Process heat refers to the thermal energy required in industrial processes for manufacturing, processing, or refining products. In Germany, the industrial sector consumes approximately 450.6 terawatt-hours (TWh) of process heat annually, accounting for around two-thirds of the total final energy demand of the German industrial sector.

Final energy consumption Industry

Structure of application purposes – 2021 (above) and 2022 (below), percentages

Source: https://ag-energiebilanzen.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/AGEB_22p2_rev-1.pdf

Importance of process heat in industry

Process heat is essential for numerous industrial sectors, including the chemical, food, paper, and metal industries. It is required for applications such as drying, melting, sterilizing, and distillation—processes that often demand high temperatures. Traditionally, this heat has been generated by burning fossil fuels, leading to significant CO₂ emissions and environmental impacts. Additionally, rising CO₂ costs are driving up energy expenses for industries.

Challenges and potential

The decarbonization of process heat is a key challenge on the path to a climate-neutral industry. Providing high-temperature heat above 100°C requires innovative solutions. This is where high-temperature heat pumps come into play, enabling the efficient recovery and upgrading of waste heat to higher temperature levels. Modern industrial heat pumps can generate temperatures of up to 200°C.

Use of high-temperature heat pumps

High-temperature heat pumps, such as the ThermBooster™, allow the recovery of waste heat from industrial processes and convert it into process heat in the form of steam, hot water, or thermal oil at temperatures of up to 200°C. This significantly improves energy efficiency and reduces CO₂ emissions.

Future prospects

Integrating high-temperature heat pumps into industrial processes offers substantial potential for reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. By utilizing renewable energy sources and advancing heat pump technology, companies can improve their energy efficiency and contribute significantly to industrial decarbonization and climate protection. As CO₂ costs continue to rise, electrification of process heat also increases economic viability. The transition towards sustainable technologies, such as high-temperature heat pumps, is therefore a crucial step for the future of the industry.