Wilo looks forward

Building bridges … stay connected Wilo concludes 150th celebrations with eye firmly on the future

As the year drew to a close, Wilo concluded the celebratory programme marking its 150th anniversary with a major conference, the commissioning of its hydrogen power plant and a massive party for staff, local dignitaries and invited guests.

The grand opening of the H2Powerplant took place during the international industry conference at the Wilopark in Dortmund. The conference was a high-powered affair with worldleading experts sharing their views at geo-political level on everything from energy and carbon reduction through to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, shipping and logistics, product supply shortages and rising costs.

As for the H2Powerplant, this was developed in collaboration with Schneider Electric and is designed to create the basis for Wilo’s self -sufficient, decentralised and regenerative energy supply network. The plant at the Wilopark can store up to 520 kilograms of hydrogen in the 29.8 metre tank and consists of four core components – the photovoltaic system on the roof of the “smart factory”, an electrolyser, a hydrogen storage tank and a fuel cell.

The electrolyser separates the molecular compounds of water (H2O} into hydrogen (H2} and oxygen (0). In this way, the modular system should produce up to 10 tonnes of green hydrogen per year, completely from renewable energies. Waste heat released by the electrolysis process can be used directly on site in the interconnected system, or can be converted into cooling.

“As an innovation leader in the industry, Wilo always has been, and still is, a pioneer in energy efficiency,” explains Oliver Hermes, President and CEO of the Wilo Group. “An integral part of this corporate identity is the fact that we, as a multinational technology company, actively shape change processes and find solutions to global challenges. As such, we have long sought answers and solutions for the essential megatrends of urbanisation, water shortage, globalisation 2.0, climate change and energy shortage, which are flanked by digital transformation as a key factor.”

Turning to the celebratory party, about 3,500 employees, family members and friends – as well as many invited guests – participated in the event at the Wilopark in Dortmund-Horde. The presence of Dr Jochen Oplander was an added bonus for all. Oliver Hermes opened the proceedings saying: “This family party is a big thank you to our employees. We have three years of pandemic with many hardships behind us. But today, it’s time to party.”

The celebrations lasted until early evening. The numerous activity stands and tours through the “smart factory” offered diverse entertainment despite the rainy weather. The highlight was the set played by the Wilo band “Steilvorlage” with hits like “99 Red Balloons” by Nena, “Tage wie diese” by Die Toten Hosen and “Summer of 69” by Bryan Adams.

Oliver Hermes, President and CEO of the Wilo Group.