US firm unveils mobile hydrogen generator to power long-range drones

US-based Sesame Solar, in partnership with Heven AeroTech, has introduced a mobile drone refueling nanogrid (DRN) designed to power long-range military drones sustainably. This integrated system combines two hydrogen-powered Heven Z-1 Group II VTOL drones with satellite communications, edge computing, mobile radar, and atmospheric water generation. The DRN operates as a self-sustaining green energy loop, using retractable solar panels to generate electricity, which powers an electrolyzer that produces hydrogen from water extracted from the air. The hydrogen is stored in solid-state tanks and used to refuel drones, enabling flight endurance of over eight hours—up to six times longer than battery-powered drones—and autonomous operation for up to six months without external fuel supplies. The mobile nanogrids are designed for rapid deployment, with setup times under 15 minutes and drone assembly requiring just five minutes without tools. They are transportable, weather-resistant, and can be clustered to form minigrids, with an expected