At this year’s UK District Energy Association’s Heat Networks Expo, one of our founding directors, Dr. Joe Short took the spotlight to share a game-changing opportunity in the world of low-carbon heat: wastewater heat recovery.
Beneath our streets flows a staggering 2.3 TWh/year of untapped heat energy. That is enough to help warm millions of UK homes. Joe’s session highlighted why this source is so promising and how it is already making an impact across the globe.
Highlights from Joe’s presentation:
Why Wastewater Heat Recovery?
Wastewater is a predictable, renewable, and local energy source with impressive seasonal performance coefficients (SCOP) averaging around 3.5 ± 0.5. What makes it even better? It is located exactly where heat demand is highest, such as urban centers and growing communities.
Success Stories from Around the World
Joe showcased examples from Helsinki to Tokyo, where large-scale wastewater projects are delivering up to 160 MW of low-carbon heat. Closer to home, pioneering UK projects like those at Borders College, Stirling, and Edinburgh are proving the concept and paving the way for future expansion.
Our Work in Greater Manchester
With funding from DESNZ and collaboration with United Utilities, Recirc Energy recently assessed five prime locations for wastewater heat recovery across Greater Manchester. The findings were clear: Trafford and Bolton alone have the potential to deliver up to 8 MW of sustainable, low-carbon heat.
From Concept to Reality
Joe also shared Recirc Energy’s approach, covering sewer monitoring and flow modelling, system design, and CAPEX/OPEX planning. He emphasised the importance of early-stage collaboration between heat networks, local authorities, and water companies to bring these projects to life.
Let’s Talk Wastewater Heat
As the UK pushes for greener and more resilient energy solutions, wastewater heat recovery represents a quiet, reliable, and scalable opportunity.
If you are exploring sustainable heat sources for your network, we would love to start the conversation. Contact our team if you want to find our more.
A big thank you to our friends and colleagues at the UK District Energy Association and everyone who visited our stand to discuss the future of low-carbon heat with us!