PrairiesCan — Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative
AB, Canada
Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative supports renewable energy projects
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateSeptember 01, 2023
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Utilities
grant_single|grantors
- Prairies Economic Development Canada (PRAIRIESCAN)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (AICEI) supports First Nations and Métis communities in Alberta by providing funding for renewable energy generation and energy efficiency projects. The program focuses on activities like community energy planning, feasibility studies, and capacity building to enable Indigenous communities to effectively manage and lead clean energy initiatives.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (AICEI) supports a range of projects aimed at renewable energy generation and energy efficiency improvements for First Nations and Métis communities in Alberta. Projects can include capacity building initiatives and development support to bolster clean energy efforts.
- Renewable energy generation projects such as solar, wind, hydropower, energy storage, geothermal, biomass, and hydrogen.
- Energy efficiency improvement projects including building upgrades, efficiency measures like lighting and appliances, and energy audits.
- Capacity building activities such as workshops, events, networking, skill development, and clean energy champion development.
- Project development supports, including community energy planning, feasibility and diagnostic studies, environmental evaluations and permitting, market assessments, business and financial project planning, and project design.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (AICEI) grant is determined based on the type of entity applying and their focus on Indigenous and clean energy development.
- Applicants must be First Nations, Métis Settlements, Métis, or non-status Indigenous communities.
- Applicants can also be Indigenous community-owned businesses and development corporations.
- Tribal Councils, Treaty Organizations, Métis Settlements General Council, Métis Nation of Alberta, or similar Indigenous community-driven organizations are eligible.
- Not-for-profit organizations with Indigenous clean energy, economic development, or related focuses in their mandates are eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
First Nations, Métis Settlements, Métis and non-status Indigenous communities; Indigenous community-owned businesses and development corporations; Tribal Councils, Treaty Organizations, Métis Settlements General Council, Métis Nation of Alberta, or similar Indigenous community-driven organizations; Not-for-profit organizations that have Indigenous clean energy, economic development, or a related focus within their mandates.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant supports expenses related to renewable energy generation and energy efficiency projects for Indigenous communities.
- Building upgrades and retrofits.
- Efficiency measures such as lighting and appliances.
- Conducting energy audits.
- Community energy planning.
- Feasibility and diagnostic studies.
- Environmental evaluations and permitting.
- Market assessments.
- Business and financial project planning.
- Project design costs.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Initial Contact
- Reach out to the Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (AICEI) team via email to discuss your community's vision, idea, or project.
- Engage in an initial conversation to explore the fit of your project with the initiative's objectives.
- Sign up to be notified of upcoming webinars or events if desired.
- Step 2: Proposal Development Assistance
- Collaborate with the AICEI team to identify community priorities and explore potential opportunities and partnerships.
- Receive support in developing the capacity to lead clean energy projects.
- Work on project development with assistance from the initiative, potentially including community energy planning, feasibility studies, and environmental evaluations.
- Step 3: Funding Application
- Prepare a funding proposal detailing your project, including objectives, expected outcomes, and project design specifics.
- Identify all potential funding sources with the help of the AICEI team and apply for the most suitable options.
- Step 4: Project Implementation and Support
- Utilize the funding and support provided to implement your clean energy project.
- Continue to work with the AICEI for project oversight and capacity-building activities such as skill development and training.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- AICEI offers support at any stage of project development, including identifying community priorities and exploring potential opportunities.
- Regular webinars are hosted for those interested in learning more about clean energy.
- Initial discussions can be initiated via email without the need for form submissions.
- Capacity building is a focal point, with opportunities for skill development and clean energy champion development.
Apply to this program
Empowering Indigenous Clean Energy Initiatives in Alberta
The Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (AICEI) is a significant program aimed at supporting First Nations and Métis communities in Alberta to propel their clean energy projects forward. It provides comprehensive assistance to help these communities maximize their investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, fostering sustainable development and energy sovereignty.
Detailed Overview of the Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative
The Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (AICEI) is a pivotal program designed to empower Indigenous communities in Alberta by facilitating their journey into clean energy projects. Recognizing the leadership these communities have shown in renewable energy generation and energy efficiency, this initiative addresses the common hurdles that can make launching such projects challenging. By offering a structured yet flexible support model, AICEI plays a critical role in transforming community visions into reality and promoting long-term energy sustainability.
The initiative is strategically designed to provide support at every stage of a project’s lifecycle. Communities looking to begin their clean energy journey can benefit from initial consultations that help identify their unique priorities and explore available opportunities and partnerships. This initial stage is critical to ensuring that projects are aligned with community goals and have a clear pathway to success.
Once a project is conceptualized, AICEI assists in building the necessary capacity for communities to lead their clean energy initiatives effectively. This includes workshops, skill development, and clean energy champion development, which are crucial for empowering local leaders and ensuring the sustainability of projects. The initiative’s capacity-building efforts aim not only to launch projects but to bolster the community's ability to manage and expand its energy initiatives independently.
Furthermore, AICEI offers targeted funding to support the development and execution of clean energy projects, providing financial backing that is essential for covering the often substantial costs associated with renewable energy technologies and efficiency improvements. This financial support is complemented by guidance in identifying other suitable funding sources, ensuring that projects have a solid financial foundation and can leverage additional resources effectively.
AICEI places a strong emphasis on projects that include renewable energy generation, such as solar, wind, hydropower, energy storage, geothermal, biomass, and hydrogen technologies, as well as projects focusing on energy efficiency, including building upgrades, retrofits, and energy audits. This broad scope allows for diverse project types that align with evolving energy needs and technological advancements.
The initiative also provides crucial project development supports, including community energy planning, feasibility studies, diagnostic assessments, and market evaluations. These supports are designed to ensure that projects are viable and have the potential for long-term success. Additionally, AICEI facilitates environmental evaluations and business and financial project planning, enabling communities to navigate the complexities of clean energy projects with confidence and competence.
Partnering with key organizations such as Indigenous Services Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Indigenous Clean Energy, Alberta Indigenous Relations, and Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation, the AICEI exemplifies a collaborative approach to fostering sustainable energy projects. These partnerships enhance the initiative’s reach and impact, offering a network of resources and expertise that communities can tap into.
In essence, the Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative is not just a funding mechanism; it is a catalyst for transformative change in energy use and generation within Indigenous communities. By supporting innovative and sustainable energy projects, AICEI is contributing to a long-term vision of energy independence and environmental stewardship. This initiative represents a vital step toward achieving greater economic self-reliance, energy autonomy, and ecological sustainability for Alberta’s Indigenous communities.
