Cement Waste Heat Recovery System Market Size - By Application, By Temperature, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Cement Waste Heat Recovery System Market Size

The global cement waste heat recovery system market size was valued at USD 15.8 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach the value of USD 32.6 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.7% from 2025 to 2034. Cement plants consume a lot of energy, and waste heat recovery systems can significantly reduce this energy use. By capturing and reusing heat that would otherwise be wasted, these systems lower fuel costs and increase profits for companies.
 

In citation, in 2023, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency reported a successful retrofit of a waste heat recovery boiler on a cement line, resulting in a 12% reduction in thermal energy use, a savings of 78,000 gigajoules (GJ) of fuel per year, and a payback period of just 14 months at current fuel prices.
 

Governments are implementing stricter regulations to limit emissions, pushing cement manufacturers to lower their carbon footprints. Waste heat recovery systems help these companies meet environmental standards and grow in the market. For instance, any Portland cement plant that emits 25,000 tons of CO? equivalent per year must report its greenhouse gas emissions by July 31. In 2023, 113 U.S. facilities reported a total of 41.3 million tons of CO? equivalent emissions, leading 69% of these plants to adopt waste heat recovery systems, which helped cut about 5% of process emissions.
 

Tax incentives and subsidies further promote the installation of waste heat recovery systems, making it financially easier for companies to invest in clean energy technologies. This not only benefits the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also allows companies to stay competitive in the market. For instance, in 2023, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency offered financial support through the Partial Risk Guarantee Fund for Energy Efficiency, providing loans of USD 10 to 500 million at lower interest rates, promoting a 65% increase in waste heat recovery installations in the cement sector.
 

Advancements in heat recovery technology are also enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs for companies, making them more attractive to environmentally conscious consumers. Modern designs are more dependable and cost-effective to support, attracting more cement producers. According to a draft report from the U.S. Department of Energy in May 2024, next-generation waste heat recovery technologies, including organic rankine cycle systems and smart controls using digital analysis, can improve energy recovery efficiency by up to 30% and reduce downtime for maintenance through predictive diagnostics.
 

President Trump instituted tariffs in April 2025, hence, cement waste heat recovery system market will be affected. All imports are now subject to a tax of 10% and higher rates for specific countries, the cost of necessary components, including turbines and sensors, will increase. Rising costs of steel, heat exchangers, and control systems strain manufacturers reliant on global supply chains. Companies may hike prices or delay projects, curbing market growth.
 

Cement Waste Heat Recovery System Market Trends

Cement plants are increasingly using waste heat recovery alongside solar and biomass energy to cut down their environmental impact and enhance energy efficiency. This shift towards combining renewable energy sources is helping cement manufacturers in sustainable practices. For instance, a recent project in Rajasthan, MNRE's Annual Report for 2023–24, successfully blended a 7 MW waste heat recovery system with a 5 MW solar power array and 3 MW of biomass energy. This setup resulted in an 18% reduction in fuel costs, saving 125,000 gigajoules of energy each year while providing consistent power around the clock.
 

Real-time monitoring tools are being employed to keep an eye on system performance, helping to minimize waste and downtime, and offering valuable insights for ongoing improvements. By harnessing multiple renewable energy sources, cement plants not only lower their carbon emissions but also bolster their energy stability. For instance, under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s latest initiative, 25 cement companies have been required to implement real-time Energy Management Systems, which have helped reduce unexpected downtime by 6% and waste heat loss by 4% in 2023.
 

Developing countries are increasing their cement production to support growing infrastructure needs, presenting an opportunity to adopt sustainable practices from the outset. By investing in renewable energy early, these nations can bypass traditional, less eco-friendly methods and position themselves as leaders in green cement production. In India, a recent order mandates that power plants with a capacity of 1 MW or more must source 27.08% of their energy from renewable options, encouraging new cement units to incorporate solar and biomass energy from the start.
 

Smaller, modular recovery systems are gaining traction as well offering flexibility and scalability in adding renewable energy to cement production. This approach not only cuts costs but also ensures a more dependable and sustainable energy supply for plants over the long term. According to the Department of Energy's Industrial Heat Shot Fact Sheet from September 2022, these packaged modular waste heat recovery units, which range from 0.5 to 2 MW, can significantly reduce installation time and costs, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious, remote cement facilities.
 

 Cement Waste Heat Recovery System Market Analysis

• The cement waste heat recovery system market was valued at USD 14.8 billion, USD 15.2 billion, and USD 15.8 billion in 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively. The application segments include pre-heating, electricity & steam generation, and other.
   
