Padova Sandbox takes a decisive step: H2C’s KEB (Key Energy Builder) has been tested and will power hydrogen drones for the transport of medical goods. Stesi is involved in predictive maintenance, logistics flow management, and traceability.
This represents a zero-emission revolution in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Within the framework of the “Padova Sandbox” experimental project, the Key Energy Builder (KEB), the technological heart that will power the drones, was presented and successfully tested in Osnago (LC) on May 6, 2026.
The KEB, developed by Milani Spa with the support of DBA Group and H2C S.p.A.’s division, H2G, is a plant for the production, storage, and refueling of green hydrogen. How does it work? Through water electrolysis, powered by solar panels, the system produces up to 30 kg of green hydrogen per day. It guarantees rapid refueling in approximately 10 minutes for drones equipped with a flight range of up to 100 km and a payload capacity of 4 kg.
Stesi’s contribution
Stesi S.r.l., as a technological partner of H2C S.p.A., is responsible for the integration of the supervisory software system for the project.
Since 1996, Stesi has specialized in creating supervisory software for integrated logistics systems via the modular silwa platform. In the context of the hydrogen drone project, the silwa supervisory software will manage logistical flows, focusing specifically on the following aspects:
- maintenance management: silwa will coordinate routine, extraordinary, and predictive maintenance for the drones and their respective fuel cells;
- sensor integration: integration between the drone’s onboard sensors and the supervisory system. The goal is to enable real-time alarm transmission and activate “on conditioning monitor” mode for reactive maintenance based on data coming directly from the aircraft;
- spare parts logistics: the system will manage logistical flows for the automated delivery of spare parts in case of operational necessity;
- total traceability: precise traceability of every component and spare part will be guaranteed by lot and serial number, ensuring maximum inventory reliability.
A noble and urgent primary objective
Stesi will be involved in managing the logistical flows for the urgent transport of medical supplies, medicines, and biological substances. Thanks to hydrogen technology, transport becomes not only fast but entirely decarbonized.
“Next autumn, we will witness the first flight of a hydrogen drone for the rapid transport of urgent medical material in the skies of Padua.”
⁓ Diego Ruzza, Transport Councilor of the Veneto Region
“A fundamental step marking Veneto’s entry into a new era of mobility, starting with healthcare logistics and then extending on a regional scale,” states the Councilor. After the ground tests, experimentation will move to Padua airport for flight trials, leading up to the most complex phase: BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line Of Sight) operations, meaning flights beyond the pilot’s line of sight, managed via advanced instrumentation.
The project, born from the collaboration between ENAC, the Veneto Region, and the SAVE Group, will not stop in Padua: the infrastructure is designed to be scalable and will also find application at Venice airport and future regional vertiports.