Partnership Announcement: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems for Heavy Lift Drones Ideal Provide Extended Range Capabilities
Plug Power is excited to have formed a bi-lateral alliance with HevenDrones, a leader in the development and commercialization of actionable drone platforms with heavy-lift capabilities, to jointly develop hydrogen fuel cell powered heavy-lift actionable drones and related support equipment and infrastructure. Together, they will power and refuel HevenDrones’ next generation fleet with the key objective of providing extended flight range. The carbon-free system will incorporate a lightweight Plug Power ProGen-based hydrogen fuel cell stack specifically designed for drone applications. In addition to the extended flight times, the hydrogen-powered drones will set standards in clean energy drone transportation.
Plug Power and HevenDrones will explore providing an entire hydrogen ecosystem, including, but not limited to, hydrogen supply, infrastructure, fueling and refueling for drone applications. The companies anticipate work commencing in November 2021.
This initiative is part of Plug Power’s strategy to bring its proven hydrogen ProGen fuel cell technology to new markets through engaging leaders in industries such as commercial aviation, aerospace, and now drones. Plug Power is expanding its ProGen platform for additional aerospace applications, including drones, UAVs and aircrafts with different weight restrictions and other unique requirements. The development is an important milestone for HevenDrones as the extended flight time will dramatically improve the capabilities of its proprietary heavy lift drone systems.
Keith Schmid, who leads the Mobility and Stationary Power Solutions business unit for Plug Power, said “We believe that the combination of our leading fuel cell technology and related hydrogen infrastructure together with the impressive drone technologies being developed by HevenDrones creates exciting potential in this high growth industry. Plug Power is focused on expanding its market leadership position and this is a natural extension of its product line. We are pleased to work with HevenDrones to develop this potential and believe there are significant benefits to our customers by working together.”
Thomas Jones, Director of UAV/Aerospace Technology at Plug Power, said “We are excited to be teaming with HevenDrones to expand our capabilities for placing hydrogen fuel cells in drones. This is an area where hydrogen can be a game changer. We have been impressed with their capabilities and look forward to working together.”
Bentzion Levinson, CEO of HevenDrones, said “We are thrilled to work with Plug Power on this strategically important initiative. We are pleased to join forces with a global leader in fuel cells and believe that combined with our leading edge in heavy lift drones and our unique operating system software, we can create a compelling partnership to take drone technology to the next level. We are excited to continue our journey with a company as well regarded as Plug Power.”