News Release

For Immediate Release
August 23, 2007

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT GREENING ONTARIO’S ECONOMY

New Technologies Will Help Make Industry More Sustainable

MISSISSAUGA – The McGuinty government is investing $3 million in six new projects designed to bring innovations to market that will help make Ontario industry more environmentally sustainable, Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Harinder Takhar announced today on behalf of the Premier and Minister of Research and Innovation Dalton McGuinty.

“We are on the side of Ontarians who want a strong economy and a clean environment,” said Premier McGuinty. “These projects will help keep Ontario on the cutting-edge of the green revolution.”

“These projects will help key industries in Ontario — the auto, energy and telecom sectors — reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and petrochemicals,” said Takhar. “They will also help develop a strong, competitive green sector in this province, an emerging market with global potential.”

Ontario’s $3 million investment will help commercialize six new clean technology projects:

• The Ontario Fuel Cell Innovation Program will provide $1.63 million to four fuel cell projects. Fuel cells are battery-like devices that combine oxygen and hydrogen to generate electricity. Giving off only water and heat, fuel cell technology is the next generation of clean energy.

• The Innovation Demonstration Fund will invest $1.4 million on two projects focused on commercializing biomaterials with applications in the auto sector. By replacing materials made with petrochemicals with biomaterials based on natural sources, the process of manufacturing vehicles in Ontario will become more environmentally sustainable.

Together, these projects demonstrate the role innovation is playing in the creation of a cleaner, more prosperous economy.

“Ontario’s support for our backup power and material handling initiatives will help grow emerging commercial opportunities,” said Daryl Wilson, Hydrogenics President and CEO. “These represent stepping stones on the path to a cleaner energy future where Ontario can be a real contributor in providing global products and solutions.”

"Enbridge Gas Distribution has a long history of serving customers with dependable energy and delivering conservation programs in Ontario," said Al Monaco, President of Enbridge Gas Distribution.  "This alternative energy project is a global first, and it is an example of our commitment to sustainability.  Along with several Enbridge projects that support new gas-fired generation projects in the province, the Ontario Fuel Cell Innovation Program assists industry in showcasing how ultra-clean technologies can meet the province's electricity needs."

“The environment continues to be at the forefront of challenges that face industries,” said Dr. Hamdy Khalil, Woodbridge’s Global Director of R&D and Product Development. ”As a leading supplier of automotive urethane technologies, Woodbridge is working hard to improve the environment. With the Ontario government’s support, we plan to bring to market lightweight urethane products that will be made from renewable soybean oil derivatives and reduce our use of conventional petroleum based chemicals.”

“Ontario’s support will help us demonstrate the commercial viability of our Green Inside composites,” said Geoff Clarke, President & CEO, GreenCore Composites Inc. “The composites provide automakers, and manufacturers of consumer and industrial products such as furniture, toys, and containers with an alternative to conventional plastics that provide high performance, are recyclable and more environmentally friendly.

The Ontario Fuel Cell Innovation Program and the Innovation Demonstration Fund are part of the McGuinty government’s strategy to help turn research and ideas into new products and services for the marketplace.

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