Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority takes steps to secure future of Biox biodiesel plant

The former Biox biodiesel plant in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. (Photo: HOPA Ports)

The Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA Ports) has taken action to help ensure the preservation and continued operation of the biodiesel facility in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, previously operated by Biox Corp. 

Recognized for its strategic value, the Biox facility has operated on port lands for more than two decades, converting used cooking oil, animal fats and seed oils into high-quality biodiesel.  

Over its lifespan, the plant has seen more than CAD$70 million (USD$50.5 million) in investment.  

The plant has a production capacity of 67 million liters (17.7 million gallons) annually, supports 33 direct and 134 indirect jobs and plays a vital role in Ontario’s energy autonomy, according to HOPA Ports. 

Recent milestones have paved the way for the facility’s new chapter.  

On Aug. 15, HOPA Ports finalized an agreement with previous owners World Energy/Hartree, securing the plant assets, preventing the liquidation of essential equipment and maintaining the plant’s ability to restart operations.  

In parallel, HOPA is actively engaging with industry partners to identify a suitable operator capable of maintaining biodiesel production at this Hamilton facility. 

Regulatory progress has bolstered the outlook for domestic biodiesel.  

The Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks has enacted a regulatory amendment to support the use of Canadian-produced biodiesel in provincial blending requirements.  

This change helps secure a viable, competitive future for local producers. 

“We applaud the province of Ontario for its prompt action and we are grateful to Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath for her steadfast advocacy with Premier Ford and the provincial government,” said Ian Hamilton, the president and CEO of HOPA Ports. “These collaborative efforts, combined with the federal government’s recent announcement of production incentives, send a clear message of support for Canada’s renewable energy sector.” 

HOPA Ports said these actions provide the opportunity to help return this facility to active production, supporting jobs in Hamilton and the surrounding area, providing diesel suppliers with a local source of biodiesel for blending and fortifying Ontario’s agricultural sector by maintaining a reliable market for local feedstock.  

Additionally, it aligns with the Great Lakes fleet’s transition to marine biofuels.