Dutch-based Resato secures €25M EIB loan to enhance hydrogen refuelling tech and create more jobs

Resato Hydrogen Technology, a hydrogen refuelling station developer based in Assen, Netherlands, has obtained a €25M venture debt facility from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The loan was supported by the European Commission under its InvestEU initiative.

The investment will support the Dutch company’s research and development efforts, production capacity expansion, and relocation to an optimised assembly facility.

Resato aims to deploy 1,000 hydrogen refueling stations by 2030, aligning with the EU’s Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy.

EIB vice president Robert de Groot says, “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.”

“The Bank is happy to support yet another high-tech hydrogen project developed in the Netherlands, which shows how innovative Europe can be when it has the right resources.”

Enabling zero-emission mobility

Hydrogen is anticipated to play a key role in replacing fossil fuels across various sectors, particularly in addressing grid capacity and electricity availability challenges. 

Resato’s technology supports emission reductions in the hydrogen transportation sector, offering benefits for heavy-duty transport and long-distance travel due to hydrogen vehicles’ extended range. 

According to the company, a reliable hydrogen fueling network can help overcome the interdependence challenge between vehicle adoption and infrastructure development.

Resato opened the Netherlands’ first large hydrogen refuelling station in The Hague in 2019 and has since sold over 55 stations across Europe, serving trucks, buses, cars, and trains. 

Owned by Pindustry and led by CEO Rob Castien, the company produces a hydrogen refuelling station with a daily capacity of 2,000 kg, operated by Hypion in Neumünster, Germany.

Capital utilisation

Rob Castien, CEO of Resato Hydrogen Technology, says, “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.”

“With this support, we are further empowered to accelerate the hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. Hydrogen not only offers a clean energy solution but also reduces grid congestion, supporting Europe’s transition to a sustainable energy system.”

Resato’s expansion is expected to boost job creation in the northern Netherlands, with its workforce projected to grow from 170 to between 500 and 1,000 by 2030. 

This growth is also anticipated to generate similar employment opportunities within the regional supply chain, fostering local economic development. 

To address the challenge of recruiting skilled technical personnel, Resato launched its H2 Academy in November 2024, partnering with universities and local educational institutions to offer specialised training for careers in the hydrogen industry.

Brief about the European Investment Bank

The EIB, owned by EU Member States, is the EU’s long-term lending institution, with the Netherlands holding a 5.2 per cent share. Focused on supporting EU policy goals and national priorities, over 90 per cent of its activities are within Europe. 

In the past decade, the EIB has provided over €27B in financing for Dutch projects across sectors such as research and development, sustainable mobility, drinking water, healthcare, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The InvestEU programme provides long-term funding to support the EU’s sustainable recovery by mobilising private and public investments aligned with EU policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal and digital transition. 

It consolidates various EU financial instruments to streamline and enhance funding for investment projects. The programme comprises three components: the InvestEU Fund, the InvestEU Advisory Hub, and the InvestEU Portal.

The InvestEU Fund, backed by an EU budget guarantee of €26.2B, is implemented through partners to increase their risk-bearing capacity and mobilise at least €372B in additional investment.