Alberta Innovates — Energy Storage and Minerals
AB, Canada
Apply to the Energy Storage and Minerals Program to develop next-gen sustainable materials and critical minerals.
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- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
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Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Utilities
- Manufacturing
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
grant_single|grantors
- Alberta Innovates
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grant_card_status|open
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The Energy Storage and Minerals program supports the development of next-generation materials, critical minerals, and end products to create a competitive, modern, and sustainable minerals and materials industry. Eligible activities include novel energy storage technologies, mineral extraction and processing innovations, and battery materials recycling to enable waste reduction and develop a circular economy.
grant_single_labels|projects
Projects supported through the Energy Storage and Minerals program must demonstrate a clear and justified value proposition in Alberta. Technology solutions can originate globally but must address challenges and opportunities relevant to Alberta.
- Projects researched, piloted, demonstrated, or implemented within Alberta.
- Projects involving long-term Alberta-based infrastructure or resources.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$400,000
Developing a pilot plant for lithium-ion battery recycling
$750,000
Energy storage solution for renewable energy at Edmonton
$800,000
Critical minerals research and material processing
$1,200,000
Implementing a smart grid energy storage system
$450,000
Research on critical minerals extraction processes
$700,000
Innovative material development for batteries
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's type and the project's alignment with provincial priorities.
- The applicant must be advancing technology development within a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range of 3-7.
- Funding is open to technology developers, industry, industrial associations, small and medium-sized enterprises, research and development organizations, post-secondary institutions, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, government research labs, and individuals.
- Applicants are not required to be based in Alberta but must demonstrate a clear value proposition for the Province of Alberta.
- Successful applicants must be legally able to execute the Investment Agreement.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Energy Storage and Minerals grant is available to a wide range of lead applicants, including technology developers, industry, industrial associations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), research and development organizations, post-secondary institutions, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, government research labs, and individuals. Applicants do not need to be based in Alberta but must demonstrate a clear value proposition for the province, as well as alignment with the program area's priorities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports innovative projects in energy storage and mineral processing to advance Alberta's minerals industry and energy grid reliability. Eligible activities include technology development, research applications, and recycling focused innovations.
- Development of next-generation materials for energy storage.
- Innovative mineral extraction and processing technologies.
- Advancement of battery and non-battery energy storage solutions.
- Pilot projects for energy storage technology integration.
- Projects focused on recycling and end-of-life technologies for battery materials.
- Research on mineral processing of critical economic minerals including lithium and rare earth elements.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.
- Labour costs including salary and benefits for individuals working on the project.
- Reasonable material costs necessary for the project.
- Capital improvements related to the project.
- Capital equipment and software expenses, pro-rated to the project's timeframe.
- Travel expenses such as mileage, economy airfare, meals, and accommodations connected to the project work.
- Services or products obtained from subcontractors directly related to the project.
- Other expenses pre-approved by Alberta Innovates as eligible expenses.
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The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on a set of major categories, specifically focusing on Innovation, Execution, and Impacts, as detailed in the application form.
- Innovation - Assessing the novelty and uniqueness of the technology or approach proposed.
- Execution - Evaluating the project plan, including feasibility, expertise of the team, and appropriateness of the budget.
- Impacts - Considering the potential benefits, such as economic, environmental, and societal impacts, and alignment with Alberta's strategic priorities.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Preliminary Assessment
- Contact a Clean Resources Project Advisor to ensure your project aligns with the program requirements and provincial priorities.
- Step 2: Registration
- Register on SmartSimple, the online application portal of Alberta Innovates, to begin the process.
- Step 3: Submit Intake Form
- Complete and submit the Intake Form available on SmartSimple.
- Await the review of your Intake Form to determine if you will be invited to submit a Detailed Proposal.
- Step 4: Detailed Proposal Submission (If Invited)
- Prepare and submit a Detailed Proposal if invited following the review of your Intake Form.
