OTTAWA, ON (October 27, 2022) NGIF Industry Grants, a division of NGIF Capital Corporation, is providing $160,000 in grant funding to support the development of Apogee Ceramics’ high-efficiency natural gas-fueled solid oxide fuel cell micro combined heat and power system (SOFC mCHP.)
The funding will facilitate the development of technology that generates emission-free electricity without fuel combustion as well as provide hot water for heating domestic water for space heating. This innovative cleantech mCHP system will drastically reduce GHG emissions by employing a proprietary SOFC that operates at 650°C compared to 750–900 °C operated by other mCHP providers.
Apogee Ceramics, experts in engineered ceramics, burner systems design, heat transfer and boiler manufacturing, is the first company to design and develop a prototype of the new ultra-energy efficient SOFC mCHP in Canada.
This project will promote the use of clean natural gas and lower operating temperatures, allowing for lower-cost material use and a more cost-effective design. The system’s electrical conversion efficiency of up to 74 per cent allows it to use 50 per cent less fuel than conventional power generation technologies. Less fuel usage results in fewer GHG emissions.
Image: Apogee Ceramics’ mCHP Prototype Design
“The environmental and economic benefits of Apogee Ceramics’ cleantech solution will include major reductions in GHG emissions and an increase in skilled job creation, which will impact the local economy,” said John Adams, President and CEO of NGIF Capital Corporation and Managing Partner of NGIF Cleantech Ventures. “NGIF Industry Grants and its focus on de-risking startups and their clean technologies through field trials and pilots are part of NGIF’s integrated model of industry validation, customer creation, and market commercialization.”
“Apogee’s core values are built around the development of innovative products. More so now than ever, Apogee understands the importance of creating a cleantech solution to help minimize the environmental impact of power generation through the consumption of fossil fuels. The NGIF grants will help support the design optimization and prototype construction of our ultra-efficient SOFC mCHP, demonstrating the first Canadian system to be designed under the operation of natural gas.” says Apogee Ceramics Vice President, Clint Murray. “Upon completion of the project, Apogee will be equipped with mCHP capabilities, which will position us as an international leader in SOFC mCHP technology with a forward outlook on using the same SOC technology for green H2 generation.”
“It is exciting to see NGIF’s support for the design and development of Apogee Ceramics’ mCHP system. This innovation will allow the natural gas industry to continue supporting its customers with cost-effective energy solutions that improve environmental performance while enhancing reliability,” said Timothy M. Egan, President and CEO, Canadian Gas Association and Chair, NGIF Capital Corporation.
NGIF Investors and Project Partners
About NGIF Industry Grants
NGIF Industry Grants is a first-of-kind, industry-led grant organization to fund early-stage startups developing solutions to environmental and other challenges facing Canada’s natural gas sector. NGIF Industry Grants develops, demonstrates, and de-risks these technology solutions through field trials and pilot projects to drive innovation and support environmental goals in Canada. NGIF Industry Grants’ investment focus is on existing natural gas production, transmission, distribution, storage, and end-use applications, as well as projects that will lead to the expanded production of emerging gaseous fuels like renewable natural gas and hydrogen. The organization has built a portfolio of startups, trusted partnerships with the government for co-funding opportunities, and a robust technical evaluation investment model. NGIF Industry Grants is operated by NGIF Capital Corporation.
About NGIF Capital Corporation
NGIF Capital Corporation is a Canadian venture capital (VC) firm offering grant and equity financing for startups that deliver solutions to the environmental and other challenges facing the natural gas sector. NGIF Capital Corporation is unique in how it brings Canada’s energy industry leadership to every investment. Like other VCs, it takes new companies and their ideas from concept to commercialization. Unlike other VCs, NGIF Capital Corporation has strong connections to every part of the gas value chain, from production through to end-use, offering it a means to test, develop, and accelerate the commercial implementation of innovative gas technology wherever it fits in the sector. The model benefits consumers, investors, and Canadian society as a whole. NGIF Capital Corporation operates NGIF Industry Grants (the original Natural Gas Innovation Fund), the NGIF Emissions Testing Centre, and NGIF Cleantech Ventures. NGIF Capital Corporation is wholly owned by CGA Enterprises, a venture of the Canadian Gas Association.
About Apogee Ceramics
Apogee Ceramics is a leader in the combustion/refractory industry. Apogee Ceramics began as a vision of three individuals with more than 40 years of collective experience in the ceramic manufacturing industry. Apogee has attracted the best and most experienced ceramics industry operators in the region. Apogee’s workforce has made ceramic components for a combined total of more than 300 years. Based in Ontario, Canada with facilities in the U.S., Mexico, Spain and India, Apogee is ideally situated to serve customers efficiently. Customers benefit from the very best expertise required to manufacture quality products, as well as the highest level of service. For more details, visit: www.apogeeceramics.com
About CGA
The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is the voice of Canada’s gaseous energy delivery industry, including natural gas, renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen. CGA membership includes energy distribution and transmission companies, equipment manufacturers, and suppliers of goods and services to the industry. CGA’s utility members are Canadian-owned and active in eight provinces and one territory. CGA members meet 38 per cent of Canada’s energy needs through a network of over 577,000 kilometres of underground infrastructure. The versatility and resiliency of this infrastructure allows it to deliver an ever-changing gas supply mix to over 7.4 million customer locations representing approximately two-thirds of Canadians. CGA members ensure Canadians get the affordable, reliable, clean gaseous energy they want and need. CGA is also working to constantly improve that gaseous energy offering, by driving forward innovation through the Natural Gas Innovation Fund (NGIF).
Fund Information:
John Adams
President and CEO, NGIF Capital Corporation
Managing Partner, NGIF Cleantech Ventures
613-748-0057
jadams@ngif.ca
Media Information:
Ayoola Ajibare
Communications Coordinator, NGIF Capital Corporation
(403) 389-2212
aajibare@ngif.ca