Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that Vancouver-based clean energy technology firm Ionomr Innovations will establish its U.S. fuel cell and green hydrogen electrolysis research and development center in the Greater Rochester area. The company will renovate space located at Metro Business Park in the Town of Brighton, Monroe County to create a customer applications test center. The facility will generate up to 51 new jobs over the next five years. Ionomr cited the region’s educated, skilled talent pool and the affordable cost of living as major factors in the site selection. The company expects to be operational at the new location by Q2 2022.
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Hope Knight said, “New York’s support for innovative clean energy technology is reflected in the decision by Vancouver-based Ionomr to establish an R&D center in the Finger Lakes. ESD is proud to partner with this company as it puts down roots in Monroe County and develops new technologies, creating the jobs of tomorrow and strengthening both the regional and state economy.”
Founded in Canada in 2018, Ionomr Innovations develops, manufactures and markets next generation ion-exchange membranes and polymers to enable the scaling up of the hydrogen economy. Ionomr’s Pemion® and Aemion® technologies provide significant cost, performance and sustainability advantages for fuel cells, green hydrogen production and carbon capture and conversion (CCUS). In June, Ionomr Innovations was selected to join the World Economic Forum’s Tech Pioneers, which brings together 100 companies from around the world that are pioneering break-through technologies and innovations aimed at tackling critical global discussions.
Ionomr Innovations CEO Bill Haberlin said, “We are pleased to establish our U.S. presence in Rochester and look forward to tapping into the local workforce to build a team here that will be a critical part of fulfilling our mandate to bring advanced materials to market faster and with global reach. Ionomr’s membranes and polymers are leading the way in the clean hydrogen economy, addressing the fundamental problems that until now have limited the commercialization of fuel cells, hydrogen electrolysis and green fuels.”
Empire State Development is supporting the project with up to $1 million through the Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program in exchange for job creation commitments. Monroe County, RG&E, and Greater Rochester Enterprise are also offering assistance with Ionomr’s growth in the region. The total project cost to update the Mero Park facility has been placed at a little more than $2.7 million. The company had considered further expanding its Canadian operations and additionally explored other U.S. sites ultimately selecting the Monroe County location due to New York state’s support.
New York state’s green energy agenda is the most aggressive climate and clean energy initiative in the nation, calling for an orderly and just transition to clean energy that creates jobs and continues fostering a green economy. The state incentives provided for this project directly support those efforts and will not only help shift the state toward a carbon neutral economy, fulfilling the goals of New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, but also spur economic recovery from the COVID pandemic.
State Senator Jeremy A. Cooney said, “I am proud to welcome lonomr to our region as an environmentally responsible driver of economic and employment growth and look forward to its impact on meeting our state’s climate goals. By offering innovative green energy research and development, lonomr offers incredible potential for enhanced renewable resources to help power our communities and industries. I applaud the partnership of Empire State Development, Monroe County, RG&E, and Greater Rochester Enterprise in advancing this investment and Finger Lakes Forward.”
State Assembly Member Sarah Clark said, “Today’s announcement is an indication of our region’s economic strength and improving competitiveness. I’m proud to welcome Ionomr to Rochester, and grateful for the decision to open their R&D facility within Metro Business Park in Brighton. This facility will create green jobs in Rochester and help strengthen our local economy. Our region continues to be an ideal location for businesses, offering a skilled workforce as well as affordable living. Thank you Finger Lakes Forward and Empire State Development for the contributions ensuring Rochester remains an attractive market for businesses looking to expand their footprint.”
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “Ionomr Innovations joins a long list of businesses establishing or expanding operations in our area — further showcasing why Monroe County leads the way in the green energy and high-tech business sectors. Thank you to Gov. Kathy Hochul and Empire State Development for your commitment to creating jobs and strengthening our local economy.”
Town of Brighton Supervisor William W. Moehle said, “We are excited that Ionomr Innovations has chosen to locate here in the Town of Brighton. The Rochester area is home to a talented skilled workforce and Brighton is committed to supporting green economic development. We look forward to working with the Ionomr team as they grow in our community.”
Bob Duffy, President and CEO of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, and Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Committee Co-Chair, said, “A business like Ionomr can choose anywhere in the world to develop their innovative green energy solutions. With a U.S. expansion to Greater Rochester, NY, they will access a uniquely talented workforce in an affordable and strategic location. We welcome CEO Bill Haberlin and the Ionomr team and look forward to assisting in their continued growth and success.”
Carl A. Taylor, President and CEO of NYSEG and RG&E said, “We are excited to welcome Ionomr to Greater Rochester and know they will be an important partner in supporting clean energy efforts and driving economic growth in the region.”
Greater Rochester Enterprise President and CEO Matt Hurlbutt said, “The Greater Rochester, NY region is fast becoming a hub for energy innovation companies. Vancouver-based Ionomr is the latest company to expand in the Greater Rochester, NY region due to our fuel cell R&D expertise and affordable cost of doing business. The company will leverage the talented workforce available here as well proximity to partners and suppliers.”
For additional information about Ionomr Innovation, visit: https://ionomr.com/