In October, the association around the newly founded BtX energy GmbH from Hof presents the first commissioned plant for the production of green hydrogen from sustainably produced biogas from the BMWK-funded project "BioH2Ref". On 28.10. the plant was inaugurated on an intermediate site at Naturenergie Glemstal in Hemmingen.
The steam reforming technology used is familiar from the natural gas sector, but here it uses renewable biogas - primarily from residual materials - and is tailored to agricultural operations. The plant produces high-purity hydrogen directly on the farm.
Environmental prize winner Dr.-Ing. J.G. Wünning, initiator of the concept and investor in the demonstration plant, explains the motivation and objective: "I am convinced that regional, decentralized infrastructure solutions are the hallmark of renewable energies and make a decisive contribution to energy security. Core elements of our approach are the use of organic residues, the closing of the CO2 balance, and a fair distribution of profits among all participants in the value chain. I believe this can best be achieved at the regional level."
Before the plant reaches its final destination - a dairy farm in Krefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia - the public presentation took place on October 28 at the advanced biogas plant of Naturenergie Glemstal (Hemmingen, Baden-Württemberg). The farm provides the project with parking space and gas for the first start-up. The turnkey container plant was developed and built by the specialist for small-scale plant construction from the Verbund, e-flox GmbH from Renningen. Particular attention was paid to simple and clearly defined interfaces for retrofitting existing plants. The sophisticated reformer technology of the sister company WS Reformer GmbH is used. New developments in both process and catalyst design are incorporated for use with biogas.
The event was opened by welcoming speeches from Steffen Bilger MdB and Ministerialdirigent Martin Eggstein from the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Environment, as well as a video message from State Secretary Roland Weigert of the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs. After a brief presentation of the project and technology, Dr. Wünning then surprised the visitors as well as the staff of BtX by announcing the procurement of its own hydrogen bus. In the afternoon, Verbund welcomed about 100 interested guests from industry, science and research for a tour followed by a networking and evening event. The guests were transported in style by an emission-free hydrogen bus of Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen AG, sponsored by the friendly cooperation with H2Swiss Energy.
As part of the publicly funded project "BioH2Ref", BtX-energy GmbH will operate the plant, produce hydrogen for the transport sector from pure manure in everyday operation and, accompanied by RWTH Aachen University, provide scientifically sound data on the efficiency, and environmental balance of this process.
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.
Just in time for the start of the year, the WS Service department is delighted to have taken over and used the new WS Service Center. After extensive conversion work in the newly acquired building, nothing now stands in the way of its use as the new control center for our service department.
There was a lot to celebrate at the WS Summer Party 2024. Around 250 guests spent a thoroughly successful day in Renningen in the best weather and found out about the many new developments in the WS Group. Good food and a cold drink or two ensured a great atmosphere and fond memories.