• Pre-heating segment was valued at USD 5.4 billion in 2024. Waste heat recovery systems capture hot exhaust gases to preheat raw materials, which help lower fuel use in cement production. This approach not only cuts costs but also speeds up the manufacturing process. For instance, in 2024, five-stage cyclone preheaters can recover exhaust heat at 380°C to heat raw materials to 900°C, reducing kiln fuel demand by 7.8%. This saves 84 TJ of thermal energy annually for a 3-million-ton cement plant, with costs recouped in under 16 months.
   
• The electricity & steam generation segment is estimated to grow to be over CAGR of 8.7% by 2034. Excess heat can be used to power turbines for generating electricity or producing steam, which reduces the need for outside energy sources and reduces costs. For instance, a U.S. DOE report shows that waste heat recovery turbines at a 3 million ton per year cement plant can generated 9 MW of steam and 4.5 MW of electricity offsetting 14% of grid energy use and saving USD 7.5 million in FY 2023, which lowers operating expenses by 1.8%.
   

• Based on temperature, the cement waste heat recovery system market is segmented into 230°C, 230°C - 650 °C, >650 °C. The >650°C segment has a market revenue share of over 70.6% in 2024. Low-temperature waste heat is often reused to pre-dry materials or for basic heating. These systems are straightforward and cost-effective, making them attractive for smaller plants that want to save energy without significant investment.
   
• For instance, in 2023, BEE’s List of Energy Efficient Technologies lists Hot water generation from cement kiln using waste heat at 100–125 °C, achieving 20–25% thermal savings, generating 60 TR, requiring USD 36, 000 capex and 14-month payback.
   
• The 230°C - 650 °C segment is estimated to grow over a CAGR of 7.7% by 2034. Mid-range heat sourced from kiln exhaust or cooler vents is used for electricity generation as this approach is popular given that it balances efficiency and cost. Many plants adopt these systems to lower their electricity bills while keeping operational complexity manageable. For instance, in 2023, EU Cement BREF indicates economizers on kiln exhaust at 250–650 °C generate medium-pressure steam delivering 12 % thermal savings, with USD 1.2 M capex and 14-month payback.
   
• The >650 °C segment market will grow at a rate of over 7% by 2034. High-temperature waste heat, generated during clinker production, is used to power turbines for large-scale electricity and steam production. Larger plants tend to invest in these setups to maximize energy savings and meet stricter emission standards. For instance, in 2024, the DOE’s Pathways Analysis Summary highlights high-temperature WHR via backpressure turbines yields 35 GWh/yr on a 1 Mt/yr plant, saving USD 4 per month.
   

• The U.S. cement waste heat recovery system market in 2022, 2023 and 2024 was valued at USD 440 million, USD 460 million, and USD 480 million, respectively. Tight emission regulations are encouraging cement plants to implement waste heat recovery systems and upgrades to aging infrastructure. For instance, in 2023, Canadian cement facilities recovered 1.8 PJ of waste heat via WHR systems saving 180 TJ of fuel annually and leveraging NRCan’s USD 15 million Clean Energy Fund grants.
   
• The Europe market is expected to grow over CAGR of 7.5% by 2034. Stringent carbon reduction goals in the EU have made waste heat recovery a priority for cement producers. Companies are investing in sustainable practices to achieve net-zero emissions as high energy prices and environmental requirements drive adoption, particularly in Germany and France. For instance, in 2023, The European Commission’s BREF reference shows 82% of 212 EU cement kilns ≥ 500 kt/year operate WHR systems, reducing specific energy use by 3.2 PJ/year.
   
• The Asia Pacific cement waste heat recovery system market is estimated to be valued at USD 16.5 billion in 2034. Rapid industrial growth in China and India is boosting the cement market and motivating plants to adopt heat recovery systems due to increased production and rising energy costs. Government policies promoting cleaner production techniques are encouraging large-scale installations across the region. For instance, in 2024, India’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency records 45 new cement plants installing WHR boilers, recovering 2.7 PJ/year and saving 4.6 TJ/day.
   
• The Middle East & Africa market was valued at USD 561 million in 2024. Infrastructure development and growth in the cement sector create demand for energy-efficient solutions, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which are focused on reducing energy imports. Challenging climates and increasing operational costs are driving the adoption of heat recovery technologies.  For instance, in 2023, Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Annual Report confirms Fujairah Cement Industries’ WHR plant now generates 20% of its 200 GWh annual power, saving 22 TJ/month, cutting grid imports.
   
