Alberta Innovates — Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program
grant_single|update January 24, 2025
AB, Canada
Unlock Alberta's innovation potential with the Clean Resources Program!
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
grant_single|grantors
- Alberta Innovates
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Bitumen Partial Upgrading program supports technologies aimed at enhancing the value of processed bitumen while reducing associated emissions. Eligible activities include advancing technology development within a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range of 3-7, and applicants can range from technology developers and industry associations to post-secondary institutions and not-for-profit organizations. This program aims to reduce diluent requirements and create better feedstocks for non-combustion products.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant program supports the development of technologies for bitumen partial upgrading, yet specific financing modalities are not detailed in the provided context. Generally, the program enables beneficial collaborations but does not specify financial support structures.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant supports the partial upgrading of bitumen technologies meant to enhance the value of processed bitumen and reduce emissions. The focus is on advancing development within a specific technology readiness range to mitigate the challenges faced by Alberta’s oil sands producers.
- Advancement of partial upgrading technologies that reduce or eliminate the need for diluent in bitumen transportation.
- Development of enhanced feedstocks for non-combustion products such as carbon fibre and asphalt binders.
- Collaboration projects involving stakeholders with common interests, such as those facilitated by the Bitumen Value Enhancement Committee.
- Projects aimed at technological advancements within a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range of 3-7.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 400,000
Creating an education program for bitumen upgrading technologies in partnership with local universities
$ 500,000
Upgrading raw bitumen through a microporous filtration system to reduce environmental impact
$ 900,000
Developing a novel bitumen upgrading process to reduce emissions and enhance feedstock quality
$ 280,000
Conducting market analysis for commercialization of advanced bitumen upgrading technology
$ 700,000
Establishing a bitumen upgrading research lab focusing on emission reductions
$ 600,000
Implementing a pilot project for low-emission bitumen slurry preparation
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The grant eligibility criteria determine if a lead applicant is qualified to apply based on specific organizational and project requirements.
- The Process is open to all categories of lead applicants, including technology developers, industry, industrial associations, small and medium-sized enterprises, research and development (R&D) organizations, post-secondary institutions, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, government research labs, and individuals.
- Applicants must demonstrate a clear value proposition for Alberta.
- Technology development projects must clearly demonstrate a market exists for commercialization of the technology.
- Knowledge generation projects must clearly demonstrate the value proposition for the end-user of the knowledge solution.
- Applicants with strong end-user partnerships and/or funding from other organizations are preferred.
- Collaboration between multiple organizations is encouraged to enhance and leverage the value proposition.
- Projects must be aligned with Government of Alberta’s priorities, including the 2030 Innovation Targets.
- Projects must have clear objectives, milestones, deliverables, and timelines.
- The Clean Resources continuous intake process prioritizes technology development projects within Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 – 7.
- Projects must demonstrate a clear and justified value proposition in Alberta.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Clean Resources Program under Alberta Innovates allows a wide range of applicants to participate and apply for funding, targeting entities that can demonstrate valuable contributions to Alberta's innovation ecosystem.
- Technology developers seeking to advance innovation.
- Industry and industrial associations engaged in relevant sectors.
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) focused on technological advancement.
- Research and development (R&D) organizations contributing scientific insights.
- Post-secondary institutions conducting applicable research.
- Municipalities involved in projects benefiting local communities.
- Not-for-profit organizations with innovative project proposals.
- Government research labs seeking to transform scientific findings into actionable technologies.
- Individuals with innovative ideas that align with specific provincial objectives.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports innovative projects and activities that drive clean resources development and commercialization in Alberta. The eligible projects must align with Alberta Innovates' strategic focus areas, contributing significantly towards economic, environmental, and technological advancements.
- Projects focusing on cleaner hydrocarbon production and methane emission reductions.
- Initiatives aimed at developing innovative hydrocarbon products such as bitumen beyond combustion.
- Development of renewable and alternative energy sources like grid modernization and energy storage.
- Research in bioenergy and circular economy including waste conversion and renewable fuels.
- Carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) technologies, alongside hydrogen production projects.
- Efforts in critical minerals extraction and leveraging emerging technologies in mining.
- Environmental innovation projects targeting water supply management and climate change adaptation.
- Projects centered around biodiversity conservation and remediation of abandoned well sites.
- Enhancing agriculture productivity and market access through innovative technologies.
- Knowledge generation projects addressing gaps in technology deployment or policy advancement.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is open to applicants regardless of their geographical location, provided they demonstrate a clear value proposition for Alberta. Therefore, it is not limited to a specific region.
- Companies and organizations located outside of Alberta that can demonstrate value for the province.
- Entities operating in Alberta.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Clean Resources Program through Alberta Innovates are designed to assess proposals against distinct phases and strategic criteria, focusing on their alignment with program goals and potential impact.
- Alignment with Government of Alberta’s priorities and Clean Resources’ strategic priorities.
- Contribution towards the 2030 Innovation Targets.
- Demonstration of clear economic, environmental, and innovation potential.
- Ability to achieve well-defined objectives, milestones, and deliverables.
- Potential to provide transformative solutions in key focus areas such as emerging technologies and GHG mitigation.
- Strength and engagement of partnerships, including end-user involvement and contributions.
- Clarity and justification of the project's value proposition for Alberta.
- Feasibility and clarity of the proposed project plan and methodology.
grant_single_labels|apply
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Engagement with Project Advisor
- Contact a Clean Resources Project Advisor to assess if your project aligns with Alberta Innovates and Government of Alberta priorities.
- Use program links to find contact information for the appropriate Project Advisor.
- Step 2: Registration on Application Portal
- Register on the Alberta Innovates Application Portal.
- Step 3: Submission of Intake Form
- Access and complete the Clean Resources Continuous Intake Form within the Funding Opportunities tab on the Portal dashboard.
- Submit the Intake Form for review.
- Step 4: Invitation to Submit Detailed Proposal
- If your Intake Form is approved, you will be invited to submit a Detailed Proposal.
- Step 5: Submission of Detailed Proposal
- Prepare and submit a Detailed Proposal, ensuring that it is of high quality to compete for funding.
- Note that this process can take 3 to 6 months depending on the funding request size.
- Step 6: Application Review
- Project Advisors and external reviewers evaluate the proposal based on program focus areas and strategic priorities.
- Step 7: Agreement Execution of Successful Applications
- Successful applicants will execute an agreement with Alberta Innovates.
- The agreement will include project management and reporting details.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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