A pioneering research project led by London South Bank University (LSBU) is set to transform urban energy systems by unlocking the untapped potential of waste heat from city cooling systems. The initiative, known as the Waste Heat Assessment and Resource Mapping (WHARM) project, is focused on identifying, mapping, and repurposing waste heat from energy-intensive sectors such as data centers, supermarkets, cold storage facilities, and industrial sites.
Table of Contents
With Birmingham serving as the pilot city, the project aims to create a georeferenced database to quantify waste heat output and explore opportunities for onsite reuse or distribution to nearby buildings. Funded by the EPSRC through the Reef-UKC network, WHARM represents a collaborative effort between academic institutions, industry leaders like Star Refrigeration, and local authorities to drive urban decarbonization.
The Vision Behind WHARM
Dr. Henrique Lagoeiro, Research Fellow at LSBU and project lead, emphasized the importance of this initiative:
“This project brings together academic and industry partners to provide a data-driven blueprint for repurposing waste heat—a step that’s essential for urban decarbonization. By capturing and upgrading waste heat, we can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support net-zero targets.”
The WHARM project will also include economic modeling to determine the cost-efficiency of capturing and upgrading waste heat to usable temperatures. This data will inform planning and investment in clean energy infrastructure while addressing challenges such as high costs and mismatches between heat supply and demand.
Industry Collaboration and Impact
Dave Pearson, Group Sustainable Development Director at Star Refrigeration, highlighted the importance of detailed data in waste heat recovery:
“Just like materials recycling, waste heat should have measurable value. By understanding its place, quantity, quality, and cleanliness, we can advise whether it should be reused onsite with industrial heat pumps or exported to district heating networks.”
Birmingham’s existing district heating scheme—already contributing to a 60% carbon reduction target by 2027—serves as a model for expanding local energy systems through smart heat reuse.
The Path Forward
If successful, WHARM could serve as a national template for other UK cities to follow. The insights generated from this project are expected to optimize local energy systems while cutting waste and supporting net-zero goals. The collaboration between LSBU, Aston University, Birmingham City Council, Star Refrigeration, and Skilled Mapping underscores the importance of interdisciplinary efforts in tackling climate challenges.
Why This Matters
As cities grow increasingly reliant on cooling systems due to rising temperatures and expanding urban populations, waste heat recovery offers an innovative solution to reduce carbon emissions while improving energy efficiency. Projects like WHARM demonstrate how academia and industry can work together to create sustainable solutions that benefit both local communities and the environment.
This groundbreaking research not only paves the way for smarter energy systems but also inspires other cities worldwide to rethink their approach to urban energy management.