"We generate electricity and heat from waste materials"
Interview with Thomas Bleul, Managing Partner of Spanner Re² GmbH
In a world increasingly reliant on sustainable solutions, innovative technologies and a strong commitment to environmental protection are more important than ever. Spanner Re² GmbH maximizes the use of renewable energies by generating heat and energy from waste biomass. The market leader in this field is passionately committed to offering its customers tailored energy solutions that are both economically and ecologically sensible.
The company initially produced pellet heating systems and then dedicated itself to the topic of wood gas. "We also wanted to be a supplier in this area, but we realized that there was no one with the necessary know-how," said Thomas Bleul, Managing Partner, who has been with the former Spanner Group since 2003. Together with a partner, the company from Lower Bavaria implemented the brilliant idea of energy and heat generation from wood gas technically in 2007 and made the now globally deployed Re² wood gasifiers market-ready in just one and a half years.
Market Leader through Innovative Technologies
With this process, Spanner Re² GmbH has developed a leading position in the market. The company now employs 80 people and achieved a turnover of 27 million EUR in 2023. In 2022, the turnover was 18 million EUR. Spanner Re2 builds plants that refine wood chips, as well as forest residues or wood waste such as pallets, sawmill by-products, old wood, or even plastic waste into valuable energy. First, a gas is produced, which is then converted in an engine into electricity and heat. "We already have projects to replace natural gas with our gas. With our decentralized energy systems, electricity and heat can be produced as needed, especially when photovoltaic systems and wind turbines are underperforming," added the engineer, who previously worked in the USA and India. However, he was drawn back to Germany because of its high level of education and the thorough training for professions.
International Success
The state-of-the-art facilities are exported at 80%. "We go where the raw materials are. Thus, in Taiwan, the operator is paid for every load of wood, as it is simply considered waste. In California, our facilities are used because of the many almond orchards. Since almond trees need to be renewed every 25 years, they have been burned at the edge of fields up to now,” explains Thomas Bleul, who describes himself as the "engine behind the founding."
Huge Potential
With its technology for generating electricity and heat from biomass and residues, Spanner Re2 GmbH is on its way to becoming a Hidden Champion that can play a very important role in the energy transition someday. "I still see huge potential in the technology. Structurally, we are superior to hydrogen because the energy can be stored more easily. We are still a small player in a huge market. For example, we receive numerous inquiries from Ukraine, where the energy supply is breaking down. Our challenge is to reach those who can greatly benefit from our plants. Since many do not know our technology, we need to expand our marketing."
The Vision
Thomas Bleul wishes that decentralized energy production from biomass and residual materials would receive more attention in the public sphere: "It really should be dealt with on a larger scale," he says. "The production of energy from residual materials is sustainable and should therefore play a bigger role. It is an important step forward in the circular economy and allows companies and industries to cover their energy needs in a clean and cost-effective way while simultaneously making a positive contribution to CO2 reduction," continues Bleul. "Our brand claim ‘Rethink energy’ invites us to reconsider the possibilities of energy production and should not only be a call for rethinking but also a sign of commitment to sustainably improving the energy landscape.