Aimed at promoting projects to strengthen the province’s economy and energy security, the government said hydrogen could help better manage peak energy demand through long-duration energy storage, as well as cutting emissions from heavy industries.

The previous round awarded funding to 10 projects covering electrolysis, hubs, power plants, refuelling, storage, and blending.

However, the new fund, split into two streams, will support the integration of low-carbon hydrogen into Ontario’s electricity grid and hydrogen use in transportation, manufacturing, and heavy industries through hubs.

The fund will be administered by Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator, with applications due to close on 11 February 2026.

It comes off the back of Ontario’s Energy for Generations plan, which aims to lower energy bills, increase security and reliability, while increasing clean energy investments.

Energy and mines minister, Stephen Lecce, said hydrogen could support clean energy build-out and economic growth.

Mike Althaus, Vice-President for Central Canada at the Canadian Hydrogen Association, said the new round would support end-use across key industries.