Project Background
Leonardo is a global aerospace, defence, and security company delivering advanced technology solutions across air, land, sea, cyber, and space domains. From their Yeovil site, Leonardo supports key aviation and defence operations, with facilities that must meet strict operational and environmental performance requirements.
As part of their sustainability programme, Leonardo is actively working to decarbonise its buildings and infrastructure across the air base, improving energy efficiency reducing scope 1 and 2 CO2e emissions so far. The fire station forms a critical part of site operations, housing three fire engines that must be maintained at stable temperatures to ensure immediate readiness and optimal vehicle performance.
Maintaining consistent internal temperatures presented a challenge due to frequent opening of large roller doors when fire engines responded to operational calls, resulting in heat loss and increased heating demand. Any replacement system therefore needed to provide reliable heating performance while supporting the site’s wider decarbonisation objectives.
Project Solution
Powrmatic supplied two Eeco-X 30kW modular heat pump systems, designed to deliver efficient, low-carbon heating suited to the operational demands of the fire station. Two indoor units were installed within the building, each paired with its own external condenser positioned outside the facility. This configuration ensured reliable operation and provided system resilience while maintaining consistent internal conditions.
The system was integrated into the site’s Building Management System (BMS), allowing centralised monitoring and control. In addition, the heating system was linked to the roller door operation, enabling the system to respond effectively when doors opened during fire engine deployment, helping to minimise unnecessary energy loss.
The project highlighted successful collaboration between local companies, with the system supplied by Powrmatic and installed by WessexME part of the Wessex Group which include Elliott Environmental and Watertite), working in partnership with Leonardo to deliver a modern, future-ready heating solution.
Project Result
The installation of the Eeco-X heat pump system has successfully replaced the previous gas heating system, improving overall energy efficiency while supporting the long-term decarbonisation strategy at Leonardo’s Yeovil site. The fire station now maintains stable internal temperatures, ensuring fire engines remain at optimal operating conditions and providing a comfortable environment for firefighting personnel. Feedback from staff has been extremely positive, with users reporting consistent warmth and improved comfort throughout the building.
This project demonstrates how modern heat pump technology can supporting defence facilities in reducing carbon emissions while maintaining the operational reliability required in critical emergency response environments.
