Hawaiʻi Gas Announces Pilot Project with Ayrton Energy

News release from Hawaii Gas May 20, 2025

[HONOLULU, HI] — Hawaiʻi Gas, the state’s only regulated gas utility, has announced a project with Calgary-based Ayrton Energy, the developer of a proprietary hydrogen storage system. Ayrton’s liquid organic hydrogen carrier (e-LOHC™) technology is an energy-efficient system that enables stable, cost-effective storage and transportation of hydrogen at room temperature. Slated for early 2026, this pilot project will study the operational and economic feasibility of using Ayrton’s e-LOHC™ technology for hydrogen in Hawaiʻi, expanding possibilities for fuel decarbonization and the future hydrogen market in the islands.

The efficient handling of hydrogen, a zero-carbon fuel source, has traditionally posed challenges: it has been costly to transport and store, requiring cryogenic temperatures and dedicated infrastructure, and therefore typically limited to large-scale refinery operations. With low energy demands, low toxicity and flammability, ease of transportation, and ability to use existing fuel infrastructure, Ayrton’s e-LOHC™ technology offers a potential right-sized solution for Hawaiʻi.

Hawaiʻi Gas produces synthetic natural gas (SNG) on Oʻahu, which contains up to 15% hydrogen—the highest percentage of any natural gas utility in the United States. In 2024, Hawaiʻi Gas announced plans to develop the state’s first green hydrogen facility through a project with Eurus Energy America, significantly increasing the company’s investment in renewable energy and supporting the state of Hawaiʻi’s climate goals. Set to take place onsite at Hawaiʻi Gas’ Synthetic Natural Gas Plant on Oʻahu, this pilot project has the potential to remove major obstacles to wider use of hydrogen as a zero-carbon energy source.

(CLUE: Hawaiʻi Gas' synthetic natural gas [SNG] is made from naptha produced by the Par Pacific oil refinery on Oʻahu.)

“This pilot project with Ayrton Energy will help us bring scalable hydrogen projects to life,” said Nicolas Rodier, Executive Director of Clean Energy and Innovation at Hawaiʻi Gas. “While Hawaiʻi Gas has led the nation in hydrogen blending for over 50 years, we’re excited to continue pursuing innovative technology to further decarbonize our fuel supply and reduce our overall carbon footprint, with safety and cost-effectiveness in mind.”

"Hydrogen’s potential as a global energy solution depends on overcoming critical storage and transportation challenges," said Natasha Kostenuk, CEO of Ayrton Energy. "This project with Hawaiʻi Gas will demonstrate how our e-LOHC™ technology enables safe, scalable, and cost-effective hydrogen distribution—bringing energy closer to where it’s needed most."

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About Hawai‘i Gas

Established in 1904, Hawaiʻi Gas is the only government-franchised, full-service gas company manufacturing and distributing gas in Hawaiʻi. Hawaiʻi Gas manufactures synthetic natural gas (SNG) blended with renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen for utility customers on Oʻahu, and distributes liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG (propane), to utility, tank and bottled gas customers throughout the state. For more information, visit hawaiigas.com.

About Ayrton Energy

Headquartered in Calgary, Canada, Ayrton Energy is the developer of a first-of-a-kind clean hydrogen storage system to enable stable, long-term storage and transportation at room temperature. Compatible with existing infrastructure, Ayrton’s scalable solution supports the widespread deployment of clean hydrogen globally for an emissions-free future. Learn more at ayrtonenergy.com.

KHON: Hawaii launches pilot project to harness hydrogen energy | KHON2

Wiki: Liquid organic hydrogen carrier - Wikipedia

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