Introduction to Crematorium Heat Utilization in Redditch, England
In 2011, Redditch Borough Council in England attempted a novel approach to heating a local swimming pool using heat from a nearby crematorium. The project, initially met with public outcry, was eventually awarded a green prize and has been operational since 2013. The system captures heat from flue gases emitted by the crematorium's gas-fired ovens, which are used to remove vaporized mercury from dental fillings. This heat is then transferred to a water loop that runs underground, eventually reaching another heat exchanger supplying the swimming pool. The system has saved the council tens of thousands of pounds per year in fuel costs.
Similar Projects in Scotland and Finland
In Scotland, a school currently under construction will receive excess heat from the city's crematorium, with full planning permission granted. The crematorium already utilizes waste heat to warm its own premises. The system will provide just under 1 gigawatt-hour of heat annually, covering approximately half of the school's total requirement. A heat pump will cover the rest of the facility's needs, with the system expected to be fully operational by February 2027.
In Finland, the crematorium that will open in Kangasala in 2028 will be connected to the town's district heat network, a system of pipes that supplies more than 6,500 homes with hot water for heating. The crematorium will be fully electric, powered partly by solar panels on its roof. The push to use less natural gas for heating in Finland, due to concerns over climate change and the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, has prompted the use of waste heat from unusual sources, including crematoria.
Benefits of Crematorium Heat Utilization
Crematorium heat utilization offers several benefits, including reducing carbon intensity and promoting sustainability. In Redditch, the system has saved the council tens of thousands of pounds per year in fuel costs. In Scotland, the system will cover approximately half of the school's total requirement. In Finland, the system will be fully operational by February 2027, with the crematorium connected to the town's district heat network. The push to use less natural gas for heating in Finland has prompted the use of waste heat from unusual sources, including crematoria. The integration of crematoria into district heating systems is a growing trend, with crematoria in Europe and North America looking to reduce their environmental impact by utilizing waste heat from crematoriums.
Conclusion
Crematorium heat utilization is a green alternative to traditional funeral practices. By capturing and utilizing the heat from crematoriums, these systems can reduce carbon intensity and promote sustainability. As more projects emerge, the use of crematorium heat in heating pools and schools is becoming increasingly common, with the potential to expand into other applications in the future.