Government of Canada invests over $3.5 million to support growth of clean hydrogen in Owen Sound
News release
Hydrogen Optimized to accelerate production of cutting-edge sustainable technology
September 7, 2023 – Owen Sound, Ontario
As the world moves towards net-zero emissions, Canada is positioned to become a leading producer, user, and exporter of clean hydrogen. With so many natural resources, a talented workforce, and a strong pool of innovators, the stage is set for success. Hydrogen Optimized Inc. (HOI), based in Owen Sound, is producing clean hydrogen through patented, cutting-edge Canadian technology called RuggedCell™ which is known around the globe. This technology has the potential to produce zero-emissions hydrogen and is changing the accessibility and production of clean hydrogen. Innovations like this are necessary to help Canada reach our sustainability goals and the Government of Canada is committed to supporting clean technology.
Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced an investment of over $3.5-million for HOI to adopt new advanced manufacturing equipment as it expands production capacity by five times their current output. This cutting-edge technology requires fewer parts and utilizes more price-efficient, readily available materials from local suppliers.
HOI’s RuggedCell™ electrolyser produces green hydrogen using electricity generated from renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydro. This clean energy supports the decarbonization of major industries such as steel, ammonia, and cement. The investment will also help the company to secure its first large sales contract and expand its production capacity to meet the growing demand for green hydrogen for several industries, positioning it as a key manufacturer in Owen Sound and Ontario.
The project is expected to create 50 new high-skilled jobs and support the company’s ability to export to new markets in the U.S. and Europe.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects to help achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Our government is working every day to make your lives easier, your jobs better, and our communities stronger.
Quotes
“With this investment, Hydrogen Optimized and their dedicated workforce will continue to build on their potential and establish the company as a key manufacturer in the global energy market. Our government is pleased to support the growth of clean energy and innovative technology so we can work together to create good jobs for rural communities and build a greener and more sustainable future for Canadians.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“With support from FedDev Ontario, our manufacturing scale-up will provide Hydrogen Optimized with the capability to supply RuggedCell™ systems to the world’s largest clean hydrogen projects. We thank the Government of Canada for helping us to accelerate RuggedCell™ output and reduce manufacturing costs through cutting-edge automation.”
– Andrew Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hydrogen Optimized Inc.
“This investment in Hydrogen Optimized from FedDev Ontario continues to build momentum for Owen Sound’s future economy as we focus on clean energy and nuclear isotopes. We look forward to seeing Hydrogen Optimized’s future growth, research, and innovation.”
– His Worship Ian Boddy, Mayor of the city of Owen Sound
Quick facts
-
Hydrogen Optimized Inc. was incorporated in 2017 by President and CEO Andrew Stuart and is a product of 100 years of electrolyser technology experience by the Stuart family.
-
The Stuart technology that is foundational to the RuggedCell architecture has delivered 1 billion cell-hours of operation in approximately 1,000 hydrogen plants in 100 countries.
-
Hydrogen made in Canada has the potential to deliver up to 30% of our end-use energy by 2050.
-
Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested nearly $560 million in nearly 150 clean tech projects, creating nearly 10,700 jobs and maintaining nearly 7,500 jobs.
-
Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested nearly $30 million in more than 40 projects in Grey County, creating over 130 jobs and maintaining over 1,700 jobs.
Associated links
Contacts
Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca
FedDev Ontario
Media Relations
feddevontariomediarelations-relationsmedias@feddevontario.gc.ca
Stay Connected
Subscribe to FedDev Ontario's Southern Ontario Spotlight newsletter, featuring economic development news and updates from across the region.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for more information on how we are growing businesses, cultivating partnerships and building strong communities in southern Ontario.
Page details
- Date modified: