Process heat is the heat needed in manufacturing or production processes. Losses here have a particularly high impact, since process heat is usually necessary throughout the year. Depending on the processes, the heat can be provided in different forms and at various temperature levels. It is produced by combustion or electric power and often can be reused as waste heat.

Temperatures under 90° C can be supplied by water-based systems. Thermal oils permit temperatures up to 300° C. With process steam you differentiate from wet and superheated steam. Wet steam can reach a temperature of 374° C; above that we have superheated steam.

Direct applications of combustion are processes such as smelting, where temperatures above 1500° C are not rare.

In general, the higher the temperature level, the lower the efficiencies and the higher the losses. Therefore the use of energy in process heat must be particularly efficient. Where there are high temperatures, multi-phase utilization works efficiently and satisfactorily. Therefore, e.g., recycled steam can be used for preheating or drying purposes.

Process heat often contains very high saving potential. Locating this potential requires understanding of the process as well as knowledge of energy-saving options.