Volts How to clean up beer brewing and other low-temperature industries
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Sep 24, 2025 In a thought-provoking discussion, Richard Hart, from the ACEEE, and Teresa Cheng of Industrious Labs tackle the vital yet overlooked topic of decarbonizing low-temperature industrial heat used in industries like beer and dairy. They explore how electrification, through heat pumps and thermal storage, can transform these sectors. The guests delve into the financial incentives needed for adoption, the impact on grid reliability, and the crucial steps needed to engage stakeholders and shift toward cleaner technologies, making it clear that coordination is key for real progress.
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Low-Temp Heat Is A Big, Solvable Problem
- Low-temperature industrial heat accounts for a large share of industry energy use and emissions.
- Decarbonizing it is mainly an economic and political challenge, not a tech one.
Boilers Are Everywhere And Diverse
- Industrial boilers supply steam and hot water across many sectors and sizes.
- About two-thirds are small (<10 MMBtu) and replacements determine long-term emissions.
Natural Turnover Won't Hit 2050 Targets
- Boiler turnover is slow; average life ~25 years yields ~4% annual replacement.
- At current replacement rates, natural turnover won't decarbonize industry by 2050.