Enapter AG, a German green hydrogen technology company, has received a pilot order worth approximately EUR 0.5 million from a US drone manufacturer. The order, announced on September 3, 2026, includes AEM electrolysers from the 4.1 series, with delivery expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. The modules will be integrated into mobile, all-terrain refuelling systems that generate hydrogen on-site from water and solar power, without requiring a grid connection.
This approach addresses a significant barrier to operating hydrogen-powered drones in remote areas: the complex transport and storage of hydrogen in large compressed gas cylinders. By producing hydrogen directly at the point of operation, the system eliminates the need for fuel logistics, enabling drones to achieve longer flight and mission times compared to battery-electric propulsion, while also allowing for rapid refuelling.
The pilot project is strategically important for Enapter because it showcases the strengths of its modular AEM technology: a compact footprint, robust operation, and the ability to scale hydrogen production by adding modules. The global market for long-range, long-endurance drones is growing rapidly, and this order positions Enapter to tap into that demand. Dr Jurgen Laakmann, CEO of Enapter, emphasized that the order demonstrates the technology’s versatility beyond industrial use, highlighting its potential in mobile refuelling solutions.
Enapter’s patented anion exchange membrane (AEM) technology is notable for not relying on expensive and rare materials like iridium, and its modular design allows for efficient, scalable green hydrogen production even with fluctuating renewable energy sources. The company already has thousands of electrolysers deployed across more than 360 customers in over 55 countries.
The order marks a step forward in the adoption of hydrogen for unmanned aerial vehicles, potentially paving the way for broader use in defence, logistics, and emergency response. As the drone market expands, the demand for clean, self-sufficient refuelling solutions is likely to grow, making this pilot a significant indicator of Enapter’s future growth prospects.
