This white paper explores how medium voltage electric process heating can provide a practical and scalable pathway to industrial decarbonisation. By operating at higher voltages, these systems reduce current requirements, enabling smaller cables, lighter switchgear, and simpler installations. They can also eliminate the need for step-down transformers, helping reduce electrical losses and equipment footprint. The paper examines how medium voltage technology can scale electric heaters into the multi-megawatt range required for large refinery and chemical applications.

It also addresses the critical engineering considerations behind successful implementation, including insulation design, partial discharge, arc-flash protection, thermal management, control, and compliance with evolving industry standards. Using Watlow’s POWERSAFE™ system as an example, the paper shows how integrated heater and control technologies can combine high efficiency, modularity, safety, and reliability for demanding industrial applications. It also highlights opportunities including crude preheating, amine regeneration, and steam generation.

Download the white paper to explore how medium voltage electrification can help turn process heat from a decarbonisation challenge into a practical pathway toward lower-carbon operations.