Oklahoma Eyes Capturing Manufacturing Waste Heat
Oklahoma lawmakers are shifting the energy spotlight toward an often-overlooked resource: wasted heat from manufacturing. The move aims to turn byproduct into opportunity for the state’s energy future.
Study Focuses on Low-Grade Heat Technology
On Thursday, October 30 at 9 a.m., the Oklahoma Senate Energy Committee will convene in Senate Room 230 of the State Capitol for an interim study entitled “Low Grade Waste Heat and Additive Manufacturing in Oklahoma.”
The study comes at the request of Casey Murdock, and it marks a deeper dive into how Oklahoma can attract the wasted heat industry. The hearing will feature at least three industry experts.
Bill Builds Incentives for Heat-Recovery Tech
Senator Murdock previously filed HB 2402, dubbed the Oklahoma Advanced Manufacturing Incentive Act of 2025. The bill proposed a corporate income tax incentive and a direct grant program to lure companies that deploy low-grade waste heat electrification technologies to Oklahoma. Under the proposal the Oklahoma Department of Commerce would administer up to $20 million over five years in grants.
The House version of the bill was sponsored by Scott Fetgatter. It passed the House on a 59-33 vote, and cleared a Senate committee by a narrow 5-4 margin. The measure was then referred to the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee on April 8.
What This Means for Oklahoma’s Energy Economy
Oklahoma stands to benefit if manufacturers tap wasted heat and convert it into electricity or usable energy. Capturing low-grade heat offers a pathway for the state’s energy sector to expand beyond traditional oil and gas. The grant and tax incentive plan signals that Oklahoma wants to become a hub for next-generation heat recovery technologies.
The interim study offers a chance to ask hard questions now: What kind of infrastructure matters? What is the return on investment? How many jobs could this generate in Oklahoma?
Next Steps and What to Watch
Committee members will listen to expert testimony during the scheduled hearing. Outcomes of the study could lead to new legislation or modifications to HB 2402. Oklahoma stakeholders—from manufacturers to energy service companies—should monitor how the discussion evolves.
Lawmakers will decide whether the incentive framework and grant program proposed are sufficient to attract cutting-edge manufacturing firms to Oklahoma’s energy and manufacturing ecosystem.
AGENDA:
REVISED TO ADD AGENDA
IS-25-063Low Grade Waste Heat and Additive Manufacturing in OklahomaBy: Senator Murdock
- Augie Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Phasic Energy
- Justin Briggs, Advisor, Tulsa Local Venture & George Kaiser Family Foundation
- Dr. Krista Ratliff, President & Chief Executive Officer, The Fires Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator (FISTA)
- Other business
Senator Grant Green, Chair
Senator Tom Woods, Vice Chair