The hydrogen industry is no stranger to bold claims, but few back them with daily proof. In a recent conversation, Resato Hydrogen Technology’s CEO, Rob Castien, pulled no punches. From sub-five-minute refueling to high-pressure innovation and brutal truths about industry inertia, his words painted a clear picture: the future of hydrogen is here, but only for those who can handle the pressure.
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“The energy transition will happen exponentially… like the internet,” Castien says. “If you’re not in the race, you’re already out.” That urgency is central to Resato’s strategy. With compression technology that hits 10,000 bar, they’ve flipped the script—scaling down to hydrogen’s 700-bar needs with ease.
It’s not just about tech. Castien sees danger in misguided scaling. “You can outgrow yourself to death,” he warns, describing the delicate balance of growth versus focus. While others chase global expansion prematurely, Resato has doubled down on the Netherlands and Europe.
Perhaps the most disruptive claim? “We’re already achieving sub-five-minute hydrogen refueling—every day.” Not as a future goal. As a current reality.
Yet the biggest barriers aren’t technical—they’re structural. “Governments still support fossil fuels and don’t put their money where their mouth is,” Castien says. His proposed solution? “Punish the bad guys and give the money to the good.”
He doesn’t shy away from economic debates either. While 700 bar may dominate headlines, Castien points out that 350 bar is far cheaper, especially without deep cooling. “It all depends on the business case,” he says, suggesting the industry must stop seeking a one-size-fits-all answer.
Looking ahead, Castien believes only a few will make it: “Refueling infrastructure is growing slowly, but only the best tech will survive the shakeout.”
In his eyes, the winners will be those who invest smartly, innovate relentlessly, and scale with intention. “If you’re not investing in R&D and global expansion now,” he concludes, “you’re not going to make it to 2030.”
The race is on. Some are still stretching. Resato is already sprinting.
