HPQ Silicon awarded up to $3-million from Ottawa

Executive Summary

• HPQ Silicon Inc. has been awarded up to $3 million in federal funding from Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Innovation Program to accelerate the commercialization of its silicon-based battery materials.
• The funding is designated to cover capital costs for constructing HPQ’s first 50-tonne-per-year continuous production system for manufacturing silicon-based anode materials.
• This investment marks a pivotal transition from research and development to commercial scale-up, supporting the production of HPQ Endura+ lithium-ion cells in collaboration with technology partner Novacium.

Key Details

• Funding Amount: Up to $3 million CAD.
• Funding Source: Government of Canada, specifically the Energy Innovation Program's battery industry acceleration call for proposal, administered by Natural Resources Canada.
• Project Scope: Construction of HPQ's first 50-tonne-per-year continuous production system.
• Technology Partner: Novacium (a cleantech start-up based in Lyon, France, founded by Dr. Jed Kraiem, Dr. Oleksiy Nichiporuk, and Dr. Julien Degoulange).
• Product Application: The silicon-based material is the core component of HPQ Endura+ commercial lithium-ion battery cells, specifically:
  • 18650 cells (4,000 mAh).
  • 21700 cells (6,000 mAh).
• Manufacturing Advantage: The proprietary continuous manufacturing system is described as scalable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective compared to conventional batch methods, producing high-purity silicon-based material for next-generation battery chemistry.
• Strategic Impact: The project aims to establish HPQ as a Canadian leader in the global battery materials supply chain and advanced materials sector, contributing to Canada's clean energy transition and battery ecosystem.

Notable Quotes

• Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO: "This strategic investment is a strong endorsement of our technology and the commercial potential of HPQ's silicon-based materials -- supporting not only our HPQ Endura+ battery line, but a wide range of high-growth applications... With this support, we are positioned to accelerate our path to commercialization and our vertical integration, which is a key to be competitive, drive value for our shareholders and establish HPQ as a Canadian leader in the global battery materials supply chain and advanced materials sector."
• Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources: "Projects like HPQ Silicon's strengthen Canada's ability to manufacture components for high-performance batteries and are creating a world-class battery ecosystem. By adding value to our critical minerals and supporting home-grown talent, Canada is shaping the future of battery innovation and building a strong, secure economy."
• Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources: "Canada is taking action to build a nation that is ready to unlock the strength, potential and innovation of our workers, businesses and resources. The work being done by HPQ Silicon is a key part of that goal."