A ‘game changing’ heating system that is powered by domestic waste material, is under development at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry.

The HERU boiler system, which can be used in the home or in commercial buildings, was invented by the Stratford-upon-Avon company Mission Resources.

Engineers at the MTC are now working with the company to get the system ready for volume manufacture.

Prototype boilers are going through real-world trials in preparation for scaled-up production; the system also has the backing of major boiler maker Baxi, and was recently praised in the influential Ricardo Energy and Environment report.

The HERU (www.myheru.com) system takes everyday items destined for disposal — such as coffee cups, plastic packaging, nappies, uneaten food or garden material — and converts it into energy using a low-temperature heat-treatment process known as pyrolysis.

Using patented heat pipes for even thermal distribution, it uses the energy resulting from the process to heat water for heating systems that are controlled from a simple touch-screen pad.

The MTC’s Business Launch Centre is working with Mission Resources engineers to ensure the most efficient design and build of the system for volume production.

It is also working on lifetime cost analysis, as well as component sourcing and costs.

Moreover, HERU is a hybrid boiler, which means it can run on oil or gas if appropriate waste material is not available.

The process was invented by Mission Resource’s Nik Spencer, who has more than 25 years’ experience in recycling and environmentally sustainable waste management businesses.

He said: “The MTC brings a broad depth of engineering skills from across multiple engineering disciplines and market sectors.

“This experience and credibility is invaluable as we scale up, ultimately bringing HERU to a mass market.”