EverWind Announces Strategic Partnership with Eastward Energy for Domestic Transportation and Supply of Green Hydrogen in Nova Scotia

March 20, 2024

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(EverWind) EverWind Fuels (“EverWind”), a pioneering developer of green hydrogen and ammonia production in Atlantic Canada, is proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Nova Scotia-based energy distribution company Eastward Energy, marking a significant initial step towards making green hydrogen available in Nova Scotia.

The partnership between EverWind and Eastward Energy signifies a mutual commitment to sustainable energy solutions that reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental stewardship in Nova Scotia.

The MOU includes joint collaboration opportunities to develop and scale up the hydrogen value chain in Nova Scotia including building demand by blending hydrogen with natural gas to reduce emissions. Eastward Energy and EverWind will also collaborate to explore opportunities for the storage, transportation, and distribution of green hydrogen.

John Hawkins, President of Eastward Energy: “The future of energy is changing and we’re changing with it. Our sights are set on developing sustainable energy solutions like green hydrogen that will support Nova Scotia’s transition to net-zero emissions and lead to an energy future that’s clean. Eastward Energy’s hydrogen-ready gas distribution system, supported by large-scale green hydrogen projects like EverWind’s, will enable an accelerated energy transition in Nova Scotia. We are looking forward to partnering with EverWind to deliver green hydrogen to decarbonize sectors that will be difficult to electrify such as heavy transportation, industrial facilities, and some large commercial, residential and institutional buildings”.

Trent Vichie, CEO of EverWind Fuels: “We are excited to partner with Eastward Energy in our mission to accelerate the adoption of green hydrogen in Nova Scotia. This partnership will enable us to provide Eastward Energy's customers with green energy options and support the development of hydrogen infrastructure in the province. This is a first step toward setting up the supply chains necessary to transition Nova Scotia’s energy sectors from imported fossil fuels to locally produced clean fuels.”

Recognition of the Mi'kmaw & their Ancestral TerritoryEverWind and Eastward Energy acknowledge the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq people, and we acknowledge them as the past, present, and future caretakers of this land, Mi'kma'ki. Our work shares a core principle practiced by the Mi'kmaq: environmental stewardship. We are committed to working with the Mi'kmaq through consultation, engagement and delivering a comprehensive partnership on all aspects of the project.

About Eastward Energy

Eastward Energy, based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia is the Province’s natural gas distribution utility. Eastward has the exclusive right to distribute natural gas through almost 500 kilometres of pipeline infrastructure in seven counties in Nova Scotia that include the Halifax Regional Municipality, Amherst, New Glasgow, Pictou, and Oxford.Since starting with a single customer in 2003 Eastward Energy has grown significantly to almost one-quarter the size of Nova Scotia Power based on the amount of energy it delivers in the province.

About EverWind Fuels

EverWind is North America's leading independent green hydrogen developer. EverWind received the first Environmental Approval in North America for a large-scale green hydrogen project, and is well progressed in design, engineering, and development for the first phase of both its green energy generation projects and the production facility which will convert this energy into green hydrogen and green ammonia. EverWind owns and operates the deepest ice-free berth on the East Coast of North America, with world class access to rail, roads, and pipelines. Our safety-first culture, evidenced through 18 years without a lost time injury, reflects a highly skilled and extensively certified workforce.

EverWind has three First Nations equity partners and is a champion for meaningful engagement with Rightsholders and the advancement of social and economic reconciliation. At a local level, the Company works closely with municipalities and stakeholder organizations.

EverWind is led by Trent Vichie, a co-founder of Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners, and a former Blackstone Partner. EverWind's development team consists of over 20 members who have previously held senior positions at various infrastructure, private equity, renewable power, engineering, and utility companies. EverWind is also supported by a world-class advisory team including Black & Veatch, ILF, RES, Strum Environmental, McInnes Cooper, King & Spalding, McKinsey, Morgan Stanley, CIBC, and Citi. READ MORE

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EverWind Fuels Awarded $22.5 Million Investment from Government of Canada for Clean Port & Green Fuels Hub (EverWind/PR Newswire)

Excerpt from EverWind/PR Newswire: EverWind Fuels ("EverWind") is pleased to have been awarded $22.5 million through Transport Canada's Green Shipping Corridor Fund, marking a significant milestone in establishing Atlantic Canada as a premier hub for green hydrogen and ammonia production and transportation. The announcement was made by Parliamentary Secretary Mike Kelloway (MP for Cape Breton-Canso) on behalf of Transport Canada Minister Anita Anand, alongside EverWind Fuels CEO Trent Vichie, Port Hawkesbury Mayor Brenda Beaton-Chisholm and indigenous equity partners Chief Terry Paul of Membertou First Nation, Chief Cory Julian of Paqtnkek First Nation, and Chief Wilbert Marshall of Potlotek First Nation.

EverWind Founder and CEO, Trent Vichie stands with Member of Parliament Mike Kelloway, Cape Breton - Canso, Chief Terry Paul, Membertou First Nation, Rose Paul, CEO Bayside Corporate Paqtnkek, and Isaiah Bernard representing Ptolotek First Nation along with municipal representatives at the announcement awarding EverWind with $22.5million from Transport Canada's Green Shipping Corridor Fund. (CNW Group/EverWind Fuels)

This strategic investment will support critical marine and shore-side infrastructure development at EverWind's Point Tupper Terminal, including, but not limited to:

Enhancement of existing marine terminal infrastructure for green fuel handling
Installation of a state-of-the-art green ammonia loading arm
Development of green ammonia supply pipelines

The $22.5 million contribution through Transport Canada's Clean Ports stream is a testament to the strong federal confidence that EverWind continues to lead Canada's green hydrogen and ammonia production sector. This investment will accelerate the development of the EverWind's Point Tupper green hydrogen and green ammonia project and position the Strait of Canso region as a vital hub for sustainable energy development while driving economic growth throughout Nova Scotia and as a transport hub for its sister project on the Burin Peninsula in Newfoundland. The infrastructure supported by this funding will also help catalyze emissions reductions in the marine transportation sector and serve as a gateway for the movement of green fuels from Atlantic Canada to markets at home and abroad.

Indigenous Partnership and Environmental Stewardship

EverWind's success is built on strong partnerships with its First Nations equity partners - Membertou, Paqtnkek, and Potlotek. This collaboration ensures that Mi'kmaw principles of Netukulimk and environmental stewardship are embedded in every aspect of the project's development.

Quotes

"This announcement reflects the Government of Canada's bold commitment to position Nova Scotia as a green energy shipping hub and a global leader in reducing emissions from the transportation sector. We are proud to stand alongside our First Nations partners and celebrate the progress we are making together—along with local, provincial, and federal governments in driving Atlantic Canada's green hydrogen and ammonia production forward, while creating good paying jobs and community benefits right here in the Strait Area"
— Trent Vichie, CEO and Founder of EverWind

"As we continue to face the growing challenges of climate change, it's crucial that we take bold steps to reduce emissions and protect our environment. This investment in EverWind Fuels is a key part of our strategy to build a cleaner, more sustainable future for Canada's economy."

The Honourable Anita Anand
President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport

"Today's announcement highlights the Government of Canada's ongoing commitment to reduce emissions and tackle climate change. By investing in innovative solutions at our ports, we are not only tackling climate change but also ensuring that Canada remains a leader in clean transportation. This is good news for Nova Scotians, and good news for Canadians."

Mike Kelloway
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton—Canso

"The Mi'kmaq have a long-standing tradition of involvement in the marine and fishery industries. This support for clean ports, here in Unama'ki – Cape Breton Island will have generational benefits that will be felt across our communities for the next seven generations. We are incredibly happy to see that the momentum continues to build that will ensure Indigenous communities are helping advance clean energy initiatives."

Chief Terry Paul,
Membertou First Nation

"Paqtnkek has a long relationship with the surrounding waters in Eski'kewaq, the traditional territory of the Paqtnkek. Today's announcement is further proof that now is the time to work extra hard to support the renewable energy and green shipping corridors. Greening the world and creating good jobs for people across our province and within First Nations communities is a win-win opportunity we're glad to be part of."

Chief Cory Julian,
Paqtnkek First Nation

Industry Leadership

With over 20 years of operational history, EverWind's Point Tupper Terminal stands as one of North America's largest transshipment facilities. As one of only four Transport Canadacertified oil spill response organizations in Canada, the terminal exemplifies industryleading standards in safety, security, and environmental stewardship.

EverWinds' existing expertise and infrastructure, combined with this new investment, positions Port Hawkesbury to become a regional leader in sustainable maritime practices. EverWind is committed to building on Cape Breton and Nova Scotia's rich industrial heritage while pivoting responsibly toward the green energy future.

About EverWind Fuels

EverWind is North America's leading independent green hydrogen developer. EverWind received the first Environmental Approval in North America for a large-scale green hydrogen project, and is well progressed in design, engineering, and development for the first phase of both its green energy generation projects and the production facility which will convert this energy into green hydrogen and green ammonia. EverWind owns and operates the deepest ice-free berth on the East Coast of North America, with world class access to rail, roads, and pipelines. Our safety-first culture, evidenced through 19 years without a lost time injury, reflects a highly skilled and extensively certified workforce.

EverWind is also concurrently developing a world scale green fuels project on the Burin Peninsula in Newfoundland & Labrador. This project will be critical in delivering the scale and competitive wind resource required to support the green energy transition ambitions of some of the largest industrial companies in the world. EverWind continues to engage with communities and stakeholders on the Burin Peninsula and work closely with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to ensures the economic, social and environmental prosperity of the region for generations to come. READ MORE