KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia HES Energy Systems is expanding to France to begin work on the first decentralised hydrogen infrastructure for autonomous fuel cell-powered aerial vehicles.

The move is part of HES' broader goals to introduce long-range, zero-emission aviation powered by renewable hydrogen.

Thinking big, yet starting small, the same company that started introducing its range-extending propulsion technology to small drones several years ago, is now evolving towards manned aerial platforms, such as flying cars and inter-urban electric aircraft.

From its lab in Singapore, HES has spent the last ten years developing advanced ultra-light hydrogen propulsion systems that are up to 10 times lighter than batteries.

A subsidiary of H3 Dynamics, HES is part of the France-Singapore innovation link that continues to intensify between both countries. Last year, H3 Dynamics set the tone by opening its European headquarters in Paris.

As part of its set-up there, HES is announcing its partnership with France's leading professional unmanned aircraft builder Delair and ERGOSUP, a French start-up developing energy-efficient hydrogen production systems.

Starting with smaller scale aerial vehicles help turn bigger visions to reality faster, and reduces the challenges related to commercialising complex technology said HES and H3 Dynamics chief executive officer, Taras Wankewycz, in a statement.

HES envisions scaling up the program to a continental network of hydrogen air bases for a fleet of autonomous, long-range and electric aircraft.

The joint initiative will create economic and social benefits, while starting the path to reducing carbon emissions in aviation.

Source: NAM News Network