The Government of Alberta has awarded $29.5 million in small business grants to support 12 cleantech projects. The investment will help accelerate innovative technology development projects that aim to reduce methane gas emissions.
The contribution has been provided through the Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) program, which supports the development of innovative technologies that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The program provides up to 50% coverage of project expenses to a maximum $10 million in Alberta government grants. All clean technologies must be tested, piloted, demonstrated, and/or deployed within Alberta.
Each project will help reduce provincial greenhouse gas emissions, create new job opportunities, and boost the competitiveness of Alberta’s oil and gas industry.
Related Post: Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) Oil Sands Technology Grants
$29.5M in Emissions Reduction Alberta Funding to Help Reduce Methane Emissions
In 2015, 38% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions were attributed to Alberta’s oil and gas industry. In an effort to address climate change, the Government of Alberta is supporting technology development projects that increase environmental protection by targeting greenhouse gas emissions.
In July 2017, the provincial government announced it would invest up to $29.5 million in small business grants to accelerate 12 cleantech projects. In total, the 12 projects have a combined value of over $83 million. Government funding will help advance tech-focused projects that address:
- Methane emissions monitoring;
- Detection and reduction of emissions within the oil and gas sector; and
- Power generation emissions.
These projects will help reduce more than 1.1 metric tons (MT) of Alberta’s methane emissions by 2020 and more than 6.9 MT by 2030. In addition, the funded projects will create approximately 60 jobs within Alberta’s oil and gas industry.
“These investments are critical to ensuring that Alberta is the preferred source of responsibly produced oil and natural gas.”
– Joy Romero, Vice-President, Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.
Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) Small Business Grants
The Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) program provides small business grants to help accelerate the development of innovative technologies that reduce GHG emissions. Funding can be used to reduce the cost of prototype testing, commercial demonstration, field piloting, and technology deployment. Ideal projects should have a technology readiness level (TRL) of 6-8 and reduce emissions associated with Alberta’s oil sands products.
Eligible applicants can access up to 50% coverage to reduce project costs to a maximum contribution of $10,000,000 in Alberta small business grants.
How to Apply
To get started, interested businesses must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through ERA’s online application portal. EOIs should include a project summary, letters of support, and cannot be more than 10 pages in length. The program’s current call for EOIs is for the Oil Sands Innovation Challenge, which targets technologies that reduce GHG emissions and enhance the global competitiveness of Alberta’s oil sands sector.
Alberta small and medium-sized businesses can apply for ERA Oil Sands Innovation Challenge until September 7, 2017 by 5:00 pm MDT.
Businesses that would like to apply for ERA funding may contact Mentor Works to learn more about this opportunity.
Learn More About Government Funding for Cleantech Projects
Throughout the year, Canadian businesses can leverage government grants and loans to support their strategic projects. Staying up-to-date on current government funding programs will help ensure your business never misses an opportunity to optimize funding.
Sign up for Mentor Works’ Funding E-Newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest government funding news and opportunities.
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