WINNIPEG, MB, Aug. 26,
2024 /CNW/ - FuelPositive Corporation (TSXV: NHHH)
(OTCQB: NHHHF) (the "Company") is pleased to provide a
comprehensive update highlighting significant progress as the
Company closes in on system activation and broadens its network of
strategic partners.
Key Highlights:
- Manitoba Minister of Finance
Meeting
- Project Timeline Update
- Strengthening the and Addressing Challenges
- Financing Developments
- Sales Efforts
- Strategic Network Expansion
Manitoba Minister of Finance
Meeting:
FuelPositive had a productive meeting with Manitoba's Minister of Finance, Adrien Sala, at the Legislature in Winnipeg on August 19,
2024. The meeting marked a crucial step in advancing
FuelPositive's vision. The discussions indicated a strong synergy
between FuelPositive's goals and Manitoba's priorities, highlighting shared
objectives supporting economic and environmental progress.
While the specific discussions remain confidential, Minister
Sala's understanding and interest were clear. Both FuelPositive and
the Minister's office remain open to continuing the dialogue.
FuelPositive's Key priorities:
- Accelerating the timeline for on-farm Green Ammonia production
in collaboration with Manitoba Hydro.
- Exploring various existing and model energy rates for farmers
producing Green Ammonia on-farm, with the intent of providing
predictable energy costs and support the transition to a
carbon-free economy and global food security.
- Expanding opportunities for carbon credits to benefit
farmers, aligning with the Company's commitment to
decentralized, resilient rural green nitrogen
fertilizer and energy solutions.
- Exploring incentives to encourage the adoption of
decentralized renewable energy across the
province.
- Promoting Green Ammonia as a clean fuel alternative for grain
drying.
- Planning a state-of-the-art automated manufacturing facility in
Manitoba, potentially in the
CentrePort region, to initially scale production to 500 FP1500
systems annually
- Creating numerous clean economy jobs in engineering, science and
skilled trades.
"Our recent meeting with Minister Sala represents a pivotal
milestone for FuelPositive's strategy," said Luna Clifford, Co-Founder and Chief Impact
Officer at FuelPositive. "As Manitoba prepares to finalize key budget
decisions, our ongoing dialogue with the province's leadership
across various ministries, including Agriculture, Economic
Development, Finance, Labour, and the Environment next, positions
FuelPositive to drive innovation while supporting the government's
progressive
goals."
Project Timeline Update:
On August 22, 2024, FuelPositive
engaged with the Ministry of Labour and the Deputy Minister to
discuss Manitoba's evolving
strategy. This strategy increasingly prioritizes initiatives that
create essential clean economy jobs and stimulate substantial
economic growth across the province.
The Deputy Minister was familiar with FuelPositive's project,
and the discussions were constructive in advancing the file through
the process. This alignment with Manitoba's new priorities positions
FuelPositive to contribute meaningfully to the province's clean
energy and agricultural goals.
"We have encountered only support and encouragement since we
arrived in Manitoba, and we are
confident that the current discussions will profoundly impact our
future growth and the broader economic landscape in Manitoba. We look forward to clarifying the
situation regarding the final approval needed to activate the
system," added Ian Clifford,
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board at
FuelPositive.
- Inspection and Technical Services (ITS):
The Company is pleased to provide an update on the final
approval process. The Inspection and Technical Services (ITS)
division of the Ministry of Labour, responsible for inspecting
pressure vessels, will conduct their final on-site inspection
during the last week of August. This inspection is anticipated to
be a crucial step—a milestone eagerly awaited by stakeholders—as it
will provide a clear timeline for approval, enabling FuelPositive
to move forward with activation and secure its first sales.
ITS is responsible for Boiler and Pressure Vessel safety in
Manitoba. Through physical and
remote inspections, ITS is committed to working with industry and
owners to reduce safety risks by confirming compliance with The
Steam and Pressure Plants Act, The Power Engineers Act, and the
Regulations set out by the Government of Manitoba.
