Best CleanTech Solution for Energy

Recognition for the revolutionary hydrogen battery, a cutting-edge two-in-one storage solution for renewable energies.

Best Stand Out Performer

Commendation for exceptional contributions to driving the digital transformation of the energy sector.

The highlight of water stuff & sun’s success is the hydrogen battery, a game-changing technology poised to simplify the entire hydrogen value chain. The hydrogen battery utilizes small, flexible, efficient energy storage, so-called SFEERS: a high-pressure storage cell model, which, when combined, forms a versatile and secure two-in-one storage solution.

The hydrogen battery, represented by small, lightweight carbon-fiber capsules known as SFEERS, stores renewable energy in compressed gaseous hydrogen up to 1,000 bar. This innovative system reduces costs and weight significantly compared to conventional high-pressure storage methods. The SFEERS technology enables controlled gas release through micro-mechanical valve systems, ensuring high energy density and enhanced safety through distributed energy storage.

"Receiving these awards is not just a recognition of our efforts but a testament to the transformative potential of our hydrogen battery. This technology will redefine how we approach energy storage and distribution, setting new standards for sustainability," says Thomas Korn, CEO of water stuff & sun GmbH.

The 2023 Global EnergyTech Awards showcased a diverse array of global innovators, emphasizing the dynamic and evolving landscape of energy innovation. Additionally, water stuff & sun GmbH expresses gratitude to its dedicated team and anticipates further strides in sustainable energy solutions.

Powered by ACWA Power with strategic partnerships with Dii Desert Energy, CEA-INES (The French Solar Energy Institute), and the CleanTech Business Club, the WCSA2023 Awards judging panel included industry experts and leading CleanTech entrepreneurs. The WCSA2023 jury selected the finalists among a pool of 32 entries. The final hearing of the top 5 finalists took place during the first day of The Smarter E event in Munich, spotlighting the most innovative cleantech startups from around the world.

Thomas Korn, CEO of water stuff & sun GmbH, said, "This award is a significant milestone for us, and it will undoubtedly propel our efforts to reshape the storage, distribution, and utilization of renewables with green hydrogen. The support and recognition from the World CleanTech StartUPs Awards come at the right time, since we recently accomplished proof of concept of our core technology and opened our current investment round.”

The hydrogen battery garnered unanimous acclaim from the jury for its transformative potential in revolutionizing energy storage. Commenting on the importance of innovation in the cleantech industry, Paddy Padmanathan, the namesake of the Award, stated, "Innovation is the driving force behind positive change in the cleantech industry. It is through groundbreaking ideas like those presented by ‘water stuff & sun GmbH’ that we can shape a more sustainable future.”

Thomas Altmann, Executive Vice President – Innovation & New Technology at ACWA Power and Co-Chair of the Awards, highlighted why "water stuff & sun GmbH" was chosen as the winner, stating, "Their solution represents a significant advancement in hydrogen storage technology. By combining the power of SFEERS and the hydrogen battery, they have set a new standard in reshaping the storage, distribution, and utilization of renewables. As the leading developer, ACWA Power will recognize the winner and provide the opportunity to visit our offices in Dubai and meet our experts, supporting the next steps of idea development and innovation.”

The miniature pressure regulator will be integrated into tennis-ball-sized carbon fiber high pressure storage cells called SFEERS. SFEERS store renewable energy in the form of compressed gaseous hydrogen. Many of these cells can safely, easily, and highly efficiently store and transport hydrogen for mobile and stationary consumers in a hydrogen battery.

The light weight and flexibility of the SFEERS allows for a highly modular system, so that the hydrogen battery can be customized to all kinds of energy consuming applications powering hydrogen fuel cells or hydrogen combustion engines of all sizes.

"A successful energy transition requires a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energies, and hydrogen as an energy carrier will be able to make a decisive contribution to this. With our technology, we are making green hydrogen safe, cost efficient and easily available and thus competitive with fossil fuels. With the successful development of the pressure regulator prototype, we have achieved a decisive technical breakthrough that represents an important milestone in the overall development of the hydrogen battery," explains Thomas Korn, CEO and co-founder of water stuff & sun GmbH.

The world-wide patented technology will be unveiled at the Energy Tech Summit in Warsaw at the end of April, a show case for the latest developments in energy and mobility and a meeting place for investors, entrepreneurs, and government representatives from over 40 countries. The development move comes at a good time, as the startup opens its next investment round.