Low grade thermal energy sources and uses from the process industry in the UK

► Drivers for heat recovery studies are reviewed in the process industries. ► Waste heat recovery potential can be assessed by the exergy efficiency of the heat transfer to a suitable sink. ► The purpose of low grade heat recovery is to reduce the production of entropy in the environment. ► Potential uses for low grade heat and recovery technologies are established by foreseeing future societal needs. ► The evidence suggests that stronger government policy and regulation incentives can facilitate low grade heat recovery.