Nefit Bosch
In 2025, Nefit Bosch opens a brand-new laboratory at its long-standing location in Deventer. This high-tech facility paves the way for the integration of hydrogen into heating systems, anticipating its national rollout. Securing the necessary permits was a complex process, but thanks to Oost NL’s support, Nefit Bosch continues to thrive in the region.
Why are you redeveloping your site in Deventer?
Markus Baumeister, Director of Engineering at Nefit Bosch: “Nefit was founded in the 1950s and has been a fixture in Deventer for decades. In the 1980s, we introduced the high-efficiency boiler – a groundbreaking heating solution. In 2003, Nefit was acquired by Bosch, and our innovations never stopped. After launching heat pumps and hybrid systems, our next frontier is hydrogen-based heating. That’s why we’re constructing a new laboratory here in Deventer – fully equipped and compliant with all hydrogen safety standards.”
Janet de Rooy, Senior Project Manager Energy at Oost NL: “Nefit Bosch plays a vital role in our region, especially in terms of employment. From the initial plans onward, Oost NL contributed strategically – offering insights, proposing solutions, and connecting the company with stakeholders including the municipality of Deventer and the province of Overijssel. Nefit Bosch's plans are a strong addition to both the regional and national hydrogen ecosystem.”
Thanks to Oost NL’s decisive action, Nefit Bosch remains anchored in the region.
Markus Baumeister - Director of Engineering at Nefit Bosch
What societal challenge are you addressing?
Baumeister: “Hydrogen helps us move away from fossil fuels. To meet climate targets, we need to scale up now. Starting in 2030, hydrogen will become widely available – first for heavy industry, then for transport. A national hydrogen pipeline is already in development. We’re ensuring our boilers and hybrid systems are ready today so that when hydrogen flows, we can immediately deliver clean heating solutions.”
De Rooy: “By 2050, Europe aims to reach net-zero CO₂ emissions. That transition demands swift action and the adoption of renewable fuels like hydrogen. With their new R&D lab, Nefit Bosch is already acting on that future.”
How did Oost NL help make this lab possible?
De Rooy: “Hydrogen comes with new safety protocols. It ignites more easily than other gases and is both colorless and odorless – working with it demands innovation and care. Nefit Bosch is leading the way, eager to maintain momentum and accelerate their developments.”
“We arranged discussions with Gasunie in Groningen to explore a future connection to the national hydrogen hydrogen pipeline for Nefit Bosch. We also involved the Environmental Services Authority – a government body responsible for permits, compliance, and environmental supervision. Handling chemical substances in a lab requires absolute safety. Every device must be adapted to meet that standard.”
Baumeister: “There’s no time to lose. We’re making bold investments and pushing forward but we also understand the importance of regulations. We truly value Oost NL’s strategic thinking and the way they kept stakeholders like the municipality, province, and regulatory authorities informed and engaged from the outset.”
“Together with Oost NL, we explored how we could move forward. There was tough competition – the UK, Germany, and Portugal also showed strong interest in hosting our lab. By acting decisively, Oost NL succeeded in keeping Nefit Bosch rooted in the region for decades to come.”
Can you give a concrete example of the collaboration?
De Rooy: “Oost NL helped Nefit Bosch join GROHW – a regional initiative uniting partners in building the first local green hydrogen value chain for businesses. Nefit Bosch is one of its first adopters. Together with GROHW, they’re accelerating the energy transition – starting now.”
Baumeister: “Projects like these don’t emerge on a casual Friday afternoon. They require careful preparation and full transparency among all parties. Oost NL creates a trusted environment where stakeholders can take bold steps together. With Oost NL, we’re putting hydrogen firmly on the regional agenda.”