In a pioneering move, a Sussex brewery has become the first in the UK to test a revolutionary heat pump.
- Hepworth Brewery in Pulborough is utilising a Greensteam heat pump by Futraheat, which delivers steam up to 130°C.
- The advanced heat pump will potentially cut Hepworth’s energy consumption and emissions for wort boiling by up to 90%.
- Futraheat’s TurboClaw technology could transform heat delivery across various industries, not just brewing.
- The partnership includes Hepworth Brewery, Futraheat, and the Department for Energy Strategy and Net Zero.
A novel initiative has emerged from Sussex, where Hepworth Brewery in Pulborough is spearheading sustainable brewing by trialling a Greensteam heat pump developed by the innovative start-up, Futraheat. This advanced heat pump is a first for the UK, capable of producing steam at 130°C, a necessity for the brewing industry. In a significant departure from traditional heat pumps, which typically only reach 80°C, this technology promises a more efficient brewing process.
The integration of this heat pump is expected to dramatically reduce Hepworth Brewery’s energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with wort boiling, achieving reductions of up to a staggering 90%. Furthermore, this innovative system could lower the brewery’s fuel bills by up to 40%, marking a substantial economic and environmental advancement.
The heart of this system is the TurboClaw compressor, which boasts the ability to elevate temperatures by up to 60 degrees, facilitating the recycling of waste vapour that would otherwise be lost into the atmosphere. This repurposed steam is then reintroduced into the brewery at the necessary high temperature, substantially minimising the reliance on fossil fuel-powered boilers, thus supporting a shift towards a more ecologically conscious operation.
As a pivotal aspect of their collaboration, Futraheat aims to extend the application of this technology across various industries, recognising that approximately 70% of the energy demand in UK industries is for heat. This project serves as an impactful demonstration of the potential scalability and application diversity of high-temperature heat pumps.
The collaboration brings together Hepworth Brewery, Futraheat, and the Department for Energy Strategy and Net Zero’s Industrial Energy Efficiency Accelerator programme, managed by the Carbon Trust. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing sustainable industrial practices within the brewing industry and beyond.
The successful trial at Hepworth Brewery sets a significant precedent for future industrial heat solutions, promising broader environmental benefits.
