HOPA Ports has reached an agreement with World Energy/Hartree to ensure the continued operation of its biodiesel plant , located on Hamilton port land. The transaction avoids the disposal of vital equipment and paves the way for the reactivation of biodiesel production from local feedstocks.
The Ontario Biodiesel Plant
With over twenty years of operation, this plant has converted used oils, animal fats, and vegetable oils into high-quality biodiesel . It also has a production capacity of 67 million liters per year, has received investments totaling over $70 million, and generates dozens of direct and indirect jobs in the Hamilton region.
The Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks recently implemented a regulatory amendment recognizing the value of Canadian-produced biodiesel within provincial blending requirements. This regulatory decision, along with incentives announced by the federal government, improves the competitiveness of renewable fuel compared to imported options.
HOPA Ports is working with industry stakeholders to identify a qualified operator to resume operations at this facility. The goal is to resume production as soon as possible, leveraging existing infrastructure and maintaining its role as a local diesel blending supplier.
The continued operation of this plant contributes to strengthening Ontario’s agricultural sector by maintaining demand for inputs such as oils and fats. It also supports the transition to biofuels for the Great Lakes maritime fleet and reinforces the local sourcing goals promoted by the “Buy Canada” program .
Source and photo: Hope Ports
