West Sussex brewer uses heat pump to make beer

Tamara Birch, senior writer, The Eco Experts
Written By
Published on 7 October 2024
  • Hepworth Brewery is the first to use a heat pump to make beer
  • It will cut emissions from wort boiling
  • The heat pump was constructed by start-up, Futraheat
Brewery becomes world's first to use a heat pump to make beer – pic: Hepworth Brewery

An independent brewery in West Sussex, Hepworth Brewery, has become the first in the UK to make its beer using a heat pump instead of an oil boiler in a bid to cut carbon emissions.

The brewery is expected to reduce its emissions that come from wort boiling, an essential step in beer-making to extract flavour, by using a high-temperature heat pump that can produce steam temperatures of up to 130C. 

The heat pump was designed by a start-up based in south-west London, Futraheat, and is expected to lower fuel costs by 40%, with a goal to power the full brewing process. 

As reported by The Guardian, “the new heating system will recycle the waste vapour from the brewing process by using the heat pump to raise the temperature of the steam back to 130C before returning it to the brewer”. 

Andy Hepworth, founder and chairman, Hepworth Brewery, said the government-based project would enable the company to switch off their boiler in favour of a new reliable way to recycle waste heat. 

Tom Taylor, chief executive, Futraheat, said: “Heat is a major component of a huge range of industrial processes and vast amounts of this is delivered by steam. 

“Until now, heat pumps have been both unaffordable and unable to deliver heat at the temperature the industry requires. This project demonstrates the technology can now be implemented within a brewery.” 

Written by

Tamara Birch, senior writer, The Eco Experts

Tamara is a London-based journalist and has written about environmental topics for more than four years. This includes advising small business owners on cost-effective ways, like solar panels and energy-efficient products, to help them become more sustainable.

She has used her journalist and research skills to become highly knowledgeable on sustainable initiatives, issues, and solutions to help consumers do their bit for the environment - all while reducing monthly costs.

In addition to adopting sustainable practices in her personal life, Tamara has worked in the retail B2B space to help independent retailers think about their environmental choices and how they can help improve their business. She now uses this knowledge to help consumers do the same.

Her passion for sustainability and eco-friendly solutions stems from a long obsession with nature and animals and ensuring they feel looked after. In her free time, Tamara enjoys reading fantasy novels, visiting the gym, and going on long walks in new areas.

You can get in touch with Tamara via email at tamara.birch@mvfglobal.com.

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