Energy Resources Integration (ERI) recently completed a CalNEXT market study investigating the potential for Wastewater Energy Transfer (WET) heat recovery systems to reduce energy use, support building electrification, and lower operating costs in California.
WET systems capture and utilize thermal energy that would otherwise leave a building through wastewater. Depending on the application, wastewater can serve as a heat source or heat sink, allowing heat exchangers and heat pumps to improve the efficiency of space heating, cooling, domestic hot water, and process systems.
ERI’s study evaluated the current WET technology and market landscape and its potential across California’s commercial, industrial, and agricultural sectors. The research included a review of available technologies and existing installations, stakeholder surveys and interviews, and site assessments at four California commercial and industrial facilities across three climate zones. ERI also evaluated building-level energy savings potential, with office and multifamily buildings identified as particularly promising applications.
The study found that WET has the potential to improve energy efficiency while supporting electrification by reducing heating and cooling loads and associated electrical demand. The research also identified key market and implementation barriers and opportunities for accelerating adoption of WET systems in California.
The final Wastewater Energy Transfer (WET) Heat Recovery Systems Market Study (ET25SWE0021) is now publicly available through the Energy Transition Coordinating Council (ETCC).
