What Is the WEW Project All About?
WEW GmbH is on a mission to make green hydrogen possible — and they’re doing it with a revolutionary approach that’s as simple as it is powerful. At the heart of their innovation lies a water electrolysis stack designed to produce the world’s smallest molecule: hydrogen. This isn’t just any hydrogen; it’s green hydrogen, created in a way that helps keep our blue planet green. The team behind this breakthrough includes Dr.-Ing. Lukas Lüke, a holistic thinker; Dr. Wiebke Lüke, an empowering inspirator; and Dr. Gregor Polcyn, a passionate developer. Together, they’re pushing the boundaries of alkaline technology to deliver a clean energy future.
Main Benefits of the WEW Stack
The WEW stack isn’t just innovative — it’s packed with features that make green hydrogen production more accessible and efficient. Here are some key figures and facts that highlight why this technology stands out:
- 100 Nm³/h hydrogen production rate — that’s quite a flow!
- 0.5 MW nameplate power consumption — keeping energy use in check
- 4.5 kWh/Nm³ H₂ specific power consumption — efficient and economical
- Operating temperature at 90 °C — optimized for performance
- Hydrogen pressure at 1.4 bara — ready for practical applications
- Revolutionary stack design that’s robust and reliable
- Low-cost input materials — making green hydrogen more affordable
- Easy combination of individual stacks to scale up to large plants — flexibility at its best
Technology Behind the Innovation
The core of WEW’s technology is its alkaline water electrolysis stack. Unlike other methods, this stack uses robust alkaline technology, which is known for its durability and cost-effectiveness. The design is revolutionary, focusing on simplicity without compromising performance. This means fewer complications, lower maintenance, and a system that can be scaled up easily. Plus, the use of low-cost input materials means the entire process is more economically viable, which is crucial for widespread adoption.
Milestones and Progress
Since its founding in January 2021, WEW GmbH has hit some impressive milestones. Just a few months after starting, they secured a funding grant from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in April 2021 — a strong vote of confidence. By August 2022, their first short-stack was up and running at the TU Clausthal Goslar test facility in Germany. Fast forward to March 2023, and the company moved into a new location to support growth. Most recently, in September 2023, their pilot stack manufacturing line was ready for production, marking a major step toward commercial-scale operations.
The Team Driving the Vision
Behind WEW’s success is a team that combines expertise with passion. Dr.-Ing. Lukas Lüke brings a holistic perspective, ensuring the project looks at the big picture. Dr. Wiebke Lüke inspires and empowers the team, driving innovation forward. And Dr. Gregor Polcyn is the passionate developer who turns ideas into reality. Together, they form a powerhouse that’s not just about technology but about making a real difference in the world of green energy.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy — advancing green hydrogen production
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure — pioneering new electrolysis technology
- SDG 13: Climate Action — reducing carbon footprint through clean energy
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — using low-cost, sustainable materials
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals — collaborating with research institutions and government
Looking Ahead: The Future of Green Hydrogen
With the pilot manufacturing line now ready, WEW GmbH is poised to scale up production and bring their green hydrogen stacks to a broader market. The combination of economic power consumption, robust technology, and scalable design means this project could play a key role in the global energy transition. As the world looks for cleaner alternatives, innovations like the WEW stack offer hope — not just for cleaner energy, but for a healthier planet overall. It’s a journey that’s just getting started, and the potential? Well, it’s huge.