ITS works with industry to oversee the safe construction,
installation, and operation of Boilers and Pressure Vessels within
Manitoba. ITS works with equipment
owners, manufacturers, installers, and licensed power engineers to
ensure safety standards are followed. ITS enforces Boiler and
Pressure Vessel safety standards through design registration,
inspections, examinations, and licensing.
FuelPositive is pleased to report that it has secured
September 17 as the date for the
final power connection to the site. The Company is actively working
with Manitoba Hydro to accelerate this timeline.
With over 50 years of experience, Manitoba Hydro has become one
of Canada's largest energy
utilities that generates, transmits, and distributes electricity
primarily from renewable hydroelectric sources. Manitoba Hydro
shares FuelPositive's vision of delivering clean energy solutions
to support the well-being of Manitobans and contribute to the
province's long-term prosperity. www.hydro.mb.ca
"We are now fully engaged and ready to showcase our technology.
We are excited to be at this pivotal juncture and look forward to
sharing further progress with our stakeholders," stated
Janusz McNeill, Head of Electrical
Engineering and Project Completion Co-Lead.
Strengthening the Team: Promoting Excellence and Addressing
Challenges
FuelPositive is taking decisive steps to overcome the July
activation setbacks and a series of avoidable delays caused by
internal challenges. While these setbacks were unexpected, they
have provided an opportunity for FuelPositive to refine its focus,
strengthen its team, and reinforce its commitment to operational
excellence. The Company has addressed these challenges head-on,
implementing improvements that have restored momentum and
strengthened its ability to achieve its mission.
FuelPositive's commitment to transparency and continuous
improvement remains unwavering. By learning from recent experiences
and strengthening the team's capabilities, FuelPositive has
regained momentum and is driving its mission forward with renewed
resolve. These proactive measures have already proven beneficial,
setting the stage for imminent activation and paving the way for
the Company's long-term, consistent growth.
FuelPositive is proud to announce the promotion of three
outstanding team members whose leadership, perseverance, and
expertise have been instrumental in overcoming these
challenges:
- Martin Cina has been promoted to
Head of Mechanical Engineering and Project Completion Co-Lead
- Janusz McNeill has been promoted
to Head of Electrical Engineering and Project Completion
Co-Lead
- Francisco Mora has been promoted
to Head of Chemical Engineering.
These leaders are spearheading critical initiatives that have
realigned FuelPositive's timeline and driven the Company
forward.
"Our team of highly qualified and creative experts in chemical,
electrical, and mechanical engineering, as well as skilled trades,
is deeply committed to our mission of supporting farmers and
protecting the environment. The elevation of these key individuals
to Project Lead roles in their area of expertise has significantly
enhanced the efficiency and transparency of our Manitoba project. Their hard work, vision and
accountability, along with the contributions of other key team
members, have allowed us to move forward with renewed confidence
and excitement for what lies ahead for FuelPositive in Manitoba," said Cheryl
Allen, Chief People and Culture Officer.
Financing Developments:
FuelPositive is actively pursuing multiple avenues to secure
non-dilutive funding, essential for driving the next expansion
stage.
Recent developments include:
- Consistent engagement with Farm Credit Canada (FCC), and
strategic meetings with FuelPositive's Senior Relationship Manager,
Andrew Chewpa and others.
- The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
has shown strong interest, highlighted by FuelPositive's
participation in a recent RBC roundtable in Manitoba
- FCC and RBC have both demonstrated strong interest in fueling
FuelPositive's growth. They are actively collaborating with the
Company to develop innovative financing solutions that will make
FuelPositive's technology accessible to more farmers, including
those who may not be able to purchase systems outright. These
programs may include lease-to-own models, ensuring broader adoption
of FuelPositive's solutions and driving the transition to
sustainable farming.
