The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €25-MM venture debt facility with H₂ refueling station developer Resato H₂ Technology.

Based in Assen, in the north of the Netherlands, the company will use the financing to boost the research and development of its proprietary technology and expand its production capacity in the coming years. Resato’s growth plans include deploying 1,000 H₂ refueling stations by 2030 and are aligned with the European Union’s Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, for which expanding production capacity is crucial. This year, Resato plans to relocate to a newly optimized assembly facility, enabling further scaling of production.

“Going forward, H₂ will definitely be part of the energy mix,” stated EIB vice president Robert de Groot. “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. The Bank is happy to support yet another high-tech H₂ project developed in the Netherlands, which shows how innovative Europe can be when it has the right resources.”

In light of limitations in terms of grid capacity and availability of electricity, H₂ is expected to play a role in several sectors of the economy when it comes to replacing fossil fuels. Specifically, Resato’s technology can help to reduce emissions by supporting the H₂ transportation sector. Especially for heavy-duty transport (buses and trucks) and/or long distances, H₂ vehicles are particularly beneficial due to their great range. The advantages of H₂ technology, and the availability of a reliable fueling network can help to resolve the chicken-and-egg problem of not buying H₂-powered vehicles if there is no supporting infrastructure, and vice versa.

Rob Castien, CEO of Resato H₂ Technology said, “We are honored 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 H₂ refueling solutions. With this support, we are further empowered to accelerate the H₂ refueling infrastructure. H₂ not only offers a clean energy solution but also reduces grid congestion, supporting Europe’s transition to a sustainable energy system.”

Resato’s growth is projected to positively impact job availability in the northern Netherlands. Currently employing 170 people, the workforce is expected to grow to between 500 and 1,000 by 2030. This expansion is also anticipated to create a comparable number of additional employment opportunities within the regional supply chain, contributing to the area's economic development. Scaling up production capacity comes with the challenge of finding technically skilled personnel. Resato launched its own H₂ Academy in November 2024, through which Resato collaborates with universities and local educational institutions to provide specialized training programs for careers in the H₂ industry.

In 2019, Resato opened the Netherlands' first large H₂ refueling station (HRS) in The Hague. Since then, Resato has sold over 55 H₂ refueling stations across Europe, supplying H₂ to trucks, buses, cars, and trains. Resato is leading technology owner in H₂ refueling solutions and is manufacturer of the biggest HRS in the market with a capacity of 2,000 kg per day, operated by Hypion in Neumünster, Germany.