StormFisher Hydrogen Secures $4.5M Contribution From Natural Resources Canada For Clean Fuels Facility Project In Thorold, Ontario

StormFisher Hydrogen Ltd., a leader in developing renewable hydrogen-based clean fuel facilities for the supply of low carbon fuels to natural gas utilities and hard-to-abate industries, has been awarded a $4.65M grant from the Government of Canada through Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCAN) Clean Fuels Fund to support its Thorold project.

The Clean Fuels Fund aims to increase domestic production capacity of clean fuels to support Canada’s low-carbon future. In Thorold, Ontario, the expected $200M low carbon fuel production facility will support the decarbonization of the Canadian natural gas system, help the country reach its objective to meet net-zero by 2050, and anchor an innovative hydrogen hub in Thorold that would attract other clean energy and technology businesses to the region. Once completed, the facility is expected to produce 1,250,000 gigajoules of renewable natural gas (RNG), which would support the decarbonization of 16,000 homes and businesses in Ontario.

StormFisher Hydrogen has been working collaboratively with Bioveld Canada and the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA) on this opportunity for the past three years, and the proposed facility would be situated at the BMI Group’s Multimodal Hub in Thorold, Ontario. The grant’s funds will be used to continue a comprehensive feasibility study including an assessment of engineering and design work required to build the commercial-scale clean fuels facility.

“We are honoured to receive this significant contribution from the Government of Canada through NRCAN, which allows StormFisher Hydrogen to commence on this exciting local project,” said Jud Whiteside, StormFisher Hydrogen’s CEO. “With NRCAN’s commitment to low-carbon fuels development, our hydrogen-based clean fuel production approach, and the help of our local partners, we can collectively support the community’s net zero goals. We look forward to providing the public with more updates as the feasibility study is conducted, and construction on the new facility begins.”

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, stated, “Today, Canada is doubling down on its commitment to increase domestic production capacity of clean fuels on the path to net-zero. This investment into StormFisher Hydrogen’s innovative project will support the creation of an innovative hydrogen hub in Thorold, Ontario, attract other clean energy and technology businesses into the region and provide the clean fuels needed to power and decarbonize 16,000 homes and businesses in Ontario. My congratulations and thanks to StormFisher Hydrogen for their collaboration and contributions to Canada’s vibrant net-zero future.”

MP Vance Badawey added, “Since 2015, our government has been steadfast in moving Canada towards a clean economy to combat climate change. Sustainable energy is undoubtedly an essential part of this initiative which is why we are excited about this funding that will facilitate further research into the feasibility of sustainable hydrogen power while making Thorold a leader in clean energy technology. Congratulations to StormFisher Hydrogen – this is a great addition to the Niagara Ports Trade Corridor-Thorold Multi-Modal Hub and is another example of the Trade Corridor’s Team Niagara approach to strengthening Niagara’s economy.”

Using electrolysis, the facility will be designed to combine renewable electricity from Ontario’s low-carbon electricity grid along with biogenic carbon dioxide emissions from local industry to produce RNG. The facility will bolster BMI Group and HOPA Port’s ability to attract other low-carbon industry-related businesses and jobs to the Niagara Region.

“Within HOPA Ports’ network of facilities in southern Ontario, we build industrial ecosystems where industries can find everything they need to thrive. Here in Niagara, the Thorold Hub has all the ingredients: development-ready space, transportation assets, water, and low-cost power. We are pleased to welcome StormFisher and its contribution to sustainable industrial development in Niagara” said Ian Hamilton, President & CEO, HOPA Ports.

Whiteside added, “We look forward to working with not only our valued partners at Bioveld Canada, BMI Group, and HOPA Ports, but also with the City of Thorold, Mayor Terry Ugulini, and the greater Niagara community to leverage environmentally and economically sustainable practices.”

“The City of Thorold is committed to the Federal government’s promise of net-zero emissions by 2050. This will require the adoption of innovative energy sources, like hydrogen, to meet those goals. StormFisher Hydrogen will play an integral role to provide the low carbon energy that will power Ontario’s economy,” Mayor Terry Ugulini, City of Thorold stated. “I believe that Thorold’s strategic location and access to multimodal infrastructure will make it a hub for sustainable, carbon neutral businesses. We look forward to working with CEO Jud Whiteside and his team as they move forward with their comprehensive feasibility study.”

“Bioveld Canada Inc. is excited to partner with StormFisher on the Thorold Multimodal Hub. Job creation and a greener Ontario are important considerations for Bioveld Canada developments,” stated Paul Veldman, Partner with Bioveld Canada Inc. “We look forward to working with StormFisher on this development and other sites throughout the Province.”