A Landmark Moment for Clean Heating
The path to decarbonizing buildings—especially those reliant on steam and high-temperature hot water—has long been considered one of the toughest challenges in the clean energy transition. That’s why the Empire Technology Prize (ETP), a $10 million initiative from NYSERDA and The Clean Fight, is such a big deal. The prize was designed to accelerate the adoption of innovative heating technologies capable of reducing carbon emissions in tall and hard-to-decarbonize buildings.
Recently, Miller Proctor Nickolas (MPN), a respected boiler solutions provider in New York, was named the grand prize winner. Their winning solution? Leveraging Oilon’s high-temperature “ChillHeat” heat pump technology to deliver reliable, low-carbon steam and hot water to New York City Housing Authority buildings.
This recognition not only highlights the urgency of advancing clean heating solutions but also validates Oilon’s proven track record in real-world, high-demand environments.
How MPN Leveraged Oilon to Win
MPN’s demonstration projects showcased how Oilon heat pumps can generate low-pressure steam and high-temperature hot water (200°F+), making them ideal for retrofits in existing multifamily, commercial, and institutional buildings.
Highlights of their Empire Technology Prize–backed work include:
- Pilot projects in residential and mixed-use buildings across New York City.
- Demonstrated ability to integrate heat pumps into legacy steam and hot water distribution systems.
- Real-world validation of performance, safety, and emissions reduction at scale.
This success story sends a clear message to the market: Oilon’s technology isn’t just theoretical—it’s ready now.
What This Means for New England
While MPN’s victory shines a spotlight on New York, the implications extend far beyond. As an authorized Oilon representative, Frank I. Rounds Company brings the same award-winning technology to New England facilities.
Frank I. Rounds has a multitude of Oilon ChillHeat Heat Pumps designs with proven technology in the New England area. Whether you’re planning a new project or retrofitting an existing system, Oilon heat pumps can:
- Cut carbon emissions without compromising reliability.
- Lower energy costs while supporting sustainability goals.
- Ensure compliance with evolving emissions standards such as BERDO.
- Deliver high-temperature service that most conventional heat pumps can’t match.
And just as importantly, our local applications engineering and service teams are here to help you design, integrate, and support these solutions seamlessly into your boiler plant.
Take the Next Step Toward Decarbonization
The Empire Technology Prize validated Oilon as an industry leader in the clean heating transition. Now, Frank I. Rounds Company is ready to help New England facilities turn that validation into action.
Contact Frank I. Rounds today for a free boiler plant evaluation and see how Oilon’s award-winning heat pump technology can work for your building.
Sources:
The Clean Fight. Empire Technology Prize Overview. https://thecleanfight.com/etp
NYSERDA. Governor Hochul Announces Empire Technology Prize Winner to Advance Low-Carbon Heating. September 19, 2025. https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/About/Newsroom/2025-Announcements/2025-09-19-Governor-Hochul-Announces-Empire-Technology-Prize-Winner-To-Advance-Low-Carbon-Heating
