HiTS Plans Major Hydrogen Drone Expansion in Hong Kong, Tapping Global Fuel Cell Markets

HiTS (Shanghai) Hydrogen Power Technology, a rising player in the hydrogen fuel cell and drone scene, has big plans on the horizon. The China-based company is setting its sights on Hong Kong, aiming to tap into global markets and go public on the HKEX by 2025. This bold move isn’t just about expansion—it’s about timing, as the worlds of hydrogen aviation and zero-emission technology begin to take off, and Hong Kong positions itself as a center for clean tech and drone innovation.

Taking Hydrogen Tech to the Skies

At the heart of HiTS’ growth strategy is its own air-cooled hydrogen fuel cell system, built specifically for powerful, heavy-duty drones. These machines aren’t your average quadcopters—they’re built to brave freezing conditions and haul up to 200 kg of payload. With flight times stretching up to 3 hours and a remarkable 1,200 W/kg power density, they leave traditional lithium battery drones in the dust. They’re especially suited for critical missions like firefighting, law enforcement, and industrial inspections—where power, endurance, and reliability really matter.

The company is already manufacturing at scale, pushing out 40 MW worth of fuel cells each year from its facilities in Anhui and Shandong.

Why Hong Kong?

To accelerate global reach, HiTS is planting its flag in Hong Kong—setting up a new overseas sales headquarters, plus a dedicated R&D center and drone assembly line. Hong Kong’s unique advantages—its status as a global business gateway, a business-friendly regulatory climate, and close access to international capital—make it the perfect springboard for scaling up. The city’s focus on developing its “low-altitude economy,” complete with drone corridors and tech-friendly policy shifts, couldn’t be better aligned.

In late 2023, the Hong Kong Government formed a working group aimed at boosting drone innovation. Developments like Yuen Long InnoPark, a future hub for semiconductor and microelectronics R&D, could serve as a literal and figurative launchpad for hydrogen-powered drones.

Decades of Research Fueling Innovation

Though HiTS officially launched in 2022 as a subsidiary of the Donglan Group, the brains behind its tech—Chief Scientist Tian Binglun—brings nearly two decades of hardcore hydrogen fuel cell R&D experience, rooted in the prestigious Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics. That deep technical foundation is giving HiTS a serious edge, especially as China pushes to put 50,000 fuel-cell vehicles on the road by 2025. It’s all part of a much bigger national play to lead in hydrogen production and zero-emission technology.

Aiming for IPO and Beyond

HiTS is already laying the groundwork for its public debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange by 2025. But they’re not just focused on going public—they’re also expanding laterally through smart acquisitions. Case in point: picking up a Nanjing-based drone services firm specializing in public safety and firefighting. It’s a clear signal they’re building both the tech and real-world applications hand-in-hand.

The company’s drones and fuel cells come with price tags ranging from $41,500 to $138,000, and their target market is clear—government agencies, industrial players, and logistics providers looking for serious performance and cutting-edge hydrogen infrastructure. On top of that, HiTS is exploring adjacent areas like robotics and micromobility platforms powered by hydrogen fuel cells, showing just how broad their ambitions really are.

Building a Cross-Border Hydrogen Future

But this isn’t just about scaling a business—it’s about shaping a new regional hydrogen ecosystem. HiTS’ expansion into Hong Kong is paving the way for a stronger, more integrated cross-border hydrogen value chain between the mainland and the city. Thanks to its autonomous legal system and urban environment, Hong Kong is a prime testing ground for aerial services like infrastructure surveillance, emergency aid delivery, and environmental monitoring—all powered by fuel cell technology.

As demand grows, the race is on to clarify international certification standards for hydrogen drones—a space that’s still pretty murky. But with both HiTS and Hong Kong pushing global leadership roles on safety and tech regulation, change is likely to come quickly.

What’s Next?

With a fresh $42 million funding round in the bank, clear eyes on an IPO, and deep support from both public and private sectors, HiTS is quickly becoming a company to watch—not just in drones, but in the broader world of hydrogen fuel cell commercialization.

As regulations evolve, infrastructure builds out, and strategic contracts with enterprise and government roll in, keep your eyes on 2025. If all goes to plan, HiTS won’t just be making headlines—they’ll be setting the pace for hydrogen aviation across Asia and beyond.