Enapter AG, a global greentech company specializing in AEM electrolysers for green hydrogen production, has received a pilot order worth approximately EUR 0.5 million from a US drone manufacturer. The order includes AEM electrolysers of the 4.1 series, with delivery scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026. This collaboration signifies a pivotal move into the drone industry, where hydrogen-powered propulsion offers extended flight times and rapid refuelling compared to battery-electric alternatives.
The AEM 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 eliminates the logistical hurdles of transporting and storing hydrogen in large compressed gas cylinders, which have previously hindered drone operations in remote areas. By producing hydrogen directly at the point of operation, Enapter's technology enables drones to achieve significantly longer missions and immediate turnarounds.
The pilot project is structured to demonstrate the capabilities of Enapter's modular AEM technology in a new application area. The compact footprint, robust operation, and scalability of the electrolysers are well-suited for mobile refuelling solutions. As the global market for long-range, long-endurance drones continues to expand, this initiative opens up a scalable demand channel for Enapter's products.
Dr Jürgen Laakmann, CEO of Enapter AG, commented, “This order underlines how far the applications of our technology reach beyond classic industrial use. In this case hydrogen is generated flexibly where it is needed - free of complex supply chains and of any fuel logistics. That is exactly what our modular, low-maintenance AEM technology was built for. We see considerable growth potential in mobile refuelling solutions and are pleased to be developing this field together with a technologically leading customer.”
The order is a notable validation of Enapter's strategic direction, which focuses on modular, scalable hydrogen production solutions. By leveraging its patented anion exchange membrane (AEM) technology, Enapter avoids reliance on expensive and rare raw materials like iridium, making green hydrogen production more accessible and cost-effective. The company's electrolysers are already in use at more than 360 customers across over 55 countries, underscoring the technology's commercial viability.
This pilot project could pave the way for broader adoption of hydrogen-powered drones in sectors such as logistics, surveillance, and emergency response, where long flight times and off-grid capabilities are critical. For Enapter, it represents a foothold in a high-growth market with potential for repeat orders as drone operators seek reliable and efficient refuelling solutions. The move aligns with the company's mission to enable clean energy independence through innovative hydrogen technology.
