BURNABY, BC (November 04, 2025): NGIF Accelerator is pleased to announce funding of $180,300 to Ekona Power Inc. to support a pilot demonstration of its methane pyrolysis solution for the production of lower-emission hydrogen and solid carbon.
The Global Cleantech Challenge recipient, Burnaby-based Ekona Power, has developed a proprietary methane pyrolysis solution that produces cleaner, lower-emitting hydrogen from natural gas. This innovative process matches the cost of traditional hydrogen production methods while significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
This project, Ekona’s third collaboration with NGIF Accelerator, focuses on the installation of a one-ton-per-day demonstration plant at an industrial customer site. The funding from NGIF Accelerator will enable the completion of a key milestone: the detailed engineering design and site preparation for the demonstration plant. Ekona is currently conducting testing and validation of its reactor platform at its Burnaby pilot facility to confirm performance targets before advancing to field deployment.
Existing production pathways for lower-emission hydrogen are expensive and challenging to deploy. Methane pyrolysis is an emerging, environmentally friendly approach to lower-emitting hydrogen production.
Ekona’s solution is a low-cost, scalable methane pyrolysis technology that can be deployed anywhere natural gas infrastructure exists. Powered by combustion, it converts natural gas feedstock into two valuable co-products: low-carbon hydrogen for industrial use and solid carbon that can be safely handled and transported. The system leverages industry-standard balance-of-plant equipment for carbon handling, hydrogen purification, compression, and thermal energy recovery, streamlining process integration and reducing development risk.
Image: The reactor bay at Ekona Power’s Burnaby pilot plant.
“We’ve had the privilege of witnessing Ekona Power’s technology evolve from early development of proof of concept to this exciting stage of demonstration,” said John Adams, President and CEO, NGIF Accelerator. “It’s inspiring to see this Canadian innovation advancing toward commercialization—proof that lower-emission solutions can deliver real value and impact across the natural gas and hydrogen sectors. Our Industry Grants program and its focus on de-risking technologies through field trials and pilots are part of NGIF’s integrated model of industry validation, customer creation, and technology commercialization.”
“Developing new technology solutions is best with the backing of engaged funding partners, and Ekona is grateful to NGIF for its ongoing active support,” said Chris Reid, CEO, Ekona Power. “Through work supported by NGIF and others, we have a clear understanding of the development pathway for our next-generation reactor to hit commercial targets. This includes critical market and integration considerations that will help us ensure scale-up readiness for future field deployments.”
“Canadians want and need the affordable, reliable, and lower-emission energy service offering they have come to expect from the natural gas industry. When we created NGIF, it was our vision to bring the entire natural gas value chain together to support development that enhances environmental and economic performance for the sector. I am glad to see our vision in action as NGIF continues to support innovations like Ekona Power’s xCaliber™ reactor,” said Timothy M. Egan, President and CEO, Canadian Gas Association, and Chair, NGIF Capital Corporation.
Industry Grants’ Participants and Project Partners
About Industry Grants program
The Industry Grants program is industry-led and offers non-dilutive grants to fund early-stage startups for technology development and field demonstration. The program specifically de-risks pre-commercial technology solutions that have the potential to increase the environmental performance of the natural gas sector. Each project in the program will accelerate technology readiness level progressions through controlled pilot testing and field trials to advance commercialization.
About NGIF Accelerator
NGIF Accelerator is the not-for-profit arm of NGIF Capital and operates all technology and innovation programs. The NGIF Accelerator mandate is to de-risk and accelerate technology development by supporting startups through their pilot projects, field trials, and industry validation. It will coordinate with federal and provincial governments to co-fund projects to advance market commercialization. NGIF Accelerator currently operates the Industry Grants program and administers the NGIF Emissions Testing Centre program.
About Ekona Power Inc.
Ekona Power Inc. is developing a low-cost, scalable methane pyrolysis solution that can be deployed wherever there is natural gas infrastructure. Ekona’s solution—driven by combustion—converts natural gas into hydrogen and solid carbon and is not reliant on carbon capture and storage infrastructure, clean electricity, or water feedstock. It has the potential to achieve hydrogen production costs on par with conventional steam methane reforming (SMR), while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
About Canadian Gas Association
The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is the voice of Canada’s gas energy delivery industry, including natural gas, renewable natural gas (RNG), and hydrogen. Its members are distribution and transmission companies, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, and other service providers. Today, natural gas meets almost 40 percent of the country’s energy needs.
Fund Information:
John Adams
President and CEO, NGIF Accelerator
President and CEO, NGIF Capital Corporation
Media Information:
Dini Philip
Communications Coordinator,