- Step 5: Application Review
- Engage in the review process managed by Alberta Innovates, utilizing internal and external experts to assess the proposals based on innovation, execution, and impact.
- Step 6: Project Management (If Successful)
- Execute an agreement with Alberta Innovates if the project is approved for funding.
- Manage the project according to the terms of the agreement and regularly report progress and outcomes.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
This program supports technology and knowledge development projects that demonstrate a clear value proposition for Alberta and aligns with strategic priorities and 2030 Innovation Targets.
- Applicants are not required to be based in Alberta but must show a clear value proposition for the province.
- Projects should be within Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range 3-7.
- Funding can be up to and typically does not exceed $2 million per project.
- The program usually supports 25-50% of total project costs, encouraging co-funding from other sources.
- Eligible expenses include salary, materials, capital assets, travel, and sub-contractor services.
- A regular project management and reporting process is part of the agreement with Alberta Innovates.
- Alberta Innovates employs a milestone completion basis for funding release.
- Details on the evaluation process and eligible expenses can be found in the Clean Resources Program Guide.
grant_single_labels|contact
amanda.mitchell@albertainnovates.ca
403-210-5377
Apply to this program
Enhancing Energy Storage and Mineral Technologies
The Energy Storage and Minerals program provides pivotal funding to foster advancements in emerging technologies, with a focus on energy storage and critical minerals crucial for a competitive, sustainable industry. This initiative empowers various applicants from education sectors to industrial enterprises, driving innovation through continuous intake financial support.
Nurturing Alberta's Mineral and Energy Storage Innovation
The Energy Storage and Minerals program at Alberta Innovates focuses on strategic investments that drive the development of next-generation energy storage technologies and mineral extraction processes, ultimately bolstering Alberta's status in these critical sectors. As energy storage gains importance in enabling the reliable integration of renewable energy sources into power grids, the program supports projects that aim to improve the affordability and sustainability of these technologies. This is particularly vital as it aligns with broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring energy security.
Mineral extraction technologies are another critical area under this program, emphasizing innovation within Alberta's lucrative mining and materials sectors. By supporting projects that develop novel primary and secondary extraction technologies, the program aims to enhance the processing of key economic minerals such as lithium, vanadium, and rare earth elements. This not only positions Alberta at the forefront of global mineral markets but also contributes significantly to economic diversification within the province. The focus on critical minerals is in line with national strategies to secure a sustainable supply chain for these essential resources.
Another focal point of the program is the recycling of battery materials, which is crucial for enabling a circular economy and reducing environmental impacts associated with end-of-life batteries. The program provides financial backing for innovative projects that advance recycling technologies and practices, ensuring the responsible management of battery materials and helping to mitigate potential negative environmental effects. By investing in both research and practical pilot projects, the Energy Storage and Minerals program supports the entire lifecycle of these vital technologies, from extraction to recycling.
Funding through this program is accessible through a continuous intake process, welcoming a diverse pool of applicants, including technology developers, industry players, academia, and municipalities. This inclusivity fosters a broad spectrum of innovative solutions, encouraging collaborations and knowledge exchange among stakeholders. Applicants benefit not just from the financial support but also from a robust network of industry experts and a strategic platform to showcase groundbreaking technologies that could transform energy and resource management in Alberta and beyond.
Successful projects align with Alberta Innovates' priorities to enhance sustainability, competitiveness, and modernisation in the minerals and materials sector. By supporting projects that meet these stringent criteria, the program ensures that the chosen ventures are both innovative and capable of delivering significant economic, environmental, and social benefits. This comprehensive support system underscored by an inclusive yet rigorous evaluation process, assures that the initiatives are both effective and sustainable, significantly contributing to Alberta's clean technology goals and economic resilience.
Participants in the Energy Storage and Minerals program are not only given a chance to secure essential funding but also to contribute meaningfully to the province's innovation ecosystem. By developing technologies that improve energy storage and mineral utilization, they help build a more sustainable energy future while fortifying Alberta's position in the global market.
