Waste Heat Recovery System Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Waste Heat Recovery System Market is projected to expand from USD 78.93 Billion in 2025 to USD 124.77 Billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 7.93%. These systems function as energy recycling units, capturing surplus thermal energy from industrial byproducts like exhaust gases or steam and transforming it into useful electricity or heating for onsite utility. The industry is fundamentally driven by strict regulatory frameworks that necessitate industrial decarbonization, alongside rising energy expenses that force heavy industries to maximize thermal efficiency. These enduring drivers are distinct from temporary market trends, representing essential requirements for adoption.

A major obstacle to market growth involves the substantial initial capital expenditure needed for installation, combined with extended payback periods that discourage cost-conscious businesses. Data from the Global Cement and Concrete Association India indicates that in 2025, roughly 11% of the electricity mix in the Indian cement sector was derived specifically from waste heat recovery systems. This statistic emphasizes the vital function of these technologies in alleviating power consumption for energy-intensive manufacturing sectors.

Market Drivers

The enforcement of strict environmental regulations and emission standards acts as a major driver for the Global Waste Heat Recovery System Market, compelling energy-intensive industries to implement thermal recycling solutions. Governments and global organizations are imposing tight Scope 1 and Scope 2 emission caps, requiring sectors like steel, cement, and maritime to adopt waste heat recovery (WHR) units as a mandatory compliance measure rather than a discretionary upgrade. For instance, Global Cement reported in September 2024 that Heidelberg Materials Egypt launched a $30 million WHR system at its Helwan Cement plant capable of generating nearly 18 MW of energy, designed specifically to save 40,000 tonnes of CO2 annually in line with sustainability goals.

Rising global energy costs and the necessity for operational cost reduction further speed up market uptake, as manufacturers aim to protect their profit margins from fluctuating fossil fuel prices. By transforming exhaust heat into captive power, industries can drastically reduce their dependence on costly grid electricity, turning a waste product into a key asset for financial stability. According to a September 2024 report by Manufacturing Today India, Ambuja Cements committed ₹100 billion to expand its renewable energy efforts, targeting a WHR capacity of 376 MW to cut costs. Similarly, SolarQuarter reported in July 2024 that Shree Cement reached an installed waste heat recovery capacity of 244 MW, establishing itself as a leader in thermal efficiency.

Market Challenges

The substantial upfront capital expenditure needed to install Waste Heat Recovery Systems serves as a significant constraint on market expansion. Deploying these systems entails high costs associated with advanced heat exchangers, boilers, and turbine generators, as well as engineering and site integration fees. For numerous industrial operators, especially in price-sensitive areas or sectors with narrow margins, the return on investment is often not rapid enough to warrant redirecting capital from primary production activities, leading to the delay or cancellation of projects.

This reluctance is highlighted by the gap between the technology's potential and its actual deployment in major industries. According to the Cement Manufacturers' Association, the installed capacity of waste heat recovery systems in the Indian cement sector reached 538 MW in 2024. Although this figure is significant, it constitutes only a portion of the sector's identified potential, demonstrating how financial hurdles effectively limit the technology's scalability and prevent the market from fully utilizing available thermal energy resources in energy-intensive fields.

Market Trends

The widespread uptake of Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology is transforming the market by allowing for the capture of low-grade thermal energy that was once considered unusable. In contrast to conventional steam-based systems that need high temperatures, ORC systems employ organic fluids with lower boiling points, making them suitable for variable heat sources in glass and cement manufacturing while minimizing water usage. Highlighting this shift, Turboden announced in October 2024 the inauguration of a 13 MWe ORC power plant at Riyadh Cement Company in Saudi Arabia, marking the largest facility of its type to utilize waste heat from clinker coolers for industrial decarbonization.

Simultaneously, the adoption of heat recovery in maritime sectors is accelerating as shipping operators strive to meet rigorous efficiency standards such as the Carbon Intensity Indicator. Vessel owners are increasingly installing units to capture thermal energy from main engines for onboard electricity generation, thereby cutting auxiliary fuel use and boosting environmental ratings. This trend extends to specialized ships; according to a December 2024 press release by Climeon, NovaAlgoma Cement Carriers ordered a system capable of producing up to 300 kW of sustainable power for a new methanol dual-fuel vessel, underscoring the move toward hybrid efficiency solutions.

Key Players Profiled in the Waste Heat Recovery System Market

• ABB Ltd.
• Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
• General Electric Company
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
• Thermax Limited
• John Wood Group PLC
• Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.
• Ormat Technologies, Inc.
• Robert Bosch Industriekessel GmbH
• DUrr Aktiengesellschaft

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Waste Heat Recovery System Market has been segmented into the following categories:

Waste Heat Recovery System Market, by Application:

• Pre Heating
• Steam & Power Generation

Waste Heat Recovery System Market, by Temperature:

• < 230°C
• 230-650°C
• >650°C

Waste Heat Recovery System Market, by End-use:

• Petroleum Refinery
• Chemical
• Cement

Waste Heat Recovery System Market, by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Waste Heat Recovery System Market.

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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