Cellen and HNO International launch pilot
Published by Willow Munz,
Editorial Assistant
Global Hydrogen Review,
True long-endurance flight requires an ecosystem that supports safe, reliable, and scalable hydrogen refuelling in real operational environments. As part of that effort, Cellen has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with HNO International Inc. to evaluate hydrogen supply and delivery solutions tailored to hydrogen-powered drone operations.
This collaboration represents a practical step toward strengthening the infrastructure needed to support commercial hydrogen UAV fleets as they scale across industries and geographies.
Addressing the Infrastructure Gap in Hydrogen UAV Operations
Hydrogen propulsion enables significantly longer flight times, higher payload capacity, and rapid turnaround compared to battery-only systems. These advantages are critical for inspection, mapping, surveying, and other industrial missions where endurance and uptime matter.
However, widespread adoption depends on more than aircraft performance. Operators need dependable access to hydrogen, efficient logistics, and refuelling workflows that integrate seamlessly into daily operations. This pilot programme is designed to explore exactly that.
Scope of the pilot collaboration
Through this MOU, Cellen and HNO International will assess a hydrogen supply model that includes production, transportation, and cylinder logistics aligned with our drone systems. The initial focus is on supporting operations in Texas and Colorado, with an emphasis on repeatable processes that can scale over time.
Key areas of evaluation include hydrogen delivery methods, cylinder handling and return workflows, and overall operational efficiency. The goal is to validate approaches that reduce downtime while maintaining safety and reliability.
Building a practical hydrogen ecosystem
For Cellen, this initiative fits into a broader strategy of making hydrogen-powered drones viable at scale. That means not only designing aircraft around hydrogen fuel cells, but also working with partners to ensure fuelling solutions evolve alongside the technology.
By testing real-world logistics and supply chains today, the companies are laying the groundwork for future deployments where hydrogen UAVs can be integrated smoothly into industrial operations without friction or complexity.
Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/19022026/cellen-and-hno-international-launch-pilot/