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.
Energy efficiency and environmental protection are the focus of the steel industry: WS delivers major order - retrofitting industrial burners instead of building new plants. The most economical way to comply with emission limits and maximum efficiency.
The targets set for CO2 savings and the reduction of NOx emissions at a well-known automobile manufacturer were achieved by using WS burners with ceramic finned recuperators in gas-fired pusher-type furnaces.
WS has been known worldwide for decades as the undisputed technology and market leader in the field of industrial burner technology for the thermoprocessing industry. For next-generation products, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing are of course also used.
The WS Group was blessed with beautiful weather on April 30, 2025 when almost 500 guests accepted the invitation to "Dance into May" to celebrate the inauguration of two newly built halls in Renningen. With a large number of employees, customers, suppliers and political guests, the day was an entertaining experience that included in-depth technical discussions as well as joint networking.
Federal Cross of Merit for WS founder Joachim A. Wünning: As part of a festive ceremony, Joachim A. Wünning was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit on March 28, 2025. Awarded by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and presented by Klaus Brenner, the award honors Wünning's life's work.
New CNC lathe at WS - high-end solution for precision and quality in in-house production and new development. The lathe from SPINNER Werkeugmaschinenfabrik GmbH will complement the extensive machine park at WS in the future.
