Innovation

Wipotec’s innovation lies in its ability to adopt and implement advanced sustainable technologies while maintaining a holistic approach. Instead of relying on a singular solution, the company has embraced a diverse range of renewable energy systems and remains open to new ideas that challenge conventional industrial norms. Central to Wipotec’s strategy is the Vanadium-Redox-Flow Battery (VRFB), a groundbreaking technology in energy storage. Unlike traditional batteries, VRFBs use liquid electrolytes containing vanadium ions, which are stored in separate tanks.  These electrolytes remain chemically stable, allowing the battery to be charged and discharged indefinitely without degradation, as Pfeiffer shares. This durability ensures a near-unlimited lifespan, making VRFBs a long-term and sustainable energy storage solution. In addition, the storage capacity can be increased by enlarging the tanks, making the technology scalable to meet growing energy demands. In addition, VRFB “can be 100% recycled”, as Pfeiffer mentioned.

The VRFB system allows Wipotec to store surplus energy generated by its solar panels during peak production hours. This stored energy ensures a reliable power supply even during non-peak times, such as cloudy days or nighttime, eliminating energy waste and providing operational consistency. Its scalability and sustainability make it an ideal fit for Wipotec’s renewable energy infrastructure.

In addition to the VRFB system, Wipotec has integrated other innovative solutions to enhance its sustainability. Geothermal energy systems harness the Earth’s natural thermal energy to provide year-round heating and cooling, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The company’s solar panels, designed with an east-west alignment, optimize energy production during morning and evening hours, providing a more balanced generation curve that matches industrial energy demands. The planned integration of wind energy will further diversify Wipotec’s energy portfolio, ensuring renewable energy generation during winter or overcast days when solar production may be limited. 

The synergy between these technologies demonstrates Wipotec’s forward-thinking approach. Solar panels generate clean energy during the day, while the VRFB system stores the surplus for use during low-production periods. Geothermal systems provide a consistent energy source for heating and cooling, and the future integration of wind energy will further enhance this network, ensuring reliable energy production year-round. By leveraging these diverse and interconnected technologies, Wipotec has set a new benchmark for sustainable industrial operations.

Vanadium-Redox-Flow tank at Wipotec and the connection circle of VRFB and renewable energy sources.

Inspiration

Wipotec’s drive for sustainability is deeply rooted in its founder’s passion for innovation and problem-solving. Theo Düppre is a lifelong enthusiast of advanced technology, he cultivated a corporate culture that values experimentation and the pursuit of ambitious ideas. Without Düppre, all these Innovations would not be possible. As outlined by Pfeiffer, his vision is captured in the company’s motto, “And it works” , which highlights its commitment to turning ambitious ideas into practical solutions, regardless of how difficult they might seem at first. Unlike many businesses that prioritize financial returns, Wipotec often focuses on the broader impact of its innovations. The company’s sustainability journey is guided by a genuine commitment to save energy and create innovative solutions from a technical point of view“, as explained by Pfeiffer. This mindset has driven Wipotec to adopt solutions like VRFBs and geothermal energy, even when the path to implementation was fraught with uncertainty. For example, while other companies had failed to integrate geothermal energy into industrial applications, according to Pfeiffer, Wipotec’s engineers “sought solutions and developed a special technology [..]”. Similarly, the adoption of VRFB technology was motivated not only by potential cost savings but also by the desire to ensure efficient and clean energy usage.

Although Wipotec’s sustainability initiatives were not initially conceived with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in mind, the company’s efforts align seamlessly with several key objectives. As stated by Pfeiffer, acting in accordance with the SDG´s “just came about naturally” as the company tried to find ways to save energy. This alignment reflects Wipotec’s intrinsic values and unwavering commitment to responsible practices. By promoting the adoption of renewable energy solutions such as Vanadium-Redox-Flow Batteries (VRFB), solar panels, geothermal energy, and planned wind energy systems, the company actively supports SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). Wipotec’s integration of advanced technologies like scalable storage systems drives industrial innovation and strengthens energy infrastructure, contributing significantly to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Additionally, the company’s focus on efficient energy usage and waste reduction underscores its dedication to sustainable production practices, directly addressing SDG 12  (Responsible Consumption and Production). Perhaps most strikingly, Wipotec’s impressive 97% reduction in CO₂ emissions exemplifies its proactive role in combating climate change, thereby supporting SDG 13 (Climate Action). These achievements highlight how Wipotec’s corporate philosophy, deeply rooted in environmental responsibility and forward-thinking innovation, naturally aligns with global sustainability goals, reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable industrial practices.

Overall impact

Wipotec’s sustainability innovations have created a transformative impact across its business, society, and the environment. Within the business, the integration of renewable energy technologies has brought substantial operational stability and cost efficiency. By adopting Vanadium-Redox-Flow Batteries (VRFB), Wipotec has ensured a reliable energy supply, even during periods of low solar production or peak energy demand. This resilience eliminates the risks associated with energy interruptions, optimizing production processes and significantly reducing reliance on external providers. Short-term effects include immediate cost savings on energy expenses and a predictable energy supply, while the long-term impact lies in the system's durability, with the VRFB anticipated to function efficiently for decades without degradation. Concrete evidence of this benefit is the €4 million VRFB system, which is expected to “pay for itself in approximately seven years” through energy savings, as noted by Pfeiffer.

The societal impact of these innovations is equally profound. By sharing surplus renewable energy with the Kaiserslautern community, Wipotec provides clean, affordable power to local residents and businesses. This initiative not only strengthens regional energy security but also showcases how industrial companies can contribute to public welfare through sustainable practices. For example, during peak solar energy production, excess energy is fed into the local grid, delivering tangible benefits to the community and fostering goodwill toward the company.

From an environmental perspective, Wipotec’s innovations have resulted in a remarkable 97% reduction in CO₂ emissions, demonstrating the scalability of renewable energy systems for industrial applications. Pfeiffer highlights that “savings of approximately 2,000 tons of CO₂ per year” are achieved. The combined use of solar panels, geothermal energy, and VRFB technology has significantly reduced the company’s reliance on fossil fuels. 

In the long run, these measures align with global climate goals by mitigating the industrial sector’s environmental impact. The tangible results of this transformation are reflected in the company’s operational data and have attracted significant attention at trade fairs, where potential clients show interest in implementing similar systems in their own businesses.

Business benefit

The financial and operational benefits of Wipotec’s sustainability initiatives are substantial. By generating and storing its own renewable energy, the company has significantly minimized reliance on external providers, effectively shielding itself from volatile energy prices. The VRFB system allows for efficient energy storage, ensuring uninterrupted production and eliminating the need for costly backup systems. Wipotec has also positioned itself as a leader in sustainability, a factor increasingly valued by clients who prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. This alignment with customer values has strengthened client relationships, enhanced trust, and opened new business opportunities in markets where sustainability is a key factor. Moreover, by investing in scalable and durable technologies, such as VRFBs, Wipotec has created a financial model that supports long-term savings and reinvestment into further innovations. These benefits illustrate how sustainability can drive both profitability and operational excellence.

Social and environmental benefit

Wipotec’s sustainability efforts extend beyond its industrial operations to deliver significant benefits for both society and the environment. Environmentally, the company has drastically reduced its CO₂ emissions by 97%, setting a benchmark for climate action within the industrial sector. By integrating renewable energy sources like solar panels, geothermal systems, and VRFBs, Wipotec has showcased the feasibility of achieving energy independence in industrial settings. Furthermore, the addition of wind energy will diversify its renewable energy portfolio, ensuring sustainable energy production under various weather conditions.

With a simple observation, Wipotec also believes they should do something for the humanistic aspect. Employees, especially those with children, were struggling to balance work and family life. Recognizing the challenge, the company decided to take action. Wipotec created its own daycare facility in addition to the standard advantages. Employees can now concentrate on their jobs without having to worry about childcare. Because it allowed both parents to succeed professionally without compromising their duties in the home, it was a victory for work-life balance as well as a step toward gender equality.

On a societal level, Wipotec actively shares surplus renewable energy with the Kaiserslautern community, providing clean, affordable power to local residents and businesses. This collaboration strengthens regional energy resilience and positions the company as a responsible corporate citizen. Additionally, Wipotec’s partnerships with local businesses, such as the company that builds the VRFB, have fostered regional economic growth, created high-value jobs, and advanced technological development in the area. These efforts illustrate how industrial innovation can contribute to community well-being and inspire other businesses to adopt similar sustainability measures.

By demonstrating the broader societal and environmental benefits of its innovations, Wipotec sets an example of how companies can balance industrial growth with sustainability, creating a lasting positive impact on both the planet and the people it serves.

Interview

Stefan Pfeiffer, Product Manager OEM