OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 11/06/12 -- Three Canadian cleantech companies have signed significant deals with Indian partners, a sign of Canada's leadership in the cleantech sector. The three companies - Electrovaya, Prairie Pulp and Paper, and Westport Innovations - have received support from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) to commercialize their technologies.

Having inked roughly a third of deals announced as part of the Prime Minister's trip to India, SDTC portfolio companies are expanding Canada's cleantech reputation overseas and positioning Canada as an important trading partner to one of the world's fastest growing economies - and one that is hungry for cleantech innovation.

"SDTC is pleased to see cleantech contribute to successful trade between our countries, allowing Canadian innovation to be a centerpiece for India moving forward in its efforts to use resources more efficiently and effectively," said Vicky Sharpe, President and CEO of SDTC. "As Canada's cleantech market maker, SDTC is proud to contribute to Canada's role as a leader in the dynamic global cleantech marketplace."

The deals signed recently highlight the ways in which cleantech can revolutionize operations, spanning from alternative paper products to off-grid solutions for rural communities to renewable energy management solutions to electric vehicles. India is facing pressure to generate more power with fewer resources, a problem that cleantech addresses.

Deals with SDTC-supported companies include:

--  Prairie Pulp & Paper has signed a technology research and transfer
    agreement with India's Central Pulp & Paper. Prairie Pulp & Paper
    markets tree-free paper made in India. 
--  Westport Innovations will work with New Delhi's Technology Action for
    Rural Advancement to improve air quality and access to electricity in
    rural India. The project will see natural gas in mobile phone-tower
    generators and provide residual power to off-grid communities. 
--  Westport will also work with Mumbai's Tata Motors on developing a
    natural-gas engine and related technologies. 
--  Electrovaya will work with Bhaskar Solar of Kolkata to implement
    renewable energy management solutions across telecom towers spanning
    India. 
--  Electrovaya will also provide lithium ion batteries for the electric
    vehicles made by Hero Eco of New Delhi. 

About SDTC

On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) helps commercialize Canadian clean technologies, readying them for growth and export markets. With a portfolio of companies under management valued at more than $2 billion, SDTC is demonstrating that cleantech is a driver of jobs, productivity and economic prosperity.

SDTC operates two funds aimed at the development and demonstration of innovative technological solutions. The $590 million SD Tech Fund(TM) supports projects that address climate change, air quality, clean water, and clean soil. The $500 million NextGen Biofuels Fund(TM) supports the establishment of first-of-kind large demonstration-scale facilities for the production of next-generation renewable fuels.

SDTC works with the private sector, the financial sector and all levels of government to meet the Government of Canada's commitment to create a healthy environment and a high quality of life for all Canadians. SDTC operates as a not-for-profit corporation. www.sdtc.ca