Ayrton Energy Inc.

Scaling and optimization of e-LOHC™ for room temperature hydrogen transport and storage
Sector: Transportation
Technology: Low Carbon Hydrogen
NorthX Backing: $480,000
Project Value: $1,995,000
Project Status: Active

Ayrton Energy is a Calgary-based company founded by Natasha Kostenuk and Dr. Brandy Kinkead. Ayrton is rethinking how hydrogen is stored and shipped – making clean fuels more practical for global transport and adoption. Their early breakthroughs have won the company major accolades, including being listed on the Cleantech 50 to Watch in 2024, the grand prize at the Singapore’s 2025 “Liveability Challenge,” and first place in the early-stage category of the 2024 U.S. Department of Energy’s NREL Outstanding Venture Awards. 

The Problem

The potential of hydrogen to revolutionize clean energy applications remains untapped, hindered by challenges that impact its widespread adoption. Despite being broadly used in a select few industries, storing and transporting hydrogen faces unique challenges. In particular, the low energy density of hydrogen requires large storage volumes or high-pressure containers to store hydrogen in the amounts needed for it to be economical. This hurdle is holding it back from being widely adopted as a clean energy carrier. 

The Solution

Revolutionizing hydrogen transport by enabling room-temperature liquid storage, utilizing existing liquid fuel infrastructure. 

Ayrton’s novel e-LOHC™ technology gets to the heart of this barrier by introducing a simplified approach to hydrogen transport and storage. Ayrton’s technology enables hydrogen to be stored and transported at room temperature and at the pressure of a standard liquid. That’s safer and makes it easier to transport hydrogen in larger quantities. Crucially, Ayrton’s novel solution can utilize existing liquid fuel and chemical infrastructure – like tanks, trucks, rail cars, and pipelines – which drives down costs and speeds up the technology’s commercial deployment.   

How NorthX is helping: NorthX’s support enables Ayrton to accelerate the development of e-LOHC technology by expanding its collaboration with Vancouver-based electrochemical expertise and manufacturers. 

“The NorthX grant is crucial in helping us scale our hydrogen storage technology, making clean hydrogen more accessible and cost-effective for industries that need it most. With NorthX’s support, we can engage BC based industry partners to accelerate tech development, gather critical data, and increase our speed to market. This partnership will drive real-world impact in decarbonization and energy transition.”
Natasha Kostenuk, Founder & CEO, Ayrton Energy
Ayrton Energy Inc.

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