The European Investment Bank (EIB) has extended a €25 million venture debt facility to Resato Hydrogen Technology, a hydrogen refueling station developer headquartered in Assen, Netherlands. This funding, supported by the European Commission’s InvestEU initiative, will drive Resato’s research and development, increase production capacity, and enable the company’s relocation to a more efficient assembly facility. The development aligns with broader European goals of fostering sustainable energy infrastructure to support clean mobility solutions.
How will this funding impact hydrogen mobility?
The loan will help Resato achieve its ambitious goal of deploying 1,000 hydrogen refueling stations by 2030, contributing directly to the EU’s Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy. Hydrogen is increasingly viewed as a critical alternative energy source, addressing challenges related to grid capacity and clean energy transportation. EIB Vice President Robert de Groot emphasized,
“Going forward, hydrogen will definitely be part of the energy mix. The green and energy transitions also depend on making sure that the right kind of infrastructure is in place to support the adoption of alternative fuels.”
What is Resato’s vision for hydrogen infrastructure?
Resato has been a key player in advancing hydrogen technology in Europe, having launched the Netherlands’ first large hydrogen refueling station in 2019 and selling more than 55 stations across Europe. These stations serve a variety of vehicles, including trucks, buses, and trains. CEO Rob Castien articulated the significance of the funding, stating,
“We are honoured to receive this loan from the European Investment Bank, as it signifies their confidence in Resato’s strategy, vision, and commitment to innovation. For Resato, it’s a validation of our mission to lead the way in developing advanced hydrogen refueling solutions.”
The company is also addressing workforce challenges by partnering with universities through its H2 Academy, launched in late 2024. This educational initiative aims to train professionals for the burgeoning hydrogen industry as Resato plans to expand its workforce significantly by 2030.
Resato joins a growing number of companies leveraging support from the EIB and similar initiatives to advance hydrogen technology. Unlike previous instances where funding primarily focused on research, this loan appears geared toward scaling operational capacity and infrastructure, marking a shift toward large-scale deployment in the hydrogen sector.
The EIB’s involvement in hydrogen development is part of its broader mission, which includes over €27 billion in financing for Dutch projects in the last decade. Initiatives like InvestEU aim to mobilize private and public investments toward sustainable European policy goals, including the Green Deal and digital transformation. By consolidating multiple financial instruments, InvestEU seeks to simplify funding channels and amplify economic impact.
Looking ahead, Resato’s expansion signals significant potential for job creation in the northern Netherlands and within its supply chain. The company expects to grow its workforce from 170 to up to 1,000 employees by 2030, boosting local economic development. The introduction of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel source also offers a pathway for reducing carbon emissions in heavy transportation and long-distance travel.
