Zepp.solutions, a pioneering Dutch company specializing in hydrogen fuel cell technology, has achieved a significant milestone by securing a grant of €1.98 million from the European Just Transition Fund (JTF).
This funding injection is earmarked for the establishment of an advanced fuel cell systems factory, reinforcing Zepp’s pivotal role in Europe’s burgeoning hydrogen sector. The grant, a testament to Zepp’s potential in contributing to a Climate Neutral Europe, aligns with the JTF’s mission of facilitating a smooth transition while preserving economic vitality and employment prospects.
The European Just Transition Fund, conceived to drive the shift towards a Climate Neutral Europe, has acknowledged Zepp.solutions as a strategic partner capable of supporting both regional innovation and employment resilience. This financial endorsement underscores Zepp’s commitment to spearheading advancements in hydrogen technology and fuel cell systems, which play a pivotal role in curbing carbon emissions and ushering in a cleaner energy paradigm.
The proposed state-of-the-art fuel cell systems factory is poised to be a transformative hub of innovation, set in the Greater-Rijnmond region. With endorsements from the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK) and Social Affairs and Employment (SZW), along with local municipalities, Zepp.solutions aims to expedite the energy transition while fortifying the labor market’s adaptability.
Jonas Brendelberger, Co-founder of Zepp.solutions, expresses his excitement and pride in receiving the grant, recognizing it as a decisive stride towards realizing their vision of a cutting-edge production facility. This facility is poised to become a nucleus for accelerating technological growth, amplifying production capacities, and deploying hydrogen systems on an unprecedented scale.
The factory will be dedicated to the manufacture of Zepp’s Y50 and X150 fully integrated hydrogen fuel cell modules. These advanced modules excel in converting hydrogen gas into high-voltage electric power, propelling vehicles, vessels, and heavy machinery with exceptional efficiency. Zepp’s technology has already made its mark in applications like the Rotterdam Watertaxi, construction excavators, and an inland shipping vessel spanning 67 meters. The imminent debut of semi-trucks equipped with Zepp’s fuel cell systems further exemplifies the technology’s real-world viability.
Brendelberger highlights the transformative power of Zepp’s fuel cell technology, which goes beyond mere efficiency. These fuel cell systems not only replace polluting diesel engines but also mitigate between 111 and 332 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. The remarkable power density of Zepp’s technology, outshining its closest competitors, opens the door to integrating hydrogen solutions across a broader spectrum of heavy-duty applications. This translates into tangible contributions towards cleaner air and a more sustainable future.
Beyond innovation, Zepp.solutions envisions a broader impact – the factory is set to stimulate the regional economy by generating approximately 100 sustainable jobs within the hydrogen sector. As the production scale soars to accommodate 1,000 systems annually, the factory’s influence reverberates through the entire region. The efforts are in sync with the region’s ambitious vision of emerging as a vanguard European hydrogen hub, embodying a vision of progress driven by technology and sustainability.
