A Transport Solution
As natural gas utilities across the country explore strategies to decarbonize their fuel supply and modernize infrastructure, one of the biggest challenges has remained consistent: how to safely, affordably and efficiently store and transport hydrogen. In Hawaiʻi, where geography, infrastructure limitations and ambitious climate goals intersect, one natural gas utility is piloting a solution others might soon look to follow.
Hawaiʻi Gas, the state’s only regulated gas utility, has partnered with Calgary-based Ayrton Energy to test a proprietary hydrogen storage system that could reshape how hydrogen is handled in isolated and distributed energy markets.
Though widely recognized as a promising zero-carbon fuel source, hydrogen’s adoption has been hindered by its high storage and transportation costs, typically requiring cryogenic temperatures or high-pressure systems, alongside dedicated infrastructure. This has limited hydrogen’s practical use to large industrial operations or isolated applications.
Ayrton Energy’s liquid organic hydrogen carrier (e-LOHC™) technology proposes a different path. Designed to enable safe, stable hydrogen storage and transport at room temperature, the system is compatible with existing fuel infrastructure.
For Hawaiʻi Gas, the technology represents a potential breakthrough, not just for the islands, but for other distributed utility systems looking for scalable, affordable hydrogen solutions. The partnership between Hawaiʻi Gas and Ayrton Energy grew from a shared recognition of the operational barriers facing hydrogen adoption, particularly in remote and island markets.
As the only utility in the United States blending up to 15% hydrogen into its synthetic natural gas pipeline, Hawaiʻi Gas has long been an early adopter of hydrogen integration. In 2024, the company further committed to decarbonization by announcing plans for the state’s first green hydrogen production facility in collaboration with Eurus Energy America.
The new pilot project is set to launch in early 2026 at Hawaiʻi Gas’ Synthetic Natural Gas Plant on Oʻahu. It will assess both the operational viability and economic feasibility of integrating e-LOHC™ technology into the company’s clean energy strategy.
“This project with Ayrton advances Hawai’i Gas’ commitment to clean energy initiatives while prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of our employees, customers, and community,” said Nicolas Rodier, executive director of clean Energy and innovation at Hawaiʻi Gas. “Ayrton’s e-LOHC technology addresses the affordability and reliability challenges unique to our island chain and offers a promising solution to expand hydrogen to new markets.”
For gas utilities nationwide, the Hawaiʻi Gas-Ayrton Energy project offers several practical takeaways:
- Target solutions that fit market scale. While large-scale hydrogen infrastructure projects are advancing, many communities and distributed systems need flexible, right-sized solutions. Technologies like e-LOHC™ could fill that niche.
- Leverage existing infrastructure where possible. One of the key advantages of Ayrton’s system is its compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure, reducing the need for costly new facilities and allowing for phased adoption.
- Partner early and pilot strategically. By collaborating with technology developers and piloting new systems within controlled operational environments, utilities can validate performance and economic assumptions before scaling up.
- Align projects with broader climate goals. Hawaiʻi’s aggressive renewable energy and emissions reduction targets have helped drive natural gas utility innovation. Similar policy frameworks in other states and regions can create the conditions for utilities to test and adopt cleaner fuels.
As utilities nationwide continue to advance decarbonization strategies, projects like this one illustrate the importance of pairing ambitious climate commitments with practical, scalable technology solutions. The lessons from Hawaiʻi could help inform similar efforts in mainland markets, particularly in remote or distributed energy systems where conventional hydrogen infrastructure is harder to deploy.
