In a bid to fortify its position within the burgeoning European hydrogen sector, zepp.solutions, a Dutch pioneer in fuel cell systems, has clinched approximately €2 million in EU funding. The funding will be instrumental in the establishment of a cutting-edge production facility in the greater Rotterdam area, earmarked to scale up the production capacity of fuel cell systems significantly.
The upcoming facility, backed by zepp.solutions’ innovative prowess, is set to churn out the company’s hallmark Y50 and X150 fuel cell modules. With the new plant on the horizon, zepp.solutions is poised to bolster its market presence while contributing to the region’s economic growth. This ambitious undertaking has garnered resolute support from a consortium comprising the Greater Rijnmond Region, the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Climate, Social Affairs and Employment, as well as local municipalities. Notably, the European “Just Transition Fund” has also lent its backing to this noteworthy venture.
See also: Zepp.solutions Converts Two Liebherr Excavators From Diesel to Hydrogen Power
The strategic expansion is primed to elevate zepp.solutions’ annual production capacity to an impressive 1,000 fuel cell systems. This surge in production capacity is projected to give rise to roughly 100 sustainable employment opportunities within the hydrogen sector, thereby invigorating the regional job market.
A symbiotic collaboration transcends borders, as a German supplier stands to gain from the Netherlands’ system production expansion. zepp.solutions has opted to harness the NM5-EVO fuel cell stack from EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies in their Y50 module. This mutual synergy promises to augment both entities’ capabilities and technological advancements.
Presently, zepp.solutions’ fuel cell modules find application in diverse fields, including the Rotterdam water taxi (Y50), Liebherr excavators (also Y50), and a sizable 67-meter inland waterway vessel. This year, the eagerly anticipated debut of the X150-equipped trucks from zepp.solutions is set to make its mark on the roadways.
See also: Zepp.Solutions Develops Hydrogen Truck Based on Existing Diesel Model
Jonas Brendelberger, co-founder of zepp.solutions, exudes enthusiasm as he sheds light on the remarkable environmental contributions of their fuel cell systems. He explains, “Each of our systems ultimately replaces a polluting diesel engine resulting in a reduction of between 111 and 332 metric tons of CO2 per system annually.” Brendelberger underscores the distinguishing feature of their fuel cell technology, boasting an exceptional power density that outpaces competitors. This prowess fosters the seamless integration of hydrogen technology across a broad spectrum of heavy-duty applications.
As the curtain rises on zepp.solutions’ visionary expansion plans, their strides towards a climate-neutral Europe take center stage, setting an inspiring precedent for innovation-driven environmental stewardship.
