The supply system of our research and development department is currently being extensively expanded.
To enable even more extensive experiments with hydrogen, we are installing hydrogen storage tanks and an electrolyzer with which we can produce green hydrogen ourselves using electricity from our large-scale PV system.
In addition, a new supply infrastructure for ammonia (NH3) is also being created. As a carbon-free hydrogen carrier, NH3 is very well suited for imports of green energy from abroad and will thus potentially play a major role in European energy supply in the future. Ammonia can also play a major role as a storage medium in the future. In the future, NH3 will enable companies to store larger quantities of energy on site and call it up when needed. On the one hand, this serves the security of supply and, on the other hand, offers the opportunity to bridge phases of high energy prices. Products developed by the WS Group for the reconversion into hydrogen as well as the direct use of NH3 are already being tested today.
Overall, we are thus creating an image of a possible future supply infrastructure for our customers. Different available forms of energy are used flexibly to operate the flexible WS burners designed for this purpose. In this way, our customers can easily react to different supply situations and use time-variable prices to their advantage. Flexible burner technology that can also handle time-variable fuel mixtures reliably, efficiently, and with low emissions is elementary for this.
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.
