How Kromek is using waste heat recovery to supply Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre

This innovative system captures and stores waste heat, repurposing it to supply energy to end-users such as Durham County Council.

Supported with £50,000 of Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Impact Acceleration Account funding, the project aims to advance the technology towards commercialisation by testing it in live conditions.

Kromek’s manufacturing process generates surplus heat, while Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre—one of the council’s highest energy consumers—seeks ways to lower emissions. The thermal battery works by concentrating waste heat into a transportable chemical form, which is then delivered to the leisure centre to control indoor humidity efficiently.

Durham University’s involvement bridges the gap between industry and community needs, providing the expertise and resources necessary to test and refine the technology. This partnership not only supports innovation but also highlights the role of academic institutions in driving sustainable development and addressing local challenges.