21-05-2025
Hawaii launches pilot project to harness hydrogen energy
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaii Gas is partnering with Canadian energy tech company Ayrton Energy on a new pilot project aimed at advancing hydrogen as a clean fuel for the islands.
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The project is set to launch in early 2026 and will test Ayrton's proprietary liquid organic hydrogen carrier (e-LOHC™) technology, a system designed to store and transport hydrogen safely and efficiently at room temperature.
The goal is to explore whether this new method could make hydrogen a more practical and scalable energy solution for Hawaii.'Hydrogen has long been recognized as a zero-carbon fuel, but storing and transporting it has been a major hurdle,' said Nicolas Rodier, executive director of clean energy and innovation at Hawaii Gas. 'This pilot project with Ayrton Energy will help us bring scalable hydrogen projects to life and continue decarbonizing our fuel supply in a safe and cost-effective way.'
'Hydrogen's potential as a global energy solution depends on overcoming critical storage and transportation challenges,' said Natasha Kostenuk, CEO of Calgary-based Ayrton Energy. 'This project will show how our technology can make hydrogen accessible where it's needed most.'
Hawaii Gas already blends up to 15% hydrogen into its synthetic natural gas on Oahu which is more than any other utility in the United States.
In 2024, the company announced plans to build the state's first green hydrogen facility in partnership with Eurus Energy America, as part of its broader push toward renewable energy.
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The upcoming pilot will be based at Hawaii Gas' Synthetic Natural Gas Plant on Oahu. Officials say it could pave the way for wider use of hydrogen across the state, helping meet Hawaii's ambitious climate goals.
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