Paving the Way for Next‐Generation Solid‐State Waste Heat Recovery: A Thermomagnetic Materials and Systems Roadmap

Nearly half of global primary energy is dissipated as low-grade waste heat, predominantly below 100°C. While thermoelectric technologies offer a pathway to recover such energy, their efficiency and scalability remain limited. Thermomagnetic (TM) energy conversion has recently emerged as a promising alternative, with breakthroughs in materials and system design pushing its performance toward practical viability. TM systems offer unique advantages, including scalability, high theoretical second-law efficiency, and adaptability across diverse thermal regimes. In this perspective, we examine the key challenges and emerging opportunities in thermomagnetic energy harvesting, with a focus on material selection, processing techniques, and system-level design. We propose roadmaps to guide the field's development, aiming to establish TM conversion as a versatile solution for sustainable low-grade waste heat recovery.