[The Vector] Pilot Hydrogen Stations for Hawaii

General Motors is partnering with Hawaii’s gas provider to pilot hydrogen stations for fuel cell vehicles. Hawaii has to import over 90% of its gasoline at the moment, and the state wants to reduce its reliance by around 70% through a combination of improved efficiencies, conservation and development of alternative energy solutions such as hydrogen.

Hawaiian company TGC produces a high proportion of hydrogen (around 5%) along with synthetic natural gas on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, which GM plans to tap into. They could increase that hydrogen supply substantially should the demand materialise, according to TGC President and CEO Jeffrey Kissel.

According to GM, they have invested nearly $1.5 billion in the development of fuel cell technologies over the last 15 years.

Democratic Senator Dan Inouye played a part in bringing TGC and General Motors together and he says he supports their plans.

“It is an important step forward in the establishment of a hydrogen transportation infrastructure upon which new fleets, both military and civilian, can be tested and utilized. I am committed to support the resourcing of this endeavor. Every step to reduce our dependency on foreign oil is a move forward.”