Enapter has received a pilot order worth around €0.5 million to supply anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzers to a US drone manufacturer for off-grid hydrogen production.

The order comprises units from its 4.1 series of AEM electrolyzers and is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The AEM modules will be integrated into mobile, all-terrain refueling systems that generate hydrogen directly at the point of operation from water and solar power, without a grid connection. This approach removes the need to transport and store hydrogen in large compressed gas cylinders, which has been among the main obstacles to operating hydrogen-powered drones in remote areas.

According to Enapter, hydrogen propulsion gives drones significantly longer flight and mission times compared with battery-electric propulsion, along with rapid refueling capability.

The order is structured as a pilot project. Enapter said it opens up a field of application in which the modular design of AEM technology is well suited, citing a compact footprint, robust operation, and the ability to scale hydrogen production by adding further modules.

Dr Jürgen Laakmann, Chief Executive Officer of Enapter , said: “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.”

Enapter said the market for drones with long range and long flight times is growing strongly worldwide, and that the pilot project opens up a field of application with scalable demand for the company.

Source:  Hydrogentechworld