PrairiesCan — Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative
At a glance
- No Condition
- Open Date : September 1, 2023
Overview
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.
Activities funded
The Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (AICEI) supports projects aimed at fostering renewable energy generation and improving energy efficiency within Indigenous communities. The grant is designed to assist these communities in building capacity and developing sustainable energy projects.
- Development of solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, biomass, and hydrogen energy systems.
- Energy storage solutions to enhance renewable energy implementation.
- Building upgrades and retrofits to improve energy efficiency.
- Implementation of efficiency measures, including upgraded lighting and appliances.
- Conducting energy audits to assess existing energy usage and plan improvements.
- Capacity building through workshops, events, and training for community skill development.
- Creating clean energy champions within the community to lead initiatives.
- Supporting community energy planning efforts.
- Conducting feasibility and diagnostic studies for project viability.
- Completion of environmental evaluations and permitting processes.
- Market assessments to identify and capitalize on opportunities.
- Business and financial project planning to ensure project sustainability.
- Design and development of clean energy projects.
Eligibility
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.
Who is eligible?
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.
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.
Eligible geographic areas
The Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative targets Indigenous groups and organizations located in Alberta. Initiatives are tailored to support leadership in renewable energy projects within these communities.
- First Nations communities located in Alberta.
- Metis Settlements in Alberta.
- Other Indigenous community-driven organizations within Alberta.
How to apply
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.
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.
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.
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.
Additional information
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.