IWES facts and figures 2023

With the integration of a large share of Fraunhofer IMWS’ hydrogen activities, Fraunhofer IWES has expanded its scientific expertise in the field of hydrogen even further. In addition, the institute has invested millions of euros in a unique test infrastructure in recent years in cooperation with partners and funding bodies. Alongside test rigs for wind energy, the portfolio now also includes test sites for systems and components for the production of hydrogen on the basis of renewable energies.

Wind energy is the core of the Fraunhofer IWES brand. Here, subsurface investigation was expanded in particular – an important research area with great growth potential, especially where the installation of offshore wind turbines is concerned. The institute’s scientific competence in the field of hydrogen was further expanded at the Bremerhaven, Leuna, and Görlitz sites.

Fraunhofer IWES’ operating budget totaling 46,587,565 euros comprises 60 percent personnel expenses and 40 percent material expenses. In 2023, it also proved possible to implement further major investments. In particular, construction measures were carried out on the 115m+ rotor blade test rig in Bremerhaven and at the hydrogen labs in Leuna and in Bremerhaven. Fraunhofer IWES continues expanding the research infrastructure in the coming years, e.g. with extension of the DyNaLab.

The Fraunhofer IWES was able to make up for last year's decline in 2023: At 17.86 million euros, Fraunhofer IWES is around 4.06 million euros above the previous year's figure. The important internal Fraunhofer key performance indicator "RhoWi" (ratio of business earnings to operating budget) of 35% was achieved, thus meeting all of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft's targets.

In addition to contracts from industry, Fraunhofer IWES also successfully acquired public funding from the German federal and state governments as well as EU funds, with the largest provider of funding being the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWK).

Scientific excellence is key to securing and retaining customers as an attractive cooperation partner and being viewed as an excellent player in the German science system by politicians and funding bodies. In 2023, Fraunhofer IWES worked on a total of 112 nationally and EU-funded public projects, contributing to technological progress and the innovative strength of companies with five invention disclosures and six patent applications.

53 master’s theses were completed and ten research-focused doctoral students earned their doctorates.

At Fraunhofer IWES, specialists work together closely in interdisciplinary teams with colleagues from internal service areas to achieve both scientific and economic success. With more than 300 experts from a wide range of disciplines at nine different locations, Fraunhofer IWES can boast continuous growth in an inspiring environment with a modern infrastructure.

Personnel growth in 2023

IWES is continuously growing in the fields of science, technology, and administration. Our equal-opportunities recruitment strategy, modern communication with applicants, an attractive and flexible work environment, and extensive networking with universities and colleges make it possible for us to secure and retain young talent and qualified specialists.

A large number of new employees started work at Fraunhofer IWES’ various locations in 2023. Increasing diversity via new hires is of strategic importance to the institute. For example, 41.7 percent of the vacancies in the scientific sector were filled by women.

The employees at the institute are our most valuable asset. That is why Fraunhofer IWES attaches particular emphasis to a positive working environment with a great People and Development service as well as a wide range of Continuing Professional Development opportunities.