Ottawa is negotiating agreements with 10 companies for contributions from the Strategic Innovation Fund’s Net Zero Accelerator (SIF-NZA), Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne said Tuesday. The firms include Capital Power; ATCO and Suncor; Dow Chemical; and Stelco. (The Logic)

Talking point: In Edmonton on Tuesday, Champagne also announced $300 million for Air Products’ new $1.6-billion hydrogen facility; The Logic first reported the partially repayable contribution on Monday. The gas giant was the “first mover” as the SIF-NZA solicited proposals to decarbonize heavy industry, he said, giving the program a model for other agreements. Firms it backs set emission-reduction objectives. The ones that Champagne cited Tuesday produce cement, chemicals, hydrogen and steel, and estimate they’ll save 10 million tonnes annually. The Alberta government’s petrochemical incentive program will give Air Products $161.5 million in grants over three years after its hydrogen plant begins production. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has signalled that Ottawa may be willing to fast-track projects that promote energy security. Champagne echoed those comments Tuesday, citing the need for “predictable” processes and intergovernmental cooperation to attract investment.