Enapter AG, a Hamburg-based greentech company specializing in anion exchange membrane (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, with delivery scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026.
The hydrogen-producing modules are designed to be integrated into mobile, all-terrain refuelling systems that generate hydrogen directly at the point of operation using only water and solar power, with no grid connection required. This approach eliminates the need for 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. Compared with battery-electric propulsion, hydrogen propulsion offers significantly longer flight and mission times, as well as rapid refuelling, making it an attractive option for drone applications.
For Enapter, this pilot project opens up a field of application where the modular design of its AEM technology is particularly advantageous. The compact footprint, robust operation, and ability to expand hydrogen production by adding modules align with the growing global market for drones with long range and extended flight times.
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 marks a strategic entry into the drone refuelling sector, which is expected to expand rapidly as commercial and defense applications for unmanned aerial vehicles grow. By enabling on-site hydrogen production from renewable sources, Enapter's technology addresses a critical logistical challenge, potentially making hydrogen-powered drones viable for a wide range of missions, including surveillance, delivery, and disaster response.
Enapter's AEM technology does not rely on rare and expensive materials such as iridium, and its modular nature allows for efficient and scalable hydrogen production even with fluctuating renewable energy inputs. The company has over 360 customers in more than 55 countries, and its shares are listed on the Frankfurt and Hamburg stock exchanges.
