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StormFisher Biogas and Denham Capital Management Announce $350 Million Partnership to Develop Biogas-Based Renewable Energy Projects

StormFisher Biogas and Denham Capital Management Announce $350 Million Partnership to Develop Biogas-Based Renewable Energy Projects

Published 02-14-08

Submitted by StormFisher Biogas and Denham Capital Management

StormFisher Biogas co-founders from left to right: Ryan Little, Bas van Berkel, Christopher Guillon

TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 02/14/08 -- Editors Note: A Photo is included with this press release.

StormFisher Biogas announced today that it has formed a strategic partnership with Denham Capital Management, a Boston-based private equity firm, to develop a Cdn$350 million portfolio of biogas projects. StormFisher believes that this is the largest dedication of capital to a biogas-focused renewable energy platform to-date. The partnership is projected to bring about a reduction of greenhouse gases equivalent to removing approximately 26,000 average-sized cars from the road.

Bas van Berkel, StormFisher's President, said the firm will seek biogas projects, at any stage of development, across North America, and will consider acquisitions as well. "We have aligned ourselves with Denham because of its commercial experience and clear understanding of our business model, including the carbon element. Our relationship with Denham makes us one of the most well-funded biogas companies in the world," he said.

In North America today, the majority of food by-products are disposed of either in compost sites or landfills, where they become major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Converting these organic by-products into biogas through anaerobic digestion is an environmentally-friendly way of producing needed forms of energy, and an ideal way for food processing companies to cut costs and improve environmental stewardship. As confirmed recently in a Swiss study, biogas from food processing and agricultural by-products is one of the most sustainable forms of renewable energy production.

"In Europe, biogas installations are widespread, with about 5,000 in operation," said StormFisher Vice President of Business Development, Ryan Little. "As we become more environmentally and energy conscious in North America, biogas is a clear choice for addressing these issues."

StormFisher intends to develop a portfolio of about 30 biogas projects across North America over the next five years. Power projects are expected to be between two and five megawatts in size, while natural gas projects are expected to deliver between 150,000 and 350,000 MMBtu per year of pipeline quality natural gas. This portfolio would generate enough energy to power roughly 75,000 homes, reduce greenhouse gases by an estimated 1 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent and keep more than 6 million tonnes of organic by-products out of disposal sites, among a number of other positive environmental and societal benefits.

StormFisher's first three development projects, which are all located in Ontario, Canada, will break ground in late 2008 and be operational by Fall 2009. "Ontarians are determined to do their part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting climate change," said Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty. "These projects will contribute to a greener province and put our economy at the leading edge of energy innovation."

Scott G. Mackin, Managing Director of Denham, commented, "We are excited to be supporting this outstanding management team in the growth of a company that will profitably reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the increasing demand for renewable energy resources in regions where it operates."

Van Berkel, Little, and company Vice President of Finance Christopher Guillon founded the venture in 2006. Scotia Capital Inc., a Toronto-based investment bank and a leader in the financing of Canadian renewable biogas, wind and hydro energy companies, introduced the StormFisher team to Denham Capital Management.

About StormFisher Biogas:

StormFisher Biogas is an Ontario-based renewable energy company developing biogas installations across North America. StormFisher's biogas plants will produce electricity, natural gas and thermal energy while reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions, including highly polluting methane emissions. Biogas production facilities utilize anaerobic digesters that accelerate the decomposition of organic matter to create a combination of methane and carbon dioxide. Digesters can produce energy using a wide range of feedstock materials, from used cooking oils to cow manure. StormFisher's operations will reduce farm and food processor disposal costs, divert organic materials from landfills, and help to combat climate change by reducing emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas that is up to 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide. For more information about StormFisher Biogas, visit www.stormfisher.com.

About Denham Capital Management:

Denham Capital Management is a leading global private equity firm that manages over $2.3 billion in invested and committed capital, with offices in Boston, Houston, Short Hills, New Jersey and London.
Denham makes direct investments in the energy and commodities sectors, including in businesses and assets involving natural resources, metals and mining, power and utilities and energy-related infrastructure and services. It has invested globally, with investments currently in the US, Canada, South America, Europe and Asia, and across all stages of the corporate lifecycle, from development projects to mature, operating businesses. For more information about Denham Capital, visit www.denhamcapital.com. Denham Capital Management does not provide investment advisory services to the public.

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