VDL Groep Transforms Car Facility for Green Hydrogen Equipment Production
Eindhoven, Tuesday, 4 February 2025.
VDL Groep shifts focus from cars to green hydrogen equipment at Born site, boosting sustainable energy solutions and supporting the Netherlands’ energy transition efforts.
Strategic Facility Repurposing
VDL Groep, based in Eindhoven, Netherlands, is planning to transform its former automotive production halls in Born into a facility dedicated to manufacturing electrolysis equipment [1]. This strategic shift comes approximately one year after the company ceased car production at the location [1]. The move represents a significant pivot towards sustainable energy technology, specifically targeting the growing green hydrogen sector [GPT].
Green Hydrogen Production Technology
The facility will focus on the large-scale production of electrolyzers, crucial components in green hydrogen production systems [1]. Electrolyzers are essential devices that use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, and when powered by renewable energy sources, they produce what’s known as ‘green’ hydrogen [GPT]. This initiative aligns with VDL’s broader technological expertise, as the company has already established itself in high-tech manufacturing, with operations across semiconductor, medical, and solar sectors [5].
Market Position and Industry Context
The timing of VDL’s initiative coincides with growing momentum in the hydrogen sector across Europe. As demonstrated by recent industry developments, such as Toyota’s partnership for advanced hydrogen refueling solutions announced on January 29, 2025 [2], there is increasing infrastructure development supporting hydrogen technology. The European Union’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) mandates hydrogen refueling stations every 200 km along critical trans-European corridors by 2030 [2], creating a robust market for electrolyzer equipment.
Impact on Energy Transition
This facility transformation by VDL Groep represents a significant contribution to the Netherlands’ energy transition efforts [1]. The company’s move from traditional automotive manufacturing to green hydrogen equipment production exemplifies the industrial transformation necessary to support sustainable energy goals [GPT]. With VDL’s proven track record in managing complex manufacturing operations [5], this initiative is well-positioned to support the growing demand for hydrogen production equipment across Europe [GPT].