Haydale Graphene Industries plc has successfully delivered stage one and two of the three-stage low-power hot water project with Cadent Gas Ltd. announced in February 2022. After completing stage one to identify up to four specific and detailed user case scenarios, where the graphene ink-based heaters could be used across Cadent's network, the latest stage of the project has developed an operational pre-product prototype. The intended use for the water heater is to provide a low-power way to heat water to an optimum temperature for hygiene when there is an interruption to the gas supply.

Currently, the provision of fan heaters, hot plates and large kettles to customers in a vulnerable situation without a gas supply can be expensive and challenging, particularly for elderly or disabled customers. The prototype features Haydale's functionalised graphene ink, printed onto flexible heater sheets, which are encased within an insulated 3D printed portable unit. It can heat up to five litres of water in situ placed on a kitchen draining board or surface.

Power is delivered through a rechargeable battery. The final stage of the project will now further develop the prototype to refine the modelling and design, alongside validating its use in an operational environment including the extension of the design to work in a bathroom/shower setting too. If successful, the potential is to take the project through further stages towards a market-ready product.