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.
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.
Several high-ranking delegations from China visited WS in Renningen to find out about the best industrial burner technology available. The focus of the visit was on the low-emission and efficient heating of electric conveyor belt systems. Due to the increasing production of electric vehicles, this market segment is currently experiencing an upswing, particularly in Asia.
Fast for the few or slow for everyone? WS is pursuing its own concept when it comes to expanding the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. In order to achieve a low-cost yet effective charging system on the factory premises, WS consistently relies on a low charging capacity.
With the help of a new electrolyser and surplus electricity from its own PV systems with a capacity of over 400 kWp, WS will supply the laboratories in Renningen with green hydrogen in future. Following the installation of the electrolyser at the end of 2023, the storage and pipeline infrastructure is now also fully operational.
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.
