Enapter Secures Pilot Order from US Drone Manufacturer for Hydrogen Refueling Systems

Enapter AG has received a pilot order worth approximately EUR 0.5 million from a US drone manufacturer, marking a significant step into the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sector. The order includes Enapter's AEM electrolysers from the 4.1 series, which are scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026. These electrolysers will be integrated into mobile, all-terrain refueling systems that produce hydrogen on-site from water and solar power, eliminating the need for grid connection and the logistical challenges of transporting hydrogen in large compressed gas cylinders.

The implications of this order extend beyond the immediate value. For drone operations in remote areas, the ability to generate hydrogen at the point of use removes a major barrier to adopting hydrogen propulsion. Compared to battery-electric systems, hydrogen offers significantly longer flight times and rapid refueling, which are critical for extended missions. This pilot project demonstrates the versatility of Enapter's AEM technology, which is designed to be compact, robust, and modular, allowing for easy scaling of hydrogen production to meet varying demands.

Dr Jürgen Laakmann, CEO of Enapter AG, highlighted the strategic importance: “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 global market for long-range and long-endurance drones is expanding rapidly, driven by applications in logistics, surveillance, agriculture, and disaster response. Enapter's modular approach positions the company to capitalize on this trend. By enabling on-site hydrogen production, Enapter addresses the key bottleneck of fuel supply in remote operations, making its electrolysers an integral component of future drone infrastructure.

Enapter's AEM technology is notable for its use of anion exchange membranes, which avoid reliance on expensive and rare materials like iridium. The modular design allows for efficient production of green hydrogen even with fluctuating renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind. This flexibility is particularly suited for mobile and off-grid applications, where energy availability can be inconsistent.

The company has already deployed thousands of AEM electrolysers across more than 360 customers in over 55 countries, demonstrating the technology's maturity and reliability. This new pilot order opens up a field of application that could lead to scalable demand, as successful trials may result in larger contracts and broader adoption in the drone industry.

Enapter AG is listed on the Frankfurt and Hamburg stock exchanges under the ticker H2O (ISIN: DE000A255G02). For more information about Enapter and its technology, visit https://www.enapter.com.