Ayrton Energy (CAN) is redefining hydrogen logistics with its proprietary e-LOHC™ technology, enabling hydrogen to be stored and transported safely in a liquid form using existing fuel infrastructure. This breakthrough removes one of the biggest barriers to hydrogen adoption – costly, specialized distribution networks – and opens the door to rapid, scalable deployment worldwide. By making clean hydrogen as practical as today’s liquid fuels, Ayrton accelerates the global shift to a low-carbon economy.
PortXL sat down with Ayrton Energy’s CEO, Natasha Kostenuk, (P.Eng). Natasha, please tell us what Ayrton Energy is set out to achieve!
Natasha Kostenuk, P.Eng., Founder & CEO
At Ayrton Energy, we’re dedicated to simplifying hydrogen storage and transportation. As CEO and co-founder, I believe this is crucial for wider hydrogen adoption, as current storage and transportation costs can make up to 70% of the total cost. By solving this bottleneck, we can help hydrogen achieve its full potential as a key energy solution.
What made you get into hydrogen storage?
As a mechanical engineer, my career began in oil and gas. Towards the end of that period, I worked on hydrogen projects and recognized a significant gap in effective storage and transportation solutions. My co-founder and I explored various options, but none seemed viable. Having a background in oil and gas, I was accustomed to the ease of transporting chemicals and materials. However, hydrogen presented a significant challenge in this regard, lacking a straightforward transportation method. Initially, the concept for our hydrogen storage and management solution seemed like it could have materialized in a brief, ten-minute “kitchen table” discussion, much like a movie scene. While it didn’t unfold quite that rapidly, after several months of collaborative work, the innovative approach to hydrogen storage and management came to fruition. This innovative approach is precisely what we are implementing today.
What’s novel about Ayrton’s storage solution?
Unlike traditional LOHC, which uses high-pressure, high-temperature thermocatalysis (like a chemical plant), Ayrton Energy’s e-LOHC™ employs an electrochemical reactor, similar to an electrolyzer. This allows for low-pressure, low-temperature operations. While traditional LOHC operates between 300-500°C, we optimize for under 100°C, leading to lower energy demands, higher round-trip efficiencies, pure hydrogen from dehydrogenation, and an overall simpler process without needing to co-locate with high-temperature waste heat.
How is the compatibility with pipelines, trucks and ships?
Our e-LOHC™ uses a proprietary blend of commodity products, regulated like diesel, allowing it to be transported anywhere diesel can. While technically suitable for commercial vehicles, we are not targeting that specialized market. Instead, we are focusing on excelling at storage and versatile ecosystem integration.
How safe is the storage solution?
Our proprietary blend consists of familiar commodity products – known chemicals that are handled and stored much like diesel. We leverage existing safety data sheets and established procedures for storage and operation, ensuring no new chemistry is introduced.
What do you want to achieve by taking part in the PortXL acceleration program?
We aim to deepen our understanding of the port ecosystem in the Netherlands, with a particular focus on Rotterdam. Through PortXL, we hope to gain strategic insights and build meaningful connections that will help us integrate into and contribute to this dynamic maritime innovation landscape.
How do you find the Rotterdam startup ecosystem?
We’ve found the Rotterdam startup ecosystem to be incredibly welcoming and collaborative. The openness to innovation and partnership is inspiring, and we’re excited about the opportunity to engage with other forward-thinking startups and stakeholders in the region.
