Indigenous-led partnership revives Hamilton biodiesel plant

A partnership between HOPA Ports and the Mississaugas of the Credit Business Corporation (MCBC) is reactivating a biodiesel facility at the Port of Hamilton.

The project will be operated by Biidaaban Renewable Energy, a new entity formed by the two partners to restart the plant. With a 51% ownership stake held by MCBC, which represents the business interests of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the initiative is a substantial Indigenous-led investment in sustainable energy and economic development.

Improved policy conditions helped to revitalize the dormant facility. Provincial regulatory updates and federal clean fuel measures have strengthened the economic outlook for Canadian biodiesel production, encouraging renewed investment in domestic infrastructure.

Once operational later this summer, the facility is expected to reduce CO₂e emissions by approximately 130,000 metric tons annually, equivalent to removing more than 28,000 passenger vehicles from the road. It will also support the rebuilding of domestic production capacity, reduce the reliance on imported fuels, and support Canadian agricultural producers and circular economic supply chains.

By acquiring and maintaining the facility during a period of vulnerability, HOPA Ports helped to ensure that the infrastructure remained viable. This intermediary role was key in facilitating a transfer to a new operator and supporting the conditions required to restart operations.

The facility is scheduled to resume operations in August after final preparations and commissioning, subsequently contributing to Canada’s clean fuel transition and reinforcing the strategic role of port-based energy infrastructure.

_{Photo: Biidaaban Renewable Energy facility at the Port of Hamilton, HOPA Ports}