20 years after the passing of the 1st EEG, the critical phase is now beginning in which a large number of biogas plants are threatened with shutdown due to inefficiency after their statutory compensation period has expired. Depending on the substrate fed, biogas plants can not only produce CO2-neutral (base-load capable) energy, but by using agricultural waste (slurry, etc.) also CH4-emissions. With the impending shutdown, up to 17 % of current energy generation from renewable sources in Germany would be threatened.
A promising alternative is the production of hydrogen from biogas by steam reforming. The hydrogen sulfide contained in the biogas is separated in a process that depends on the existing plant design (usually only additional deep desulfurization using activated carbon). Subsequently, the methane in the upgraded mixture is reformed to hydrogen by means of nickel-catalyzed steam reforming. Pressure swing adsorption is then used to remove the CO, CH4 and CO2 secluded.
Steam reforming of biogas to hydrogen is an immediately available and economical alternative to the production of hydrogen by electrolysis. The technology is space-saving and available in modular container units.
Rexnord Kette GmbH and WS have successfully modernized a belt furnace, reducing the furnace's CO2 emissions by 35%. In addition to new burners with maximum energy efficiency, the optimization of the operating mode also contributes to the CO2 reduction.
Baden-Württemberg's Prime Minsiter Winfried Kretschmann visits WS in Renningen to find out about activities in the field of hydrogen. In addition to the production of green hydrogen from biogas and decentralized ammonia cracking, the high-ranking visit also focuses on the highly efficient and low-emission industrial burners manufactured by WS.
The new research field of thermal process technology is dedicated to the goal of defossilizing high-temperature processes above 1,000 °C. While some processes are flexible enough to be heated with renewable electricity, climate-neutral fuels will be necessary for many applications in the future.
Continuous and recently even particularly strong increases in sales figures prove that the REGEMAT® 250 is the new gold standard for modern strip galvanizing lines. Customers are impressed by the lowest NOx values with maximum efficiency as well as its future viability thanks to its outstanding suitability for operation with hydrogen.
The WS Group is looking forward to an exciting and successful year 2024. We are expecting the completion and commissioning of several pioneering investments. On the product side, our customers can also look forward to various innovations and further developments that will make a decisive contribution to their success in achieving true sustainability.
Sustainability and efficiency were the key objectives in the design of thyssenkrupp's state-of-the-art hot-dip coating line FBA 10. COO Dr. Heike Denecke-Arnold and Dr. Clemens Trachternach, Team Leader FBA 10, provide an exciting insight into the various parts of the ultra-modern line.