• The Latin America cement waste heat recovery system market is expected to grow over CAGR of 8% by 2034. Adoption of waste heat recovery is progressing slowly due to economic challenges in Brazil and Mexico, which are responding to rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness. New regulations and foreign investments signal potential future growth in the region. For instance, in 2023, Brazil’s Ministry of Mines & Energy reported 12 major cement operations added WHR turbines in FY 2022–23, producing 45 GWh net, saving 1.5 PJ of fuel energy.
   

Cement Waste Heat Recovery System Market Share

The top 4 companies in the cement waste heat recovery system industry are Siemens Energy, MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD., Thermax Limited, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. Together, these firms account for approximately 30% of the market share. They utilize high-efficiency waste heat recovery systems to convert thermal energy from cement kilns into electricity or steam, supporting the energy-intensive nature of cement production while adhering to global environmental regulations and energy efficiency goals.
 

Siemens Energy, a prominent player in the cement waste heat recovery system market, provides advanced solutions, including Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC)-based systems and high-temperature heat exchangers to capture waste heat from cement kilns. In April 2023, Siemens Energy secured a contract to install a waste heat recovery system at a cement plant in Germany, designed to generate 10 MW of electricity and reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 20,000 tons annually.
 

Cement Waste Heat Recovery System Market Companies

Some of the key market players operating across the cement waste heat recovery system industry are:

• AURA
• Bosch Industriekessel GmbH
• Climeon
• CTP TEAM S.R.L
• Cochran
• Forbes Marshall
• IHI Corporation
• John Wood Group PLC
• Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.
• MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
• Promec Engineering
• Sofinter S.p.a
• Siemens Energy
• Turboden S.p.A.
• Thermax Limited
   
• MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD., based in Japan, reported revenues of USD 31.2 billion in 2024. Renowned for its engineering excellence, MHI offers waste heat recovery systems specifically designed for cement plants utilizing technologies including the Kalina Cycle and steam turbines to maximize energy recovery. In October 2022, MHI delivered a waste heat recovery system to a Japanese cement plant that generates 8 MW of power, demonstrating its ability to optimize energy efficiency in high-temperature environments.
   
• Thermax Limited, headquartered in India, reported revenues of USD 1.1 billion in 2024. As a leading provider of energy and environmental solutions, Thermax offers ORC-based waste heat recovery systems for cement plants, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. In June 2023, Thermax commissioned a system in India that produces 12 MW of electricity, reinforcing its role in promoting sustainable cement production in emerging markets.
   
• Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., located in Japan, reported revenues of USD 13.5 billion in 2024. Kawasaki specializes in waste heat recovery systems for cement plants, employing steam Rankine Cycle technologies. In October 2022, Kawasaki installed a system at Taiheiyo Cement’s Saitama plant in Japan, generating 7.85 MW of electricity and reducing CO2 emissions by 23,000 tons annually, highlighting its contribution to energy-efficient cement manufacturing.
   

Cement Waste Heat Recovery System Market News

• In February 2024, Climeon, a Swedish clean energy company, launched its HeatPower 300 system, designed for waste heat recovery in cement plants. This modular system, based on Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology, converts low-temperature waste heat (as low as 80°C) into electricity. A pilot installation at a European cement facility has successfully generated 2 MW of power. Climeon’s focus on low-temperature heat recovery broadens the application of waste heat recovery systems.
   
• In May 2023, Turboden S.p.A., an Italian company that specializes in ORC systems, secured a contract to supply a waste heat recovery system for a cement plant in Turkey. This ORC system is designed to generate 5 MW of electricity by capturing waste heat from the cement kiln, effectively reducing the plant’s energy costs and CO2 emissions by approximately 15,000 tons annually.
   
• In July 2023, Forbes Marshall, an Indian company specializing in energy efficiency solutions, received a supply order to install a waste heat recovery system at a cement plant in Rajasthan, India. This system, which incorporates Forbes Marshall's steam boiler technology, is expected to produce 8 MW of electricity by harnessing waste heat from kiln exhaust gases.
   
• In September 2023, IHI Corporation announced a partnership with a leading Japanese cement manufacturer to install a waste heat recovery system at a plant in Hokkaido. This system, utilizing IHI’s advanced steam turbine technology, is anticipated to produce 6 MW of electricity, thereby enhancing the plant’s energy efficiency.
   

This cement waste heat recovery system market research report includes an in–depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in ‘USD billion’ from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Application

• Pre-heating
• Electricity & steam generation
  • Steam rankine cycle
  • Organic rankine cycle
  • Kalina cycle
• Other

Market, By Temperature

• 230°C
• 230°C - 650 °C
• > 650 °C

The above information has been provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Aisa Pacific
  • China
  • Australia
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina