Eckhard Groll was awarded the Peter Ritter von Rittinger International Heat Pump Award 2017. This award recognizes deserving individuals or teams that have distinguished themselves in the advancement of heat pumping technology applications, market development, as well as dissemination activities with lasting international impact. This award is named for Peter Ritter von Rittinger, an Austrian engineer credited with the design and installation of the first practical heat pump system at a salt works in Upper Austria in 1856. The award was given at a ceremony during the banquet of the 12th International Heat Pump Conference in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, on May 17th.