Waste Heat, Additive Manufacturing, and Oklahoma Energy Policy
Oklahoma energy policy moved into the spotlight with a focused interim study. Lawmakers examined low-grade waste heat and additive manufacturing opportunities. The committee sought practical pathways to power generation and industrial efficiency. The hearing drew entrepreneurs, funders, and advanced manufacturing leaders. Their testimony highlighted near-term projects and longer-term strategy.
When the Oklahoma Senate Energy Committee convened a hearing Thursday in exploring of low grade waste heat from manufacturing, the Senator who called for the interim study explained it’s his belief the state should have “all hands on deck in producing power.”
Oklahoma Lawmakers Explore New Energy Sources Through Waste Heat
So said Sen. Casey Murdock (R-Felt) who made clear in his belief for electrical power in Oklahoma.
“We need to be looking at everything we can in producing more power generation. Not just in the state of Oklahoma but in our country because the need is there.”
The study was formally called “Low Grade Waste Heat and Additive Manufacturing in Oklahoma.” It was also a result of the state Senator filing HB2402 in the past legislative session—the Oklahoma Advanced Manufacturing Incentive Act of 2025.
Murdock admitted he didn’t understand waste heat when he was approached by some of those who testified during the hearing to run the bill. While the measure won approval in the House, the Senate referred it to a committee.
One of those who testified was Augie Smith, CEO of Phasic Energy, a firm headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
“We’re a bunch of MIT engineers,” he explained, adding “the need is there.”
Smith told Senate committee members, “We are not talking to any other state.”
Phasic Energy contends that electricfying even a small fraction of the estimated 20,000 terawatts annually in wasted heat, it could significantly reduce the need to build new power plants to meet the country’s rapidly growing electricity demand.
The company already has plans to build its first operation in Broken Arrow and its ten-year plan calls for 5 plants around the state. Phasic has also considered a site at the Port of Catoosa.
Smith was followed by Justin Briggs, advisor to Tulsa Local Venture & George Kaiser Family Foundation. Dr. Krista Ratliff, President & Chief Executive Officer, The Fires Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator (FISTA) also spoke to the committee.
Sen. Casey Murdock’s Case for More Oklahoma Power
Sen. Casey Murdock framed the energy challenge simply. Demand rises across industries and communities. He urged all-hands innovation to expand power generation. He tied the study to HB2402, which promotes advanced manufacturing. The Act seeks investment and high-value jobs. It also aligns technologies with Oklahoma energy goals.
Why Low-Grade Waste Heat Matters
Low-grade waste heat escapes from many facilities. New systems can convert that heat to electricity. The approach can serve data centers, factories, and logistics hubs. Scaling even a small fraction reduces new power plant needs. It also improves industrial efficiency and grid resilience.
Phasic Energy’s Oklahoma Footprint and Timeline
Phasic Energy presented a clear plan. The firm targets a first operation in Broken Arrow. The long-term plan lists five Oklahoma plants. Leaders also flagged a Port of Catoosa site option. They emphasized execution and timing. They described a pipeline built for rapid deployment. Their comments underscored Oklahoma’s comparative advantage.
Capital, Partners, and Innovation Hubs
Testimony also featured Justin Briggs with Tulsa Local Venture and the George Kaiser Family Foundation. He addressed venture formation and local capital. Dr. Krista Ratliff of FISTA discussed technology acceleration. She highlighted defense-adjacent research that benefits energy. These groups connect startups to mentors, pilots, and facilities.
Next Steps for Policy and Projects
Legislators now weigh permitting, incentives, and siting. They also examine grid interconnection and industrial load management. Stakeholders want predictable timelines. They also want coordinated state-local action. Oklahoma can move first on waste heat and additive manufacturing. The hearing created momentum for tangible projects.