Steeper Energy signs MOU with Invest Alberta to commercialize Hydrofaction tech

In Canada, Steeper Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Invest Alberta Corporation to commercialize Steeper’s proprietary Hydrofaction technology within Alberta, aligning with Alberta’s broader goal of becoming Canada’s cleantech leader.

Steeper’s Hydrofaction technology is a proprietary form of Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) which over Steeper’s 12-year history has been proven capable of converting a wide range of biowaste feedstocks to flexible renewable biocrude. Hydrofaction® biocrude can be used directly or upgraded for use as a renewable marine, diesel, or aviation fuel.

The MOU formalizes the intent of Invest Alberta and Steeper to realize the development of a first-of-its-kind Hydrofaction commercial plant in Alberta. Invest Alberta will provide Steeper with support to build connections with project stakeholders, optimize potential incentives, advise regarding regulatory requirements, and communicate the impact that this project will have on Alberta’s ever-expanding renewable energy landscape. It is anticipated that the project will spur economic growth, create high-quality and sustainable job opportunities within local and Indigenous communities, and further diversify Alberta’s renewable technologies sector, reinforcing its status as a global innovation hub.

Steeper’s first commercial plant will focus on the use of third generation biomass, which is the most prolifically available on the planet and includes wastes that have no or little commercial value, are not used as a food, and do not displace food-growing land. Examples of this are non-commercial forestry waste such as treetops, limbs, bark and sawdust, bagasse (sugar-cane waste) the biogenic portion of urban waste, and corn stover (all the non-kernel portion of corn production). In Alberta, Steeper’s first plant will specifically focus on the large volumes of forestry waste that would otherwise need to be burned to manage forest fire risk.

Steeper is actively identifying potential commercial partners and evaluating sites for construction of this project. This MOU aligns with efforts already underway in relation to activity under Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) where Steeper was awarded $5 million in funding in 2021 focused on establishing a first commercial scale plant in Alberta.