A seminar focusing on hydrogen-powered aviation was held on Jan. 16 in Yantian District, where four application scenarios for low-altitude aircraft powered by the clean energy were unveiled.

Industry experts and district officials attended the event, observing demonstration flights of hydrogen-powered drones. They also heard a presentation outlining the future use of these drones in offshore inspections, port logistics, emergency response and rescue operations, and rapid delivery services.

The seminar highlighted that, compared with traditional lithium-ion batteries commonly used in electric vehicles and drones, hydrogen power systems for aircraft offer advantages such as longer range, greater payload capacity, more stable performance in low-temperature conditions at altitude, and shorter refueling times.

Yantian District has been steadily enhancing its low-altitude infrastructure. 

The Shenzhen China Hydrogen Aviation Energy Technology (SCHAET) co-organized the seminar. The company, led by Liu Jian — a senior executive from the Yantian-based Shenzhen Eastern General Aviation (SEGA) — was established in December 2025. It caters to the diverse needs of the low-altitude aircraft sector by providing hydrogen power systems for lightweight, medium-weight, and heavyweight drones, along with modular, scenario-specific solutions.

Li Zhong, Party chief of Yantian District, who was present at the seminar, noted that Yantian — a frontrunner in the low-altitude economy and green energy — has strong potential to develop into a low-altitude aviation hub. He also extended a welcome to more entrepreneurs to start up in the district and contribute to this emerging industry.

SCHAET signed strategic partnership deals with several companies within the low-altitude ecosystem, including Shanghai-based Autoflight, Shenzhen United Aircraft, and Shenzhen-based Hynovation. 

During the event, the SCHAET signed strategic partnership deals with several companies within the low-altitude ecosystem, including Shanghai-based Autoflight, Shenzhen United Aircraft, and Shenzhen-based Hynovation. The partners announced a collaborative initiative to develop a set of national technical standards for hydrogen power systems.

Yantian District has been steadily enhancing its low-altitude infrastructure. To date, 114 companies in the sector are based in Yantian, covering the entire supply chain from R&D and manufacturing to testing, pilot training, and infrastructure development. The district currently has 107 designated sites for drone takeoff and landing.

Home to Shenzhen’s first hydrogen energy industrial park, Yantian also hosts the world’s largest single container seaport and features an extensive coastline, providing an excellent testing ground for hydrogen energy innovations.