Enapter AG, a German 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, announced on September 3, 2026, includes AEM electrolysers from the 4.1 series, with delivery scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026. The hydrogen-producing modules will be integrated 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 addresses a significant logistical hurdle in the deployment of hydrogen-powered drones: the transport and storage of hydrogen in large compressed gas cylinders. By producing hydrogen on-site, the need for complex supply chains is eliminated, enabling drones to operate in remote areas with extended flight times and rapid refuelling capabilities. Compared to battery-electric propulsion, hydrogen offers significantly longer mission times, making it a compelling choice for applications such as surveillance, delivery, and inspection.
The pilot project represents a strategic entry into a growing market for Enapter. The modular design of AEM technology is particularly well-suited to this application, offering a compact footprint, robust operation, and the ability to scale hydrogen production by adding further modules as demand increases. The global market for long-range, long-flight-time drones is expanding rapidly, driven by commercial and defense applications, 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.”
Enapter's AEM technology is patented and does not rely on expensive and rare raw materials such as iridium. Its modular design allows for efficient and scalable production of green hydrogen, even when energy supply from solar and wind power fluctuates. The company already has thousands of AEM electrolysers in operation at more than 360 customers across over 55 countries. Enapter AG is listed on the Frankfurt and Hamburg stock exchanges (ISIN: DE000A255G02).
This order not only validates the versatility of Enapter's technology but also highlights the practical advantages of decentralized hydrogen production. As the drone industry continues to seek solutions for extended operations, the ability to generate fuel on-site could prove transformative, reducing costs and increasing operational flexibility. For Enapter, the pilot project opens the door to a new vertical with significant scalability, potentially leading to larger orders as the technology is proven in the field.
