Waste Heat – A Key to Future Energy Solutions
During EnergyWeek in Vaasa, the Bothnia Green Energy project hosted the seminar "Waste Heat – The Cleanest Energy?", bringing together experts and innovators to discuss how this untapped resource could play a crucial role in the energy transition.
Every day, vast amounts of energy are lost as low-temperature heat from industries, data centres, and other operations. But what will it take to harness this energy effectively? This pressing question was at the heart of discussions among experts and companies at the seminar.
"Fifty per cent of the world’s energy is lost as heat. Capturing and reusing waste heat could be key to cutting emissions and improving energy efficiency", explained Denise Conway, CEO of Heliostorage, who presented innovative thermal storage solutions.
Denise Conway demonstrated how long-term thermal storage can help make use of waste heat and reduce emissions on a global scale.
Timo Laakso, an expert in technical and business consulting at Elomatic, highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of recovering waste heat.
"Waste heat is often the most cost-effective and sustainable way to generate heat. In Finland, there is enormous potential to make better use of it", he said.
Timo Laakso from Elomatic highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of reusing waste heat in industry.
Industrial Collaboration and Technological Breakthroughs Driving Progress
One example of successful industrial symbiosis was presented by Åsa Björkman from the Alholmen Circular Economy Platform, where waste heat from industrial processes is repurposed to generate valuable energy.
"By linking industries and enabling energy and resources to circulate, we can boost profitability while reducing our climate footprint", she said.
Åsa Björkman highlighted how industrial symbiosis can maximise the use of waste heat and strengthen the circular economy.
New technology is also paving the way for more efficient waste heat recovery. Lars Birging, CEO of Zigrid, showcased how electricity can be generated from heat at temperatures as low as 50°C.
"This opens up new opportunities in areas such as green hydrogen and data centres", he noted.
Lars Birging introduced innovative solutions for generating electricity from waste heat at exceptionally low temperatures.
Waste Heat – An Important Piece in the Energy Transition
The seminar concluded with a panel discussion where all speakers agreed that waste heat must take a more central role in the energy systems of the future. Catarina Still, project manager at Jakobstad Development Company Concordia and seminar moderator, summed up:
"It’s time to see waste heat as an asset rather than a by-product. With the right investment and collaboration, we can transform this underutilised resource into a key part of the energy transition."
Click here to watch recorded webinars on waste heat organised by the Bothnia Green Energy project.
Click here to learn more about the Bothnia Green Energy project!