EDMONTON, AB (March 18, 2025): NGIF Accelerator is proud to announce a grant funding contribution of $918,000 to Aurora Hydrogen. This builds on an initial $150,000 funding to support the development of their microwave pyrolysis process for low-carbon distributed hydrogen production. The project aims to provide a low-cost, zero-emission method to produce hydrogen from methane gas.
Aurora Hydrogen, a Global Cleantech Challenge finalist, has created a technology that uses microwave energy to turn methane into hydrogen and solid carbon without the generation of carbon dioxide. The process has a >95% conversion rate, lowering the environmental impact of traditional hydrogen production methods and allowing for scalable production facilities.
“Aurora’s microwave pyrolysis process represents a game changer in hydrogen production. It can help reduce emissions in many areas, including industry, transport, homes, businesses, and power generation in Alberta,” said John Adams, President and CEO of NGIF Accelerator. “Our Industry Grants program and its focus on de-risking clean technologies through field trials and pilots is part of NGIF’s integrated model of industry validation, customer creation, and technology commercialization.”
Image: Conceptual Rendering of Aurora Hydrogen’s Plant
The project will be executed in six phases, starting with the design and analysis of a specialized reactor and ending with the implementation of an industrial-scale unit capable of producing 2,000 kg of hydrogen per day. The process allows for production at sites where natural gas and electricity are readily available, removing the need for extensive hydrogen or carbon dioxide pipeline infrastructure and associated transportation costs.
Aurora Hydrogen’s technology has the potential to improve the environmental performance of gas energy and provide economic growth for Alberta. The company anticipates creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs following the project’s completion. Their integration with existing natural gas infrastructure aims to boost job security in oil and gas while reducing wasted assets, supporting a low-emissions economy.
“At Aurora, we are producing low-cost, low-carbon hydrogen at the point of use and without generating any CO2. We use natural resources, existing pipelines, and distribution systems to move the energy and then convert it to zero-emission hydrogen directly where it is needed. This eliminates the need for new and costly hydrogen transportation and distribution infrastructure, and with NGIF Accelerator’s support, we can deliver affordable energy while leveraging Alberta and Canada’s natural gas abundance,” said Dr. Murray Thomson, co-founder of Aurora Hydrogen.
“Canadians want and need affordable and reliable energy. When we created NGIF, it was our vision to bring the entire natural gas value chain together to support cleantech development that enhances environmental and economic performance for the sector. I am glad to see our vision in action as NGIF continues to support technologies like Aurora’s microwave pyrolysis,” said Timothy M. Egan, President and CEO, Canadian Gas Association and Chair, NGIF Capital Corporation.
Industry Grants’ Participants and Project Partners
About Industry Grants program
The Industry Grants program is industry-led and offers non-dilutive grants to fund early-stage startups for technology development and field demonstration. The program specifically de-risks pre-commercial technology solutions that have the potential to increase the environmental performance of the natural gas sector. Each project in the program will accelerate technology readiness level progressions through controlled pilot testing and field trials to advance commercialization.
About NGIF Accelerator
NGIF Accelerator is the not-for-profit arm of NGIF Capital and operates all technology and innovation programs. The NGIF Accelerator mandate is to de-risk and accelerate technology development by supporting startups through their pilot projects, field trials, and industry validation. It will coordinate with federal and provincial governments to co-fund projects to advance market commercialization. NGIF Accelerator currently operates the Industry Grants program and administers the NGIF Emissions Testing Centre program.
About Aurora Hydrogen
Aurora Hydrogen is developing a low-carbon hydrogen production technology that utilizes efficient microwave energy without generating any CO2 emissions or consuming water. The technology is scalable; units can be installed anywhere and can support hydrogen demand for everything from small fueling stations to large industrial applications. The company was founded in 2021 and is based in Edmonton, Canada.
About Canadian Gas Association
The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is the voice of Canada’s gas energy delivery industry, including natural gas, renewable natural gas (RNG), and hydrogen. Its members are distribution and transmission companies, equipment manufacturers and suppliers and other service providers. Today, natural gas meets almost 40 per cent of the country’s energy needs.
Fund Information:
John Adams
President and CEO, NGIF Accelerator
President and CEO, NGIF Capital Corporation
Media Information:
Ayoola Ajibare
Communications Coordinator, NGIF Capital Corporation
(403)-389-2212
aajibare@ngif.ca
