Secondary and even tertiary energy-recovery systems for thermal oxidation systems help reduce energy costs. Securing a more cost-efficient operation is an ongoing objective; however, energy-recovery systems are not simply off-the-shelf, bolt-on packages with a plug-and-play manual.

Power generation is still heavily dependent on the steam turbine. Even gas turbine power stations usually are provided with a waste heat boiler and steam turbine to maximize the efficiency with which fuel is converted into electricity.

In 2013, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that industry, power plants and commercial buildings consumed approximately 19 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.