer network. Pricing is quote-based, not publicly disclosed on the website.
2. Finance (Plenti Partnership): Reclaim Energy offers financing through a Plenti partnership for customers who prefer to spread the cost of installation over time. Plenti Group (ASX:PLT) provides renewable energy loans.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Reclaim Energy designs, manufactures and distributes CO2 (R744) heat pump hot water systems for residential and commercial use, achieving 80% energy savings versus conventional electric or gas water heaters. The product line comprises residential units (Reclaim CO2 Heat Pump, Reclaim CO2 Wi-Fi Heat Pump, Reclaim Eco R290, and Reclaim/Panasonic CO2 Heat Pump) and a commercial Q-TON CO2 air-to-water heat pump (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries). Sales are conducted exclusively through a licensed dealer network across Australia and New Zealand, with direct technical sales for commercial accounts.

Product overview

Reclaim Energy offers a portfolio of CO2 heat pump hot water systems comprising residential products (Reclaim Eco R290 Heat Pump, Reclaim CO2 Wi-Fi Heat Pump, and Reclaim CO2 Heat Pump) and commercial solutions (Q-TON Commercial Heat Pump by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries). The company also partners with Panasonic for the Reclaim/Panasonic CO2 Heat Pump. All products use CO2 (R744) as a natural refrigerant with low Global Warming Potential (GWP of 1), offering up to 80% energy savings compared to conventional systems. The Wi-Fi enabled models provide smart energy management through proprietary API integration with electricity suppliers for load shifting and excess solar PV utilization.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Reclaim CO2 Heat Pump Residential CO2 (R744) heat pump hot water system using natural refrigerant with a Global Warming Potential of 1. Delivers up to 80% energy savings versus conventional electric or gas water heaters, average COP of 5, and 37dB quiet operation. Built-in frost, freeze and legionella control, Australian-designed for Australian conditions. Split-system configuration with up to 10m separation between heat pump and storage tank. For Australian and New Zealand homeowners replacing conventional hot water systems.
• Reclaim CO2 Wi-Fi Heat Pump Wi-Fi-enabled CO2 heat pump hot water system that integrates with electricity suppliers via proprietary API to enable load shifting during off-peak hours, activates on excess PV (solar) energy, and provides real-time consumption data and holiday mode. For tech-savvy Australian and New Zealand homeowners seeking maximum self-consumption of rooftop solar.
• Reclaim Eco R290 Heat Pump Australian-designed and Australian-manufactured heat pump hot water system using R290 (propane) refrigerant to deliver powerful performance, ultra-low energy use and exceptional reliability for Australian homes and climate conditions.
• Q-TON Commercial Heat Pump Mitsubishi Heavy Industries CO2 air-to-water commercial heat pump delivering 30kW output from 7kW input (COP 4.3), operating in temperatures down to -25C. Configurable as standalone or modular up to 16 units delivering 3,000–100,000 litres daily. For Australian commercial operators in hospitality, food and beverage, education, and multi-unit residential sectors — validated by Shene Estate Distillery (60% energy-bill savings) and the Brunswick Apartment Block ($17,000/year savings).
• Reclaim/Panasonic CO2 Heat Pump CO2 heat pump hot water system integrating Panasonic's KY Series compressor (manufactured in Panasonic's Zero CO2 Emissions factory in Kyoto, Japan) with Reclaim's hot water system design, backed by a market-leading 7-year compressor warranty. For Australian homeowners seeking Panasonic-grade components.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 80% energy savings vs. conventional electric or gas hot water systems; average daily consumption 0.5–1.5 kWh vs. ~12 kWh for traditional units
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• PanasonicflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2024Reclaim Energy and Panasonic formed a groundbreaking partnership in February 2024 — the first collaboration from Panasonic outside of Japan. Panasonic supplies its KY Series compressors (manufactured at a Zero CO2 emissions factory in Kyoto, Japan) for integration into Reclaim's CO2 heat pump hot water systems. Panasonic has sold over 2 million air conditioner and heat pump units in Japan over two decades. The KY Series carries a market-leading 7-year warranty. This is the only top-10 heat pump brand in Australia not using R134A refrigerants, reflecting shared sustainability values. Reclaim is the first company outside Japan selected by Panasonic for an exclusive heat pump partnership.
• Sustainable Builders AlliancecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor partner. The Sustainable Builders Alliance was founded in 2021 by independent residential builders with a mission to create sustainable, low-carbon homes. They share practical knowledge with builders and designers to build confidence in sustainable construction practices, including heat pump hot water systems.
• Geelong SustainabilitycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerReclaim Energy is the hot water specialist for Geelong Sustainability's Electric Homes Program, a non-for-profit organisation reducing the climate crisis through examining home carbon footprints and gas-to-renewable transitions. The program supports residents around Geelong, Victoria to transition away from gas.
• Electric Homes Program (by Geelong Sustainability)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerAward-winning program supporting households to lower energy bills, transition from gas, take climate action, and improve home comfort. Reclaim Energy is the designated hot water partner for this program.
• Solar CutterscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSolar Cutters is a community of solar industry professionals passionate about quality, integrity, and influence in the solar industry. Reclaim participates in Solar Cutters Roadshows (e.g., Brisbane 2024) to educate consumers about heat pump technology. Director Kosta Bourandanis of Solar Cutters advocates for going off-gas.
• Smart Energy CouncilcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe independent not-for-profit body for the Australian smart energy industry, committed to clean, efficient, cheap, and smart energy solutions. Operating since 1954, the Smart Energy Council works to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future built on renewable energy. Reclaim is a Smart Energy Council member and award finalist.
• Coalition for Community Energy (C4CE)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerC4CE is the peak body of the community energy sector in Australia. Community energy groups work to bring renewable energy, efficiency, and electrification to households and businesses across their communities. Reclaim partners with C4CE to reach community energy groups.
• Greenbank EnvironmentalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAustralia's longest-standing environmental trader (established 2003), assisting clients to create environmental certificates across domestic environmental markets in renewables and energy efficiency. Greenbank is a key partner for STC creation and environmental certificate trading related to Reclaim installations.
• Green Energy TradingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGreen Energy Trading simplifies the process of combining government rebates (ESCs and STCs in NSW; VEECs and STCs in Victoria) in a single online form for Reclaim dealers. They provide the Geo browser-based claim platform and the Onsite installer app for geo-tagged photo collection and compliance documentation. They offer 100% Australian-based phone or email support for dealers.
• PlenticoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPlenti Group (ASX:PLT) offers award-winning automotive, renewable energy, and personal loans delivered by proprietary technology. Plenti provides renewable energy loans for Reclaim installations, enabling customers to finance their heat pump purchase.
• Master Plumbers NSWminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMaster Plumbers NSW advocates for and partners with plumbing and gas fitting companies and sole traders in NSW for over 150 years. Reclaim works with Master Plumbers members as authorised installers.
• Solar Analytics (UNSW)coreTechnology or IntegrationSolar Analytics (based at UNSW) provides monitoring technology used by Reclaim to track and display energy consumption data from heat pump installations in case studies. Enables detailed performance analysis and customer proof of savings.
• Earthworker EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEarthworker Energy is a cooperative that manufactures products using innovative recycled materials. Through their manufacturing partner Plastic Fabrications, Earthworker produces Reclaim's outer tank casings from recycled polymer. This reduces plastic waste, promotes a circular economy, and provides superior thermal insulation compared to standard metal casings. Reclaim is proud to integrate these eco-friendly tanks into their CO2 heat pump system range.
• Plastic FabricationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlastic Fabrications manufactures Reclaim's outer tank casings using recycled plastic sourced through Earthworker Energy. The recycled polymer casing provides superior insulation compared to standard metal casings, keeping water hotter for longer and reducing energy consumption. This local manufacturing partnership supports the circular economy and reduces environmental impact.
• ApricusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReclaim initially represented the Apricus brand under Solar Thermal Australia. The company has since evolved to develop its own Reclaim CO2 heat pump brand alongside Apricus products. Apricus All-in-One heat pump systems are still offered alongside Reclaim products, as seen in the Friday Creek Retreat case study.
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Q-TON)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerReclaim Energy distributes Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Q-TON CO2 air-to-water commercial heat pump in Australia. The Q-TON delivers 30kW output from 7kW input (COP 4.3), operates in temperatures down to -25C, and can be configured standalone or in modular arrays of up to 16 units for 3,000–100,000 litres daily. Commercial applications include distilleries, hotels, and aged care facilities.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Rheem Australia: Rheem is the dominant Australian water heater brand offering heat pump hot water systems alongside gas and electric. Reclaim directly competes in the residential hot water replacement category with a smaller, CO2-focused premium proposition.
• Rinnai Australia: Rinnai is a major Australian hot water brand offering continuous-flow gas and heat pump units. It competes directly with Reclaim in residential hot water and is a key share-of-replacement candidate.
• Stiebel Eltron Australia: Stiebel Eltron is a German-headquartered heat pump specialist with a long-established Australian presence. It is one of the top-10 heat pump brands Reclaim benchmarks itself against, competing on efficiency and CO2/natural refrigerant technology.
• Bosch Thermotechnology (Australia): Bosch manufactures and distributes heat pump hot water systems in Australia via its dealer network. It is a direct competitor in residential hot water with substantially greater scale and brand equity.
• Sanden Eco Hot Water (Australia): Sanden is a Japanese CO2 (R744) heat pump hot water specialist with Australian operations — a near-direct competitor using the same natural refrigerant approach and selling into similar rebate channels.
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Q-TON): Mitsubishi Heavy Industries manufactures the Q-TON CO2 commercial heat pump that Reclaim distributes in Australia. MHI's broader commercial HVAC portfolio directly overlaps with Reclaim's commercial offering via shared end customers.
• Solahart: Solahart is a major Australian solar hot water and heat pump provider with national dealer reach. It competes directly with Reclaim for residential hot water replacements and new-build installations.
• Dux Hot Water: Dux is an established Australian storage water heater brand expanding into heat pump technology. It competes in the residential replacement segment against Reclaim with a strong installer footprint.

Emerging players

• Apricus Solar / Apricus Heat Pumps: Apricus is the original brand under which Reclaim Energy's predecessor (Solar Thermal Australia) operated. The Apricus heat pump range still co-sells alongside Reclaim product lines, making it a closely-related sibling peer.
• Thermann Hot Water: Thermann is a value-tier Australian hot water brand offering heat pump models. It competes with Reclaim at the price-sensitive end of the residential replacement market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/CO2HeatPump
• Instagraminstagram.com/reclaimenergy

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Reclaim Energy