What is Waste Heat Recovery

Waste Heat Recovery captures the heat from industrial or mechanical systems that would be otherwise wasted. Reusing this heat for heating or power generation saves fuel, reduces emissions and improves energy efficiency for your business.

Sources of Waste Heat

There are a variety of sources of waste heat including:

Internal Combustion Engines -

Significant heat is lost through exhaust gases and engine cooling systems

Industrial Furnaces -

High-temperature processes release hot gases that contain usable heat

Turbines and Boilers

Power plants discharge flue gases that retain a portion of the original energy input.

Compressors and Pumps

Mechanical equipment generates heat through friction, pressure losses and continuous operation.

Advantages of Waste Heat Recovery

Higher Efficiency

Boosts overall system efficiency by capturing energy that would otherwise be lost.

Fuel Savings

Reduces fuel consumption, leading to lower operating costs.

Environmental Benefits

Cuts carbon emissions and decreases air pollution.

Improved Temperature Control

Helps maintain safe operating conditions by removing excess heat.

Energy Sustainability

Supports long term sustainability by reusing energy that would otherwise be wasted.

How can TEA help?

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Why choose Tipperary Energy Agency?

25+ Years Delivering Ireland's Energy Transition  

Tipperary Energy Agency is a not-for-profit social enterprise founded in 1998. We have been at the forefront of energy efficiency and retrofit in Ireland ever since, working with local authorities, communities, businesses, and the public sector across the country.  

25+

Years of Experience

Over two decades supporting Ireland's transition to sustainable energy use.  

40+

European Projects

Successfully completed more than 40 national and EU research and demonstration projects.  

€1.4M

Savings Delivered

Helped Tipperary County Council alone achieve over €1.4 million in energy cost savings.  

SEAI

Registered Auditors

Our auditors are SEAI-registered Certified Energy Managers (CEMs), meeting all statutory requirements under SI 426.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What industries benefit most from waste heat recovery?

Waste heat recovery is widely used across sectors with high‑temperature or energy‑intensive processes.

  • Manufacturing - steel, glass, cement, food processing
  • Power Generation - turbines, boilers, CHP plants
  • Large Commercial Sites - data centres, district heating networks Any facility that produces continuous heat as a by‑product can benefit from capturing and reusing it.

Does waste heat recovery reduce operating costs?

Yes. Waste heat recovery systems lower operating costs by:

  • Reducing Fuel Use - less fuel is needed to achieve the same output
  • Improving Efficiency - more energy is extracted from each unit of fuel
  • Lowering Emissions Costs - reduced carbon output can support compliance and lower carbon‑related charges Savings depend on the size of the system, heat source, and operating hours.

Are there any lower-interest loans available to me?

Yes. Banks and credit unions offer discounted finance to businesses undertaking sustainable initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and operating costs. Our team can help you identify suitable funding options and guide you through the application process.