LLNL and Verne, a San Francisco-based start-up, have successfully demonstrated an innovative pathway for densifying hydrogen with high efficiency. This breakthrough was achieved through a collaboration funded by the Department of Energy’s ARPA-E, showcasing a method that significantly reduces the energy input required compared to conventional approaches. By producing cryo-compressed hydrogen with liquid hydrogen-like density directly from gaseous hydrogen, this new pathway addresses the trade-off between density and cost, making hydrogen more accessible for various sectors. The breakthrough not only lowers distribution costs but also paves the way for applications in power consumption growth areas such as data centers and electric vehicles. The collaboration between LLNL and Verne represents a successful partnership between a national lab and the industry, demonstrating the potential to revolutionize hydrogen storage and transportation. This partnership has led to record-breaking achievements in cryo-compressed hydrogen storage, with the potential to significantly reduce distribution costs. The densification pathway showcased in the demonstration achieves impressive energy savings and offers a more modular alternative to traditional hydrogen liquefaction, making it more scalable and cost-effective for widespread adoption.