Hamilton Port secures biofuels future

The agreement will see the Hamilton biodiesel plant reactivated under Biidaaban Renewable Energy, a newly formed entity majority owned by the Mississaugas of the Credit Business Corporation (MCBC).

“HOPA’s objective has always been to protect this critical energy infrastructure and ensure it remains part of Canada’s energy future,” said Ian Hamilton, President & CEO, HOPA Ports.

“By preserving the facility through a challenging period, we’ve been able to support a transition to new ownership that secures jobs, strengthens domestic production capacity, and puts the asset back to work for the region.” 

Fuel autonomy

The project aims to restore domestic fuel production capacity, strengthen Canada’s clean fuels sector and safeguard critical port infrastructure after the facility faced permanent closure.

It’s a partnership supported by a new memorandum of understanding between HOPA Ports and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN), establishing a framework for future collaboration.

MCBC holds a 51% ownership stake in the project, positioning the development as a significant Indigenous-led investment in Ontario’s clean energy and fuel production infrastructure.

The reopening comes amid improving policy conditions for alternative fuels and biofuels in Canada, following regulatory changes in Ontario and federal support measures designed to improve the competitiveness of domestic biodiesel production.

Biidaaban Renewable Energy has secured long-term operational arrangements for the Pier 14 facility and plans to resume operations later this summer following commissioning work.

The Hamilton facility is expected to reduce approximately 130,000 tonnes of CO₂e emissions annually while supporting Canadian agricultural producers and circular supply chains through the use of agricultural and waste-based feedstocks.