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
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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
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- Alberta Innovates
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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 that align with Government of Alberta’s priorities and focus on the development of next-generation materials, critical minerals, energy storage technologies, mineral extraction technologies, and battery materials recycling are eligible for this grant.
- Development of next-generation materials
- Critical minerals research and processing
- Energy storage technology advancement
- Projects on mineral extraction technologies
- Battery material recycling and end-of-life solutions
- Technological pilots for recycling and end-of-life battery technologies
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$400,000
Vancouver
Developing a pilot plant for lithium-ion battery recycling
$750,000
Edmonton
Energy storage solution for renewable energy at Edmonton
$800,000
Montreal
Critical minerals research and material processing
$1,200,000
Calgary
Implementing a smart grid energy storage system
$450,000
Toronto
Research on critical minerals extraction processes
$700,000
Ottawa
Innovative material development for batteries
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant encompasses multiple lead applicant categories aiming to advance technology or knowledge development within specified project stages, emphasizing a clear Alberta value proposition and alignment with strategic priorities.
- 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.
- Projects must be aligned with Government of Alberta's priorities and Alberta Innovates' strategic and business priorities.
- Projects should demonstrate advancement along Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3-7.
- Applicants can submit multiple applications but are encouraged to bring forward only the most promising and highest quality projects.
- Applicants with strong end-user partnerships and/or funding from other organizations are preferred; letters of support from interested end-users are strongly encouraged.
- Projects must demonstrate a clear and justified value proposition in Alberta, with priority given to projects researched, piloted, or implemented in Alberta.
- All projects must be executed with well-defined objectives, milestones, deliverables, and timelines.
- Funding up to $2 million per project, supporting 25-50% of total project costs, with remaining funding from project partners and other agencies.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. The funding is open to various categories of lead applicants advancing technology development within a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range of 3-7.
- Technology developers
- Industry
- Industrial associations
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Research and development (R&D) organizations
- Post-secondary institutions
- Municipalities
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Government research labs
- Individuals
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. These expenses include labour, material costs, capital assets and software, travel, sub-contractors, and other pre-approved costs by Alberta Innovates.
- Salary and benefits for individuals working on the project
- Reasonable material costs
- Capital improvements, capital equipment, software or information databases (pro-rated to the project time frame based on the asset’s expected economic life)
- Travel, including mileage, low economy airfare, meals, and accommodation for the purposes of executing the project
- Services or products of another entity
- Other costs pre-approved in writing as an eligible expense by Alberta Innovates
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant supports projects that demonstrate a clear and justified value proposition in Alberta. Technology solutions can originate globally but must address challenges and opportunities important to Alberta.
- Projects researched, piloted, demonstrated, and/or implemented in Alberta
- Projects with long-term Alberta-based infrastructure or resources
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are specific evaluation and selection criteria for the grant that focuses on innovation, execution, and impacts.
- Innovation
- Execution
- Impacts
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Contact a Clean Resources Project Advisor to assess if the project scope meets the minimum requirements of aligning with Government of Alberta, Alberta Innovates, and Clean Resources priorities.
- Step 2: Register on the Alberta Innovates Application Portal.
- Step 3: Access, complete, and submit the Clean Resources Continuous Intake Form within the Funding Opportunities tab on the Portal dashboard.
- Step 4: Intake Form Review will be led by the Project Advisor to determine if the proposed project will be invited to submit a Detailed Proposal.
- Step 5: (If invited) Complete and submit a Detailed Proposal on the Portal, which will undergo a detailed review process.
- Step 6: If the review is positive, a funding recommendation will be made to senior management. The review process may include adjustments to the funding request and/or funding conditions.
- Step 7: Successful applicants will execute an Investment Agreement with Alberta Innovates to proceed with the project.
- Step 8: Regular project update meetings and progress reporting will be conducted during the term of the agreement to monitor project performance and milestone achievements.
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
Energy Storage and Minerals Grant
The Energy Storage and Minerals grant supports the development of next-generation materials, critical minerals, and end products to create a more competitive, sustainable, and modern minerals and materials industry in Alberta. This grant is open to technology developers, industry, small and medium-sized enterprises, academic researchers, and more, aiming to advance within Technology Readiness Levels 3-7.
Comprehensive Guide to the Energy Storage and Minerals Grant
With the increasing need for sustainable and reliable energy solutions, the Energy Storage and Minerals grant, offered by Alberta Innovates, aims to revolutionize the minerals and materials industry in Alberta. The focus is to support the development of cutting-edge materials, critical minerals, and innovative end products that will enhance the industry’s competitive edge, sustainability, and modernization. This grant is part of Alberta Innovates' continuous intake process and is targeted at advancing technology within Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3-7.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the Energy Storage and Minerals grant do not need to be based in Alberta but must demonstrate a clear value proposition for the province. The grant is open to a diverse group of applicants, including:
- Technology developers
- Industry and industrial associations
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Research and development (R&D) organizations
- Post-secondary institutions
- Municipalities
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Government research labs
- Individuals
Projects must be aligned with the Government of Alberta's priorities and Alberta Innovates' strategic priorities, including the 2030 Innovation Targets. They must also have clearly defined objectives, milestones, deliverables, and timelines.
Key Focus Areas
The grant supports projects in three major focus areas:
Energy Storage Technologies
This focus area aims to advance multiple facets of energy storage through technology development and pilot projects. The target is on novel energy storage technologies, materials, and chemistries that can support reliable, resilient electricity grids and integrate intermittent renewable energy sources. The end goal is to develop energy storage solutions that are both affordable and sustainable.
Mineral Extraction Technologies
This area focