agnion’s history – a history of successes

1999 - 2004 | Pioneer work at TU München (Munich Technical University)
Under the direction of Jürgen Karl, the idea and concept of the Heatpipe-Reformer was developed and patented at the TU München in the years from 1999 to 2004.
Based on its success and excellent results, support and development programmes for a total amount of 3.5 million euros were approved for its technical implementation. Within the framework of an EU project, altogether three pilot plants were commissioned in the aforementioned period at TU München’s Department for Thermal Power Plant Systems. 

 

2006 | Excellent development work
During the Bavarian Energy Award ceremony on June 1st, 2006, Bavaria’s Minister for Economic Affairs Erwin Huber presented a recognition award to Professor Jürgen Karl  for the development of the Heatpipe-Reformer. The Bavarian Energy Award is granted to innovative energy-engineering solutions, processes and systems in the following sectors: efficient energy use, renewable energy and new energy technologies.


2007 Establishment of the agnion Group
agnion Technologies GmbH, today based in Pfaffenhofen a.d. Ilm, began its business activity in 2007. With the help of German and American investors a company was built up, aimed at promoting market introduction and further development of the Heatpipe-Reformer.

 

2009 | Pilot plant commissioning
In Pfaffenhofen a.d.Ilm a 150 kW electric current demonstration plant with combined heat and power generation has been operating since 2009. This pilot plant was meant to prove the high availability and reliability of the agnion Heatpipe-Reformer through continuous operation. The plant is still operating and serves research purposes.

 

2011 | First customer projects
In May 2011 the cornerstone was laid for the first commercial plant in Grassau, south of Chiemsee. Scheduled for official opening in December 2011, this plant will supply power to approximately 700 households and heat to approximately 200 households.

Further projects are currently at the approval stage and will go on stream in 2012.