QIMC Partners with BTEG to Advance Natural Hydrogen Exploration and Expand into US

Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (QIMC) and Swiss-based Black Tree Energy Group (BTEG) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance natural hydrogen exploration in the United States. This partnership aims to leverage QIMC’s technical expertise in geological analysis, hydrogen fieldwork, and drilling with BTEG’s infrastructure development and financial capabilities to accelerate commercialization.

The collaboration will focus on five key areas:

1. U.S. Hydrogen Exploration & Project Development – Identifying optimal sites through geological surveys and reservoir assessments.
2. Technical & Consulting Services – Providing feasibility studies and project management.
3. Market Strategy & Offtake Agreements – Securing long-term supply commitments and aligning commercialization with clean energy policies.
4. Infrastructure & Investment – Developing hydrogen production, transportation, and storage infrastructure while securing investment partnerships.
5. Sustainable Energy Integration – Exploring additional opportunities such as carbon capture, geothermal energy, and helium extraction.

QIMC CEO John Karagiannidis emphasized that this partnership strengthens QIMC’s position in the expanding U.S. clean hydrogen market. BTEG CEO Jorge Ruiz del Vizo highlighted the collaboration’s potential to establish natural hydrogen as a large-scale energy source.

Both companies will immediately begin site evaluations and implement a governance framework to oversee project execution.

Find the full press release attached below.

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Montreal, Quebec and Geneva, Switzerland--(Newsfile Corp. - March 12, 2025) - Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (CSE: QIMC) (OTCQB: QIMCF) (FSE: 7FJ) ("QIMC") a North American leader in natural hydrogen exploration and technology development, is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Black Tree Energy Group Sàrl (BTEG), a Swiss-based energy infrastructure and project development firm. This partnership reinforces QIMC's strategic expansion into the U.S., a key market for accelerating the commercialization of natural hydrogen. Together, QIMC and BTEG wil drive large-scale hydrogen projects by integrating technical expertise with financial strategy, project development, and execution capabilities. 

Driving Growth in the U.S. Market 

With strong support for clean natural hydrogen initiatives, the United States presents a substantial opportunity for natural hydrogen development. Through this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), QIMC intends to capitalize on its established expertise in natural renewable hydrogen—encompassing geological and geophysical analyses, project evaluation, and hydrogen fieldwork and drilling—to identify high-potential U.S. sites and accelerate the path to commercial production. 

BTEG's proven track record in infrastructure development, industrial gases commercialization, strategy, and financial structuring. will reinforce QIMC's U.S. expansion efforts. By combining resources, both companies will pursue large-scale projects and offtake agreements designed to meet growing US market demand and strengthen the US domestic hydrogen supply chain. 

Key Areas of Collaboration 

1. U.S. Hydrogen Exploration & Project Development 

Conducting detailed geological surveys, reservoir assessments, and strategic site selection to identify optimal natural hydrogen extraction opportunities across the United States. 

2. Technical & Consulting Services 

Providing advanced technical expertise, feasibility analyses, and project management to ensure timely and efficient project execution. 

3. Market Strategy & Offtake Agreements 

Focusing on high-potential U.S. markets, securing long-term offtake commitments, and coordinating commercialization strategies that align with evolving federal and state-level clean energy policies. 

4. Infrastructure & Investment 

Developing robust infrastructure for hydrogen production, transportation, and storage while actively pursuing investment partnerships to accelerate growth in key U.S. regions.

5. Broader Sustainable Energy Initiatives 

Exploring opportunities to integrate Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), geothermal energy, and the extraction of valuable gases such as helium into combined U.S. project portfolios. 

John Karagiannidis, CEO of QIMC, commented: 

"This partnership with Black Tree Energy Group positions QIMC to capitalize on the rapidly expanding U.S. market for clean natural hydrogen. We believe our expertise in natural renewable hydrogen exploration, paired with BTEG's infrastructure and financial capabilities, will enable us to establish a strong foothold in the U.S. and drive significant growth opportunities." 

Jorge Ruiz del Vizo, CEO of BTEG, added: 

"Partnering with QIMC presents a unique opportunity to transform the U.S. natural hydrogen landscape. Our collective efforts and experience will focus on advancing natural hydrogen as a viable, large-scale primary energy source. By making access to this natural energy resource possible, we will create value for a l stakeholders and contribute to a sustainable energy future." 

Next Steps 

Both parties will immediately commence work on a U.S.-focused action plan, prioritizing site evaluations and prospective project opportunities. A dedicated governance framework will oversee the collaboration, supported by regular progress reviews and strategic updates. 

About QIMC 

Quebec Innovative Materials Corp (QIMC) is a Canadian leader in natural hydrogen exploration and technology. The company's mission is to responsibly develop natural renewable hydrogen resources to support the global transition toward sustainable energy. With a dedicated focus on the U.S. market, QIMC is expanding its presence through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology. 

About BTEG 

Black Tree Energy Group Sàrl (BTEG) is a Swiss-based energy infrastructure and project development company specializing in sustainable energy and infrastructure projects worldwide. With combined expertise in project development and financing, BTEG brings to partners and clients experience and capabilities in hydrogen, sustainable industrial gases and fuels, gas-to-power, CCUS, hydrogen-derived products, and clean energy initiatives. BTEG delivers forward-thinking solutions that generate both environmental and economic benefits. 

For more information, please contact: 

Quebec Innovative Materials Corp (QIMC) John Karagiannidis, CEO 

Email: jk@qimaterials.com 

Black Tree Energy Group Sàrl (BTEG) Jorge Ruiz del Vizo, CEO 

Email: j.ruizdelvizo@blacktreecp.com

 ________________________________________Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to potential business activities and market opportunities in the United States. Actual results may differ due to various risks and uncertainties. Readers are encouraged to review each company's disclosures for additional information. About Québec Innovative Materials Corp. Québec Innovative Materials Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company dedicated to exploring and harnessing the potential of Canada's abundant resources. With properties in Ontario and Québec, QIMC is focused on specializing in the exploration of white (natural) hydrogen and high-grade silica deposits. QIMC is committed to sustainable practices and innovation. With a focus on environmental stewardship and cutting-edge extraction technology, we aim to unlock the ful potential of these materials to drive forward clean energy solutions to power the AI and carbon-neutral economy and contribute to a more sustainable future. QUÉBEC INNOVATIVE MATERIALS CORP. John Karagiannidis Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Email: info@qimaterials.com Tel: +1 514-726-7058 Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the CSE policies) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements". Such forwardlooking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Québec Innovative Materials' actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to di fer materia ly from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-Looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are genera ly, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "wi l," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Although Québec Innovative Materials believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by their nature, forwardlooking statements involve assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materia ly di ferent from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions in Canada and abroad; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments in the natural resources sector, in particular as regards the regulation of white (natural) hydrogen exploration, development and exploitation; the Company's ability to access su ficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access su ficient capital on favorable terms; natural resources industry and markets in Canada and generaly; the ability of Québec Innovative Materials to implement its business strategies; competition; and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties.The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws. Cautionary Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements are based on expectations, estimates, and projections as of the date of this release. Forward-Looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to di fer materia ly from current expectations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, as no assurance can be provided regarding future outcomes.