- Final TSX approval is expected imminently, and FuelPositive
look forward to concluding the previously announced private
placement within the next few days
RBC Climate Action Institute:
FuelPositive is honoured to have had the opportunity to
participate in the roundtable "Ideas into Action: Investing in
Manitoba's Agriculture and
Agri-Food Sector to Drive Innovation" on August 14, hosted by the RBC Climate Action
Institute and John Stackhouse,
Senior Vice President, Office of the CEO. The event took place at
the University of Manitoba's Glenlea
Research Station. The roundtable focused on transforming visionary
ideas into actionable strategies for advancing innovation in
Manitoba's agriculture and
agri-processing sectors. This roundtable brought together a select
group of stakeholders to collaboratively explore transformative
investments that can build a robust ecosystem of partners and
amplify impact across Canada.
The discussions identified bold opportunities for Manitoba's agriculture sector and turning
innovative ideas into concrete, directed investments that will
drive meaningful change. Much of the discussion was focused on the
imperative of Green Ammonia adoption; FuelPositive is proud to
contribute to this forward-thinking dialogue and be part of shaping
the future of sustainable agriculture in Manitoba.
Conserving Capital:
Simultaneously, the Company is carefully managing resources by
streamlining operations and temporarily pausing secondary
initiatives. These efforts are designed to conserve capital and
sharpen focus as FuelPositive transitions toward securing sales
post-activation and future manufacturing. With these strategic
actions, FuelPositive is positioning itself to advance confidently
into the next stage of its mission.
"The recent delays in Manitoba
have added challenges to our capital-raising efforts, as some
stakeholders prefer to wait until activation is complete. However,
this transitional time is precisely when their support is most
crucial. The Company is confident that momentum will shift rapidly
once our system is activated." stated Ian
Clifford, CEO. Throughout the summer, we've welcomed
numerous stakeholders to our site, all with a keen interest in
investing or purchasing systems once we are fully operational."
Sales Efforts:
"FuelPositive has identified and qualified many potential
customers in Manitoba for the
FP1500 system over the summer and remains committed to the prompt
activation of its first on-farm system, which will trigger the
first sales and help the company with its focus on transitioning
towards revenue generation," stated Michael
Heslin, Director of Sales at FuelPositive. "The Company is
busy with multiple visits to the Sperling site each week from potential
investors and customers of the FuelPositive technology."
Amongst recent visitors:
- RBC Agricultural Banking
- FCC Valuations
- Manitoba Ministry of Agriculture
- The Keystone Potato Producers' Association (KPPA) Susan Ainsworth
- Meridian Manufacturing
- Bioscience Association of Manitoba (BAM)
- Winnipeg Chamber of
Commerce
- Canada Ukraine Chamber of
Commerce
- Bryan Lung, Engineering
Supervisor, Carl Havixbeck,
Technical Sales and Lorne Grieger,
Director, Technical Sales from Prairie Agricultural Machinery
Institute (PAMI).
- Numerous farmers
"With nearly 50 years of pioneering agricultural innovation,
PAMI has transformed traditional farming into a modern, sustainable
industry. Our deep-rooted passion for agriculture and commitment to
continuous improvement drives us to support advancements such as
FuelPositive's On-Farm Green Ammonia technology.
We believe it has the power to enhance food security, fertilizer
sustainability, and agriculture efficiency in a rapidly changing
world. With our expertise in agri-food processing, process
management, machine testing, and more, we are dedicated to
fostering a future where agriculture thrives through innovation,"
stated Carl Havixbeck, Technical
Sales at PAMI.
"FuelPositive's decentralized approach offers
significant advantages over traditional fertilizer companies that
rely on centralized production and complex supply chains. Unlike
conventional fertilizers that must be transported to farms
seasonally or as needed, facing increasing delays due to strikes,
infrastructure challenges, or labor disputes—such as the recent
tensions with Air Canada and CN—FuelPositive's technology allows
farmers to produce Green Ammonia directly on their farms," added
Luna Clifford CIO. "Centralized supply chains are vulnerable to
disruptions from failing infrastructure, human disputes, and
logistical bottlenecks, which are likely to worsen over time,
leading to significant delays and added stress for farmers. With
FuelPositive, farmers gain greater control and independence,
protecting their operations from the many points of friction that
can arise in centralized systems."
Expansion of Strategic Networks:
FuelPositive is grateful for its tremendous progress, thanks to
the exceptional support from the Company's expanding network of
Manitoba-based advisors and
farmers, including Dr. Mario Tenuta,
Darrell Brown, Chad Berry, and Rick
Rutherford. Their expertise and connections in Manitoba have been vital in supporting the
Company's engagement with strategic stakeholders and interested
farmers, guiding the Manitoba
project and growth initiatives toward success.
"We are incredibly grateful to be supported by such a dedicated and
knowledgeable network. Our advisor's generous support, valuable
advice, and strong connections have consistently reinforced our
confidence that Manitoba is the
ideal location for our Company's future success. We are inspired by
the incredible people we have met leading progress, innovation, and
excellence across technology, agriculture, the environment, and
social and economic development," added Luna Clifford, CIO.
- Bioscience Association of Manitoba (BAM):
Through this growing network, FuelPositive was introduced to
Andrea Ladouceur, President, and
Janelle Hacault, Business
Development Manager of the Bioscience Association of Manitoba (BAM), who invited FuelPositive to
become members.
BAM connects its members with key industry players and provides
valuable insights into the ag-tech and bioscience sectors. Thanks
to BAM, FuelPositive has established connections with new
stakeholders, including PrairiesCan, CentrePort, Westcap, and
others.
Additionally, FuelPositive will be featured in BAM's Annual
Report and a new promotional video alongside seven other handpicked
companies representing and promoting technology and bioscience in
Manitoba. FuelPositive is also
proud to have been selected to participate in an upcoming event at
the Manitoba legislature in
September, highlighting the province's top technology and
bioscience companies.
Andrea Ladouceur, President of
BAM, expressed her excitement for FuelPositive's impact, stating,
"BAM is very excited with the impact that Fuel Positive will make
with this technology. It will increase producers' options to access
needed inputs to help us continue to feed the world while
addressing climate change by reducing GHGs. This type of innovation
is key to meeting the challenges of today and tomorrow."
Bioscience Association Manitoba (BAM) is an industry association
for Manitoba's bioscience sector
and supports over 150 member companies in health, agriculture, and
clean biotechnology. BAM is dedicated to providing industry
development, advocacy, workforce development, industry promotion
and connectivity." https://biomb.ca
- Rural Manitoba Economic Development (RMED):
Thanks to the efforts of Deanna
Fridfinnson, the Economic Development Advisor at Rural
Manitoba Economic Development (RMED), FuelPositive has begun
connecting with key rural community stakeholders, including farmers
and city councils. RMED has already started assisting FuelPositive
in meeting farmers, potential buyers and investors and evaluating
potential manufacturing locations near the Winnipeg airport and CentrePort. Their
guidance has introduced FuelPositive to promising areas to
potentially build the Company's new manufacturing capabilities that
offer strategic advantages like proximity to the Company customer
base, skilled labour, affordable housing and tax incentives.
Deanna Fridfinnson, RMED's
Economic Development Advisor, expressed RMED's endorsement,
stating, "RMED proudly supports FuelPositive in their mission to
revolutionize on-farm Green Ammonia and clean energy production. We
are committed to fostering collaboration and connecting resources
to help FuelPositive thrive in rural Manitoba with their innovative on-site
containerized Green Ammonia systems."
Manitoba is an ideal location
for FuelPositive Corporation's growth due to its green grid and
affordable electricity, which support sustainable manufacturing
operations. The province offers abundant and cost-effective space
for expansion and strategic distribution access that reduces
shipping costs to customers in Canada and beyond. Manitoba's government also strongly supports
sustainable agriculture and green anhydrous ammonia initiatives,
providing many valuable resources and aligning with the Company's
mission.
Manitoba is also focused on
green job creation and is committed to a carbon-free economy. With
a large customer base of technology-driven farmers and access to
areas like CentrePort for mass manufacturing and distribution,
Manitoba provides the ideal
setting for FuelPositive's expansion.
FuelPositive is collaborating with Mindscape Studios to capture
the excitement of the Company's first system's delivery and
commissioning. Their stunning drone footage and photography,
combined with interviews featuring FuelPositive's team members and
advisors, culminate in an engaging informational and promotional
video highlighting the passion and dedication driving the Company's
mission. This project is a genuine team effort, bringing all
employees together to celebrate these significant milestones as
FuelPositive prepares for activation.
