Ashton started working on hydrogen when he developed a solid polymer electrolyser, capable of producing hydrogen at 100 bar directly. He has since moved on to working on the logistics and safety/codes/standards of the dedicated hydrogen and battery building at CSIR and is also involved in conceptual studies in H2 refuelling systems.

His current focus is on high pressure composite cylinders, with a specific focus on material selection to improve the mechanical properties, as well as cost and weight, of compressed hydrogen storage systems.