FOSHAN, China, Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a recent exclusive interview with JARN, a leading Japanese HVAC industry publication, Peter Guan, Vice President of Midea Group and President of Midea Building Technologies (MBT), shared insights into the evolving global heat pump market. Guan expressed optimism about the growth prospects of the European air-to-water (ATW) heat pump market and noted promising opportunities in North America and Australia.
Heat Pumps: A Breakthrough Technology for Sustainability
Recognized as one of the 10 Breakthrough Technologies of 2024 by MIT Technology Review, heat pump technology is a pivotal innovation in reducing global reliance on fossil fuels and advancing carbon neutrality. Guan anticipates a strong market recovery over the next two years, driven by technological advancements, supportive policies, and increasing consumer awareness.
As a core HVAC segment of Midea Group, MBT has been at the forefront of advancing heat pump adoption globally, particularly in Europe. For several years, the company has actively expanded its ATW heat pump market presence across the region.
Europe: A Thriving Hub for Heat Pump Development
The European Union has introduced robust policies to promote heat pump adoption. Initiatives such as The Net Zero Industry Act offer streamlined approvals, financial support, and workforce training. Major markets, including Germany, France, and Poland, have enhanced subsidy frameworks, which Guan believes will stimulate market recovery and growth.
Additionally, the European Heat Pump Association's Heat Pump Accelerator Programme aims to deploy nearly 10 million heat pumps by 2029, with ATW heat pumps comprising over 5 million units. The commercial heat pump market is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12%, reaching 1.15 billion euros by 2028.
Strategies for Market Leadership
To capitalize on Europe's growth potential, MBT has implemented a series of strategic measures to enhance localized operations.
With the establishment of a European R&D centre, MBT is focusing on developing products tailored to local needs, ensuring adaptability to shifting market demands.
Collaborations with distributers have bolstered both online and offline marketing campaigns, increasing consumer awareness of the advantages of heat pumps in residential and commercial applications. Over the past two years, more than 700 heat pump shop-in-shop displays have been upgraded.
Participation in industry events has further strengthened MBT's market influence. At Chillventa 2024, MBT partnered with France's Trace Software to introduce the Super Advisor, a software tool for the iEasyEnergy energy management system, which integrates photovoltaic systems, home storage batteries, and heat pumps, achieving an impressive energy self-sufficiency rate of 80-90%. The software significantly improves the precision and cost-effectiveness of household energy management solutions.
MBT also prioritizes workforce development, operating 32 training centres across European countries such as Italy, Germany, Hungary, and Poland to train qualified heat pump installers.
Meanwhile, through acquisitions, including Clivet in 2016, MBT has enhanced its industry chain, with recent investments exceeding 60 million euros in new production and R&D facilities to drive future growth.
Expanding Footprint in North America and Australia
Beyond Europe, MBT is also expanding its scope in North America and Australia. According to the International Energy Agency, the North American heat pump market is expected to grow by over 50% by 2030, with the U.S. seeing a 25% rise in shipments by 2023. In Australia, heat pump use is projected to increase by 40% by 2030, driven by governmental initiatives such as the National Climate Change Adaptation Framework.
MBT has tailored its offerings to these markets, introducing high-performing heat pumps and water heaters to meet regional demands. By emphasizing technology, service differentiation, and after-sales support, MBT aims to solidify its competitive edge globally.
Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability
MBT allocates 5% of its annual sales revenue to R&D, ensuring consistent product leadership. The company operates six R&D centres and 93 training centres worldwide, enabling swift market response and maintaining service excellence.
"The global heat pump industry is growing rapidly, supported by technological advances and favourable policies," Guan said. "As consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability, the industry offers significant opportunities. Our strategic focus in Europe and beyond positions us to drive transformative growth in this critical sector."
For more information, please visit: https://mbt.midea.com/global
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Midea Strengthens Global Presence in the Heat Pump Industry with Optimistic Market Outlook
Midea Strengthens Global Presence in the Heat Pump Industry with Optimistic Market Outlook
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- Teachers of years 1-10 see the benefits of hands-on computer science and AI education but lack the right tools to engage students, according to a new report, 'Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education'.
- Age-appropriate and curriculum-aligned LEGO® Education lessons equip educators with everything they need to teach computer science and AI concepts as part of their curriculum.
- Students explore and build essential computer science and AI literacy skills through hands-on, collaborative and meaningful learning.
BILLUND, Denmark, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, LEGO® Education announced a new hands-on solution and curriculum for computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) for year 1-10 classrooms that fosters collaboration, creativity, and learning outcomes. Shipping from April 2026, LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI enables schools to expand critically needed access to computer science and AI education.
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LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI empowers teachers to deliver computer science and AI learning that is impactful, meaningful, and relevant for every K-8 classroom (ages 5-11+). jwplayer('myplayer1').setup({file: 'https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2857931/LEGO_Education_CSAI_Concept_Video.mp4', image: 'https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2857931/LEGO_Education_CSAI_Concept_Video.mp4?p=thumbnail', autostart:'false', stretching : 'uniform', width: '512', height: '288'});
"We have a vision for kids learning, building and coding together – moving away from classrooms where kids work individually on computers with headphones on," said Atish Gonsalves, Head of Product, Computer Science & AI, LEGO Education. With LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, students collaborate and work in groups of four while teachers facilitate hands-on lessons with ready-to-use materials. Kits are specifically designed for years 1-2, 3-6 and 7-10, featuring LEGO® bricks, hardware and lessons that are accessible for beginners yet offer infinite possibilities for experienced learners.
'Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education' found that many teachers are lacking the right tools to engage their students in these concepts. In fact, more than half of teachers globally say current resources leave students "bored", and nearly half say computer science isn't relatable and doesn't connect to students' interests or day-to-day. While 69 per cent of global teachers agree AI literacy is critical for students' futures, 40 per cent say their schools aren't prepared to teach it responsibly.
"The future will be led by children who don't just use technology – they understand it, question it and ultimately build a better world with it," said Andrew Sliwinski, Head of Product Experience, LEGO Education. "AI presents incredible opportunities for learning, but it must be introduced with intention and care. This is why we developed a solution for the classroom grounded in the LEGO Group's values of child safety, privacy and well-being. With LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, children engage with AI to build their understanding of how the technology works in a safe and responsible way."
LEGO Education is introducing a hands-on, student-centred approach to effectively teach computer science concepts in the classroom and foster AI literacy, creativity and student agency. The report found that teachers value digital learning with screens but want more balance to deliver the best learning outcomes. The LEGO Education curriculum includes both screen-free lessons and lessons that combine physical bricks with the digital LEGO® Education Coding Canvas to bring student creations to life. To understand why and how the technology works, students build and experiment with AI, ultimately learning how to engage with it in a more meaningful and responsible way. This marks a significant shift in how these subjects are taught in classrooms.
With the upcoming launch of LEGO Education Computer Science & AI and the recent introduction of LEGO® Education Science, LEGO Education is designing solutions that equip schools with the tools they need to more easily and effectively teach subjects that have often been disconnected and inaccessible to many students and teachers. As part of this transition, the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Portfolio will retire, including LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime and LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential. For details and timing, visit LEGOeducation.com/SPIKE-retirement.
LEGO Education Computer Science & AI will begin shipping in April 2026. To learn more, visit LEGOeducation.com/CS-AI.
Stay connected on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
Key Product Information
- Kits will be available in three grade bands: years 1-2, 3-6 and 7-10.
- Each kit is a stackable box containing LEGO bricks, interactive hardware, connection card(s), charging cable(s) and building instructions.
- LEGO Education Coding Canvas offers intuitive, block-based coding experience with word and icon blocks (available on a web browser or as an iOS app). LEGO Education Coding Canvas requires no student login, and data is only saved locally.
- Free unlimited access to the online Teacher Portal includes Getting Started materials, facilitation notes, classroom presentations, curriculum-aligned lessons and more.
- Collaborative experiences invite students to build, code and create their own AI interactions.
- FIRST® LEGO® League Future Edition deepens the learning from LEGO Education Computer Science & AI in the classroom. FIRST LEGO League will be available as Founders Edition and Future Edition. For information on eligibility and availability, visit: LEGOeducation.com/FLL
Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education
Survey of 1,800 teachers and administrators across the United States, Germany, South Korea and Australia. Respondents included general educators, US administrators and computer science specialists. The survey was conducted by Edelman DXI Research on behalf of LEGO Education during August and September 2025.
Download the full report: LEGOeducation.com/AI
About LEGO® Education
LEGO® Education brings inquiry-based, hands-on learning into year 1-10 classrooms and beyond, combining educators' expertise with engaging LEGO® bricks and standards-aligned lessons to deliver meaningful learning outcomes. These learning experiences, rooted in safety, collaboration and hands-on discovery, inspire students to believe that any subject or path in life is within reach.
LEGO, the LEGO logo, LEGO Education, the LEGO Education logo and the SPIKE logo are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2026 The LEGO Group.
Media Contact
Kelley Brescia
Kelley.brescia@LEGO.com
- Teachers of years 1-10 see the benefits of hands-on computer science and AI education but lack the right tools to engage students, according to a new report, 'Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education'.
- Age-appropriate and curriculum-aligned LEGO® Education lessons equip educators with everything they need to teach computer science and AI concepts as part of their curriculum.
- Students explore and build essential computer science and AI literacy skills through hands-on, collaborative and meaningful learning.
BILLUND, Denmark, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, LEGO® Education announced a new hands-on solution and curriculum for computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) for year 1-10 classrooms that fosters collaboration, creativity, and learning outcomes. Shipping from April 2026, LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI enables schools to expand critically needed access to computer science and AI education.
LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI empowers teachers to deliver computer science and AI learning that is impactful, meaningful, and relevant for every K-8 classroom (ages 5-11+). jwplayer('myplayer1').setup({file: 'https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2857931/LEGO_Education_CSAI_Concept_Video.mp4', image: 'https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2857931/LEGO_Education_CSAI_Concept_Video.mp4?p=thumbnail', autostart:'false', stretching : 'uniform', width: '512', height: '288'});
"We have a vision for kids learning, building and coding together – moving away from classrooms where kids work individually on computers with headphones on," said Atish Gonsalves, Head of Product, Computer Science & AI, LEGO Education. With LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, students collaborate and work in groups of four while teachers facilitate hands-on lessons with ready-to-use materials. Kits are specifically designed for years 1-2, 3-6 and 7-10, featuring LEGO® bricks, hardware and lessons that are accessible for beginners yet offer infinite possibilities for experienced learners.
'Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education' found that many teachers are lacking the right tools to engage their students in these concepts. In fact, more than half of teachers globally say current resources leave students "bored", and nearly half say computer science isn't relatable and doesn't connect to students' interests or day-to-day. While 69 per cent of global teachers agree AI literacy is critical for students' futures, 40 per cent say their schools aren't prepared to teach it responsibly.
"The future will be led by children who don't just use technology – they understand it, question it and ultimately build a better world with it," said Andrew Sliwinski, Head of Product Experience, LEGO Education. "AI presents incredible opportunities for learning, but it must be introduced with intention and care. This is why we developed a solution for the classroom grounded in the LEGO Group's values of child safety, privacy and well-being. With LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, children engage with AI to build their understanding of how the technology works in a safe and responsible way."
LEGO Education is introducing a hands-on, student-centred approach to effectively teach computer science concepts in the classroom and foster AI literacy, creativity and student agency. The report found that teachers value digital learning with screens but want more balance to deliver the best learning outcomes. The LEGO Education curriculum includes both screen-free lessons and lessons that combine physical bricks with the digital LEGO® Education Coding Canvas to bring student creations to life. To understand why and how the technology works, students build and experiment with AI, ultimately learning how to engage with it in a more meaningful and responsible way. This marks a significant shift in how these subjects are taught in classrooms.
With the upcoming launch of LEGO Education Computer Science & AI and the recent introduction of LEGO® Education Science, LEGO Education is designing solutions that equip schools with the tools they need to more easily and effectively teach subjects that have often been disconnected and inaccessible to many students and teachers. As part of this transition, the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Portfolio will retire, including LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime and LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential. For details and timing, visit LEGOeducation.com/SPIKE-retirement.
LEGO Education Computer Science & AI will begin shipping in April 2026. To learn more, visit LEGOeducation.com/CS-AI.
Stay connected on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
Key Product Information
- Kits will be available in three grade bands: years 1-2, 3-6 and 7-10.
- Each kit is a stackable box containing LEGO bricks, interactive hardware, connection card(s), charging cable(s) and building instructions.
- LEGO Education Coding Canvas offers intuitive, block-based coding experience with word and icon blocks (available on a web browser or as an iOS app). LEGO Education Coding Canvas requires no student login, and data is only saved locally.
- Free unlimited access to the online Teacher Portal includes Getting Started materials, facilitation notes, classroom presentations, curriculum-aligned lessons and more.
- Collaborative experiences invite students to build, code and create their own AI interactions.
- FIRST® LEGO® League Future Edition deepens the learning from LEGO Education Computer Science & AI in the classroom. FIRST LEGO League will be available as Founders Edition and Future Edition. For information on eligibility and availability, visit: LEGOeducation.com/FLL
Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education
Survey of 1,800 teachers and administrators across the United States, Germany, South Korea and Australia. Respondents included general educators, US administrators and computer science specialists. The survey was conducted by Edelman DXI Research on behalf of LEGO Education during August and September 2025.
Download the full report: LEGOeducation.com/AI
About LEGO® Education
LEGO® Education brings inquiry-based, hands-on learning into year 1-10 classrooms and beyond, combining educators' expertise with engaging LEGO® bricks and standards-aligned lessons to deliver meaningful learning outcomes. These learning experiences, rooted in safety, collaboration and hands-on discovery, inspire students to believe that any subject or path in life is within reach.
LEGO, the LEGO logo, LEGO Education, the LEGO Education logo and the SPIKE logo are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2026 The LEGO Group.
Media Contact
Kelley Brescia
Kelley.brescia@LEGO.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
LEGO® Education Announces Hands-on Computer Science & AI Learning Solution
LEGO® Education Announces Hands-on Computer Science & AI Learning Solution
LEGO® Education Announces Hands-on Computer Science & AI Learning Solution
LEGO® Education Announces Hands-on Computer Science & AI Learning Solution
