Waste Heat Recovery Market Expected to Reach $129.6 Billion by 2033

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Waste Heat Recovery Market," The waste heat recovery market size was valued at $67.2 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $129.6 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2024 to 2033.

Introduction

Waste heat recovery system involves capturing and reusing thermal energy which is lost in industrial processes or power generation. This process helps improve overall energy efficiency by converting waste heat into useful energy, such as electricity or hot water. Waste heat is recovered from various sources, including exhaust gases, hot liquids, or surfaces, and then used for different applications such as heating, cooling, or generating power.

Market Dynamics

The economic benefits of waste heat recovery extend beyond direct cost savings. By improving energy efficiency, companies increase their production capacity without the need for additional energy input, effectively boosting output while maintaining or even reducing energy costs. Moreover, stringent environmental regulations and WHR systems help companies avoid penalties associated with excessive greenhouse gas emissions by lowering their carbon footprint. This dual advantage of cost savings and regulatory compliance makes WHR an attractive investment, offering a compelling return on investment (ROI) over time. In addition, as global energy prices continue to rise and the focus on sustainability intensifies, the economic incentives for adopting waste heat recovery technologies are likely to become even more pronounced, driving further adoption across industries. All these factors are expected to drive the demand for the waste heat recovery market trends.

However, the financial barrier is compounded by the lack of readily available financing options tailored to energy efficiency projects. While large corporations have the resources to invest in WHR systems, smaller companies often struggle to secure funding due to the perceived risks and the specialized nature of the technology. In addition, the benefits of WHR, though substantial over time, are not always immediately visible, making it difficult for businesses to prioritize these investments over other short-term needs. This financial hesitancy slows the pace of WHR adoption, especially in regions where energy prices are relatively low, reducing the perceived urgency to invest in energy efficiency improvements. All these factors are expected to hamper the waste heat recovery market growth. All these factors are expected to hamper the waste heat recovery market growth.

The ongoing development of advanced WHR technologies creates opportunities for new business models and partnerships. For instance, companies specializing in energy efficiency services offer WHR systems as part of an energy-as-a-service model, where businesses pay for the energy savings achieved rather than the upfront cost of the equipment. This approach lowers the financial barrier to entry and encourages more widespread adoption. In addition, as industries increasingly seek to reduce their carbon emissions, the demand for state-of-the-art WHR technologies is likely to rise, creating opportunities for technology providers, system integrators, and consultants specializing in this field. The convergence of technological innovation and growing environmental consciousness is driving a new wave of opportunities in the waste heat recovery market, paving the way for more sustainable and energy-efficient industrial practices. All these factors are anticipated to offer new growth opportunities for the waste heat recovery market forecast.

Segments Overview

The waste heat recovery industry is segmented into application, end use and region. On the basis of application, the market is classified into steam and power generation, pre-heating, and space heating. By end use, the market is segmented into petroleum refining, chemical, cement, metal production and casting, natural gas compression, paper and pulp, and others. Region-wise, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and LAMEA.

On the basis of application, the market is classified into steam and power generation, pre-heating, and space heating. The pre-heating segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period. Energy-intensive industries such as steel, cement, chemical production, and refineries are looking for ways to lower operational costs. By capturing and utilizing waste heat for pre-heating, these industries reduce their dependence on primary energy sources, improving their overall energy economy. The ability to reduce reliance on external energy inputs makes businesses more resilient to price fluctuations in the energy market, leading to long-term financial benefits.

By end use, the market is segmented into petroleum refining, chemical, cement, metal production and casting, natural gas compression, paper and pulp, and others. The natural gas compression segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. Natural gas compression systems generate significant amounts of heat during the compression process and recovering this heat results in substantial energy savings. Companies are keen to lower operational costs by improving energy efficiency, and waste heat recovery (WHR) systems offer a viable solution. By capturing the heat generated, companies reduce their reliance on external energy sources, thereby lowering fuel costs. This is particularly crucial for large-scale operations where energy consumption is high, and any efficiency gains translate into significant financial benefits.

Region-wise, the waste heat recovery market analysis across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and LAMEA. The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period. Rapid economic growth and industrialization across Asia-Pacific countries significantly contribute to the demand for waste heat recovery systems. As industries such as steel, cement, and chemical manufacturing expand, they generate substantial amounts of waste heat. To improve operational efficiency and reduce energy costs, these industries are increasingly investing in waste heat recovery technologies. The pressure to maintain competitiveness in a growing economy makes energy efficiency a critical focus.

Key players in the waste heat recovery market report includes ABB Ltd., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd, TLV CO., LTD, Thermax Ltd, Siemens AG, Robert Bosch GmbH, General Electric Company, Echogen Power System, Schneider Electric SE, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Key Market Insights

• By application, the steam and power generation segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market accounting for less than two-third of global waste heat recovery market share in 2023.
• On the basis of end use, the chemical segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market accounting for more than one fourth of the global waste heat recovery market share in 2023.
• Region-wise, Asia-Pacific was the highest revenue contributor of global waste heat recovery market overview in 2023.