Netherlands Advances Hydrogen Technology with EIB Investment

2025-01-24 green

Assen, Friday, 24 January 2025.
The European Investment Bank has granted Resato Hydrogen Technology €25 million to boost hydrogen refueling station development, with plans to establish 1,000 stations by 2030.

Strategic Investment in Clean Energy Infrastructure

The €25 million venture debt facility from the European Investment Bank (EIB) will enable Resato Hydrogen Technology, based in Assen, Netherlands, to accelerate its research and development while expanding production capacity [1][2][3]. This strategic investment, announced on January 23, 2025, aligns with the European Union’s Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy [2]. EIB Vice President Robert de Groot emphasized that ‘hydrogen will definitely be part of the energy mix,’ highlighting the crucial role of infrastructure in supporting alternative fuel adoption [4].

Proven Track Record and Ambitious Expansion

Since establishing the Netherlands’ first large-scale hydrogen refueling station in The Hague in 2019, Resato has successfully deployed over 55 hydrogen stations across Europe [2][4]. These stations currently serve a diverse range of vehicles, including cars, buses, trucks, and trains [2]. The company’s technology is particularly effective for heavy-duty transport applications, where hydrogen power offers significant emissions reduction benefits [2].

Economic Impact and Workforce Development

Resato’s expansion plans include a significant economic boost for the northern Netherlands region. The company projects substantial workforce growth from its current 170 employees to between 500 and 1,000 by 2030 [2][4]. To address the growing need for skilled professionals in the hydrogen sector, Resato launched the H2 Academy in 2024 [2]. The company is also planning to relocate to a new, optimized assembly facility in 2025 to enhance production capabilities [3][4].

Supporting Europe’s Energy Transition

CEO Rob Castien emphasized that the EIB funding validates Resato’s strategic vision and commitment to innovation [5]. ‘Hydrogen not only offers a clean energy solution but also reduces grid congestion, supporting Europe’s transition to a sustainable energy system,’ stated Castien [4]. The investment is backed by the European Commission through its InvestEU initiative [4], demonstrating strong institutional support for hydrogen infrastructure development.

Bronnen

Sustainability Hydrogen innovation