Enapter AG, a global greentech company specializing in AEM electrolysers, has received a pilot order worth approximately EUR 0.5 million from a US drone manufacturer. The order includes AEM electrolysers from the 4.1 series, scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026. These hydrogen-producing modules will be integrated into mobile, all-terrain refuelling systems that generate hydrogen on-site using water and solar power, eliminating the need for a grid connection.
This approach addresses one of the primary obstacles to operating hydrogen-powered drones in remote areas: the complex logistics of transporting and storing hydrogen in large compressed gas cylinders. By producing hydrogen directly at the point of operation, the systems enable drones to achieve significantly longer flight times compared to battery-electric propulsion, along with rapid refuelling capabilities.
The pilot project opens up a new field of application for Enapter, leveraging the modular design of its AEM technology. The compact footprint, robust operation, and scalability of the electrolysers align well with the growing global market for drones requiring long range and extended mission times.
Dr. Jürgen Laakmann, CEO of Enapter AG, emphasized the significance of the order: “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 use of AEM electrolysers in drone refuelling represents a strategic move for Enapter, as it diversifies its customer base beyond traditional industrial applications. The company's technology, which relies on anion exchange membrane (AEM) technology, does not depend on expensive rare materials like iridium, making it both cost-effective and suitable for fluctuating renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
Enapter already has thousands of AEM electrolysers deployed across more than 360 customers in over 55 countries. This new order could pave the way for scalable demand in the mobile refuelling sector, potentially leading to larger contracts as the drone market continues to expand.
For more information about Enapter and its technology, visit their website at https://www.enapter.com. The company's stock is listed on the Frankfurt and Hamburg exchanges under ISIN DE000A255G02.
