Innovation

Servco’s core values include innovation, which continuously drives the company forward with some social impacts. In 2016, when Toyota introduced the Mirai hydrogen vehicle, there were no public hydrogen fueling stations in the state. In Hawaii, Servco’s greatest innovation is its pioneering work with hydrogen energy. Knowing the potential of hydrogen as a clean source of a fossil fuel alternative, Servco worked with Toyota and with the State of Hawaii to be the host of the first public hydrogen fueling station in Hawaii, a giant leap in that infrastructure and legal structures were not in place. This was a bold, innovative move in a landscape lacking legal, financial, and technical frameworks.

In this project, Servco directly contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDGs 7, 9, and 13. Primarily using solar energy to make the hydrogen, the hydrogen that Servco’s station produces is a sustainable and zero-emission fuel source. The company led the hydrogen initiative which rendered clean energy more accessible for ordinary people to both see and implement effectively. In addition to building physical infrastructure, Servco also spent money educating lawmakers, first responders, and the community about trust in hydrogen technology and paving the way towards wider adoption. Servco also found ways to overcome regulatory barriers and provide hydrogen fueling using a bundle of vehicle leases until legal certification could be obtained. It was not a financial investment, not for the instant payoff but to prove hydrogen could be a viable clean energy solution for the future.

As much as Servco was innovating an engineering solution here, they were also trying to enable long term social change by making that solution inclusive, accessible and community-based.

Servco's Public Hydrogen Station

Inspiration

Servco’s inspiration for Hawaii's flagship hydrogen station came with the introduction of the Toyota Mirai model to Hawaii in 2018. In partnership with Toyota, they saw this as the perfect opportunity to introduce Hawaiian residents to hydrogen energy, and showcase their work towards sustainability goals. Current Servco CEO Peter Dames stated that “we wanted (to build the state’s first public hydrogen station) to prove that hydrogen was a viable option going into the future.” After working with the Hawaiian government, the station was completed in 2018 and now produces 22 kilograms a day of hydrogen. The achievement of the station is proof of Servco’s commitment to sustainability and reflects their core values of respect, service, teamwork, and innovation.

Overall impact

Servco developed Hawaii’s first public hydrogen station with the hope that more than business is impacted as a result of their innovation. President and CEO Peter Dames emphasized that the hope is to propel the state forward with sustainable energy options that are better for the environment and its people.

The short term impacts that have been seen from this initiative are the creation of a viable clean fuel option for Hawaiian drivers and discussion regarding moving towards hydrogen as the state’s primary energy source. Dames discussed that the hydrogen station has created dialogue between Servco and the state’s government about geothermal production of hydrogen as a feasible energy alternative. Servco believes that the state’s rich volcanic resources can be harnessed to create unlimited clean energy and they’re committed to playing a key role in bringing it to fruition.

Dames did point out that “it’s about moving in the right direction” and that not everything can be solved in one day, but Servco is confident of the long term impacts of their hydrogen station. The company foresees hydrogen powered vehicles becoming much more prevalent in the near future, scaling first in freight trucks and buses, then passenger cars. As the future of transportation nears, it is clear that Servco will continue to innovate and create impact for people and the planet.

Business benefit

The business benefit created by Servco’s hydrogen initiative is worth more than profits. Although not quite financially beneficial for the company yet, the hydrogen station is a testament to Servco’s commitment to the future of clean energy and transportation. Their innovation has allowed them to develop positive relationships with both consumers and the Hawaiian government, both valuable connections as hydrogen becomes a more viable option in the near future. Additionally, Servco’s position at the front of the race towards hydrogen powered vehicles puts them in a great spot to grow amongst key competitors in the automotive and energy sectors.

Social and environmental benefit

Servco’s hydrogen initiative generates significant environmental and social benefits for the state of Hawaii. Environmentally, hydrogen-powered vehicles emit only water, providing a cleaner alternative to both traditional gasoline and electric vehicles. By installing solar panels across their facilities to power hydrogen production, Servco further reduces its carbon footprint and actively supports Hawaii’s transition toward renewable energy.

From a social perspective, Servco prioritizes education and community engagement. The company regularly invites school groups to visit its hydrogen station, offering students the opportunity to learn about clean energy technology firsthand. By fostering early awareness and addressing misconceptions about hydrogen safety, Servco is helping to cultivate a new generation of informed and environmentally conscious citizens.

Additionally, Servco’s sustainability efforts reflect Hawaii’s cultural values of environmental stewardship and respect for the land. Through partnerships with local organizations and collaboration with state and federal agencies, Servco demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing community-focused sustainability initiatives.

Although the hydrogen station has not yet achieved profitability, Servco’s investment represents a strategic commitment to long-term environmental innovation. By laying the groundwork for broader adoption of hydrogen technology, particularly in commercial transportation, Servco is positioning Hawaii as a leader in clean energy solutions. Their efforts exemplify how business innovation can drive meaningful environmental progress while strengthening community ties.

Interview

Peter Dames, President and CEO