HPQ Silicon Inc. (“HPQ” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: HPQ,
OTCQB: HPQFF, FRA: O08), a technology company
specializing in green engineering of silica and silicon-based
materials, is pleased to update shareholders on the latest hydrogen
milestones achieved by its France-based affiliate, NOVACIUM SAS
(Novacium).
A disruptive technology
Novacium METAGENETM is an autonomous on demand hydrogen
production system using hydrolysis which can generate compressed
hydrogen at pressures needed for industrial civilian and military
applications.
The Patent Pending technology's key innovation lies in its
unique ability to use a bulk, non-explosive, and non-hazardous
aluminum silicon-based alloy as the consumable energy source for
hydrogen production. This breakthrough addresses the two critical
issues highlighted in an August 21, 2021 MIT News Article that have
hindered aluminum from being used as a safe and economical hydrogen
source: ensuring the aluminum surface remains clean and reactive
with water and enabling the use of scrap aluminum from various
sources as feedstock, since pure aluminum is energy-intensive to
mine and produce.
METAGENETM offers another unique advantage: the process operates
without requiring electricity, extensive storage, or complex
transportation infrastructure, providing a truly autonomous
solution. In contrast, traditional hydrogen production systems,
such as electrolysis and steam methane reforming, are
capital-intensive, emit significant amounts of carbon, and depend
on large quantities of electricity, along with costly storage and
complex logistical transportation infrastructures.
Technology validated at lab scale
In July 2022, a lab-scale pilot plant was designed, built, and
assembled at Novacium's laboratory. Preliminary tests were
conducted over a 10-month period, culminating in the filing of a
provisional patent application in May 2023 for a
low-carbon-footprint, chemical-based, on-demand, high-pressure
autonomous hydrogen production system (HPQ September 7, 2023,
release).
Testing continued over the 18 months leading up to the patent's
progression to the PCT national phase. During this time, efforts
focused on completing the scale-up design for an industrial pilot
plant and initiating discussions with potential clients to secure
grant financing covering 35% to 75% of the costs required to
deliver the first working prototype.
As shown in the image below, the process uses a bulk,
non-explosive, and non-hazardous aluminum-silicon-based alloy as
the consumable energy source to produce hydrogen. [link to a short
video demonstrating the reaction].
Image 1) Lab-scale pilot plant reactor in
action
Very positive research report from patent examiners
received prior to entering the PCT national phase
In October 2024, Novacium received a highly commendatory
research report from the patent examiner's office reviewing its
provisional patent application. The report not only highlighted the
unique value proposition of the technology but also stated that no
prior art could be identified, making the patent very strong.
“It is rare, in a field as established as hydrolysis, to achieve
a true technological breakthrough,” said Dr. Jed Kraiem, Chief
Operating Officer of Novacium. “The recognition of our process as
unprecedented, with no prior art, demonstrates that it is still
possible to push the boundaries of innovation, even in mature
fields.”
“For startups like HPQ and Novacium, having a solid intellectual
property portfolio is crucial. It not only allows us to protect our
technologies but also enhances their value and strengthens our
position in the market,” added Dr. Kraiem.
Technology generates strong interest from defence and
civilian related partners in Europe
METAGENETM's strategic potential has already drawn significant
interest for military applications requiring off grid compressed
hydrogen production process from the French Defence Procurement
Agency (DGA). As a result, Novacium has been pre-selected by the
DGA for funding under the RAPID program, which supports SMEs
developing innovative technologies for the French armed forces.
The RAPID program, an acronym for 'Régime d’Appui pour
l’Innovation Duale' (Support Scheme for Dual Innovation), is a
highly selective program that supports projects with both civil and
military applications, enabling companies to develop cutting-edge
technical innovations.
This grant financing, representing 75% of the project cost of €1
million, will enable Novacium to accelerate the development phase
of its prototype, designed to test high-pressure hydrogen
production capabilities under real-world conditions.
The French army, through its Technical Section (STAT), will be
the first player to test this technology in real environments.
STAT's mission is to evaluate equipment and technological solutions
that can meet the operational needs of the land forces, and
METAGENETM hydrogen production technology perfectly meets the
mobility, safety and reliability requirements required for missions
in difficult conditions.
“By providing the armed forces with the means to produce
hydrogen on the ground, this innovation could represent a major
step forward in achieving energy autonomy for European and North
American armed forces. It strengthens their ability to operate
independently without relying on conventional energy networks,”
said Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ Silicon Inc. and
NOVACIUM SAS. “With its exclusive license, HPQ is well-positioned
to introduce this innovative solution to North American
markets.”
About NOVACIUM SAS
Novacium is an HPQ - affiliated company that
started in Q3 2022. This green technology startup is based in Lyon,
France and is a partnership with HPQ and three of France’s leading
research engineers, Dr. Jed KRAIEM PhD, Novacium's Chief Operating
Officer (“COO”), Dr. Oleksiy NICHIPORUK PhD, Novacium's Chief
Technical Officer (“CTO”), and Dr. Julien DEGOULANGE PhD,
Novacium’s Chief Innovation Officer (“CIO”). Novacium is a new
Research and Development company which allows researchers to
develop their own technology in high-added-value fields connected
to renewable energy and allows HPQ Silicon Inc. a Canadian company,
to expand the depth and reach of its technical team to help develop
its silicon and new renewable energy projects.
About HPQ Silicon
HPQ Silicon Inc. (TSX-V: HPQ) is a
Quebec-based TSX Venture Exchange Tier 1 Industrial Issuer.
HPQ is developing, with the support of
world-class technology partners PyroGenesis Canada Inc. and
NOVACIUM SAS, new green processes crucial to make the critical
materials needed to reach net zero emissions.
HPQ activities are centred around the following
four (4) pillars:
1) |
Becoming a green low-cost (Capex and Opex) manufacturer of Fumed
Silica using the FUMED SILICA REACTOR, a
proprietary technology owned by HPQ Silica Polvere Inc being
developed for HSPI by PyroGenesis. |
2) |
Becoming a producer of
silicon-based anode materials for battery applications with the
assistance of NOVACIUM SAS. |
3) |
HPQ SILICON affiliate NOVACIUM
SAS is developing a low carbon, chemical based on demand and
high-pressure autonomous hydrogen production system. |
4) |
Becoming a zero CO2 low-cost
(Capex and Opex) producer of High Purity Silicon (2N+ to 4N) using
our PUREVAPTM “Quartz
Reduction Reactors” (QRR), a proprietary technology owned
by HPQ being developed for HPQ by PyroGenesis. |
|
|
For more information, please visit HPQ Silicon
web site.
Disclaimers:
This press release contains certain
forward-looking statements, including, without limitation,
statements containing the words "may", "plan", "will", "estimate",
"continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "in the process" and
other similar expressions which constitute "forward-looking
information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws.
Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current
expectation and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks
and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements
involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our
expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the
market, our strategy to develop new products and enhance the
capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to
research and development, the impact of competitive products and
pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the
regulatory approval process. Such statements reflect the current
views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject
to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from
time-to-time in the Company's ongoing filings with the security’s
regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at
www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ
materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no
obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking
statements either as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its
Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for
the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This News Release is available on the
company's CEO Verified Discussion Forum, a moderated social
media platform that enables civilized discussion and Q&A
between Management and Shareholders.
Source: HPQ Silicon Inc.
For further information contact:
Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman, President, and CEO Tel +1 (514)
846-3271Patrick Levasseur, Director Tel: +1 (514) 262-9239Email:
Info@hpqsilicon.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available
at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9c2b0708-5faf-48ed-a9f1-a192708ce07e
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