pyropower GmbH receives the “Vorsprung” Economic Prize for Brandenburg

On Tuesday, May 5, the VORSPRUNG Economic Prize will be awarded to six outstanding East German companies. pyropower GmbH from Cottbus is among this year’s honorees and is delighted to receive the recognition. Elisabeth Kaiser, Minister of State and Federal Government Commissioner for East Germany, will present the award at the Federal Ministry of Finance.

The VORSPRUNG Prize recognizes companies that excel through innovative strength, a forward-looking mindset, and sustainable growth, serving as prime examples of the ongoing economic transformation in East Germany. The award is presented annually in the lead-up to the East German Economic Forum (OWF), which takes place this year from May 31 to June 2 in Bad Saarow under the theme “A New (Dis)Order.”

pyropower GmbH from Cottbus stands for energy security and affordable energy supply from residues for companies, municipalities, and local communities. With its proprietary development, Pyro-ClinX, the Lusatian GreenTech company turns what was previously considered waste into the backbone of a decentralized, self-sufficient, and predictable energy supply.

In a closed-loop process, Pyro-ClinX combines pyrolysis with an air-bearing, externally fired micro gas turbine, simultaneously converting biogenic residues into green electricity, green heat, and biochar. This combination is globally unique: because the micro gas turbine operates on air bearings, no oils or lubricants are required. As a result, the system runs cleanly, requires low maintenance, and is energy-self-sufficient, requiring no additional electricity from the grid.

For customers, this translates into a threefold added value: Energy supply security through a dedicated, locally generated energy source. Predictable and low energy costs based on regionally available residues. An additional, value-generating business field via biochar—whether as a soil conditioner, feed additive, or permanent CO2 sink. Because the produced biochar sequesters carbon long-term, the entire process is not just carbon-neutral, but climate-positive. In this way, pyropower resolutely connects what belongs together: regional value creation, security of supply, and active climate protection—made in Lausitz.

All the honored companies are characterized by their high drive for innovation as well as sustainable growth, serving as role models for the transformation and the future of the economy in East Germany and across the entire country. The companies were nominated by a panel consisting of economic development agencies, investment and development banks (Aufbaubanken), and state chapters of the BDI (Federation of German Industries) in the East German federal states.

Image material from the award ceremony will be available for download for editorial use following the event (please note the specified copyright).