Enapter AG (ISIN: DE000A255G02) has received an order worth approximately €0.5 million from a US drone manufacturer for its AEM electrolysers of the 4.1 series. The pilot project, scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026, will integrate the hydrogen-producing modules into mobile, all-terrain refuelling systems that generate hydrogen directly at the point of operation using water and solar power, without requiring a grid connection. This approach eliminates the complex transport and storage of hydrogen in large compressed gas cylinders, which has been a major obstacle to operating hydrogen-powered drones in remote areas.
The order highlights the growing demand for hydrogen solutions in the drone industry, where hydrogen propulsion offers significantly longer flight and mission times compared to battery-electric systems, along with rapid refuelling capabilities. By producing hydrogen on-site, the system removes the dependency on fuel logistics, enabling drones to operate in off-grid locations for extended periods.
For Enapter, this pilot project opens up a new field of application that leverages the modular design of its AEM technology. The compact footprint, robust operation, and ability to expand hydrogen production by adding modules are key strengths for this application. The global market for long-range, long-endurance drones is expanding rapidly, and this order positions Enapter to capitalize on that growth.
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 significant not only for Enapter but also for the broader adoption of hydrogen-powered drones. By demonstrating a practical solution for on-site hydrogen generation, Enapter addresses one of the key challenges in remote drone operations. This could accelerate the use of hydrogen drones in applications such as surveillance, mapping, search and rescue, and delivery in areas where conventional refuelling infrastructure is unavailable.
Enapter’s AEM electrolysers use patented anion exchange membrane technology that does not rely on expensive and rare raw materials like iridium. The modular design allows efficient and scalable production of green hydrogen, even when energy supply from solar and wind fluctuates. Thousands of Enapter electrolysers are already in use at more than 360 customers across over 55 countries, demonstrating the technology’s reliability and versatility.
This pilot project could serve as a catalyst for further orders in the drone and mobile refuelling sectors, potentially opening up a scalable market for Enapter. As the demand for drones with extended flight times grows, the ability to produce hydrogen on-site will become increasingly valuable, making this a strategic move for the company.
For more information about Enapter and its technology, visit https://www.enapter.com.