Gosia Fazio, Co-Founder of
Mindscape Studios Inc., shared her thoughts on the collaboration:
"From the moment we met Luna and Ian
Clifford, we were struck by their profound passion and the
transformative potential of their mission. The concept of producing
Green Ammonia from renewable energy right here in Manitoba is groundbreaking. As we interviewed
various members of the FuelPositive team, it became clear that
their shared commitment to this vision transcends roles and
backgrounds. Everyone we spoke to shares a common drive to create a
greener, more sustainable future. The energy at the farm site is
palpable, with a collective belief that this project could redefine
agricultural practices across Canada and beyond. We at Mindscape Studios are
thrilled to contribute to documenting FuelPositive's pioneering
work."
In Summary:
As the Company approaches critical milestones, FuelPositive is
entering an exciting phase of growth and innovation. With the
continued support of its stakeholders, strategic partners, and a
strengthened team, FuelPositive is well-positioned to revolutionize
the agricultural industry with the Company's Green Ammonia
technology. The momentum FuelPositive has built through its recent
achievements sets the stage for a future filled with transformative
possibilities.
The Company looks forward to sharing more updates as it moves
toward activation and beyond. FuelPositive is confident in the
positive impact it can make in Manitoba, across Canada, and around the world.
About FuelPositive Corporation
FuelPositive is a Canadian technology company dedicated to
delivering commercially feasible and sustainable clean technology
solutions that follow a circular approach, ensuring the entire
lifecycle of our products is environmentally friendly. This
includes an on-farm/onsite, containerized Green Ammonia (NH3)
production system that effectively eliminates carbon emissions
during the production process.
By focusing on technologies that are clean, sustainable,
economically advantageous and realizable, the Company aims to help
mitigate climate change, addressing unsustainable agricultural
practices through innovative technology and practical solutions
that can be implemented now. The FuelPositive on-farm/onsite,
containerized Green Ammonia production system is designed to
produce pure, anhydrous ammonia for multiple applications,
including fertilizer for farming, fuel for grain drying and
internal combustion engines, a practical alternative for fuel cells
and a solution for grid storage. Green Ammonia is also considered a
key enabler of the hydrogen economy.
FuelPositive systems are designed to provide for Green Ammonia
production on-farm/onsite, where and when needed. This eliminates
wildly fluctuating supply chains and offers end-users clean
fertilizer, energy and Green Ammonia supply security while
eliminating carbon emissions from the production process. The first
customers will be farmers. Farmers use 80% of the traditional grey
ammonia produced today as fertilizer.
See pre-sale details
here: https://fuelpositive.com/pre-sales/.
FuelPositive Corporation is based in Waterloo and Manitoba (Canada) and trades on the TSX
Venture Exchange under the symbol NHHH and in the USA on the OTCQB under the symbol NHHHF.
Cautionary Statement
Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered
highly speculative. No stock exchange, securities commission or
other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the
information contained herein. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor
its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the
adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain "forward-looking information"
and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking
statements") that are based on expectations, estimates and
projections as of the date of this news release. The information in
this release about future plans and objectives of the Company,
including with respect to further testing and implementation of the
FP300 system, are forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and
estimates of management of the Company at the time they were made
and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors which may cause the actual results, performance or
achievements of the Company to be materially different from any
future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by
such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are
necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that,
while considered reasonable by the Company as of the time of such
statements, are inherently subject to significant business,
economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These
estimates and assumptions may prove to be incorrect.
Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can directly or
indirectly affect and could cause, actual results to differ
materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking
statements. There can be no assurance that forward-looking
information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future
events could differ materially from those anticipated in such
statements.
Forward-looking information is provided to provide information
about management's expectations and plans relating to the future.
The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or
revise any forward-looking information or to explain any material
difference between subsequent actual events and such
forward-looking information, except to the extent required by
applicable law.
SOURCE FuelPositive Corp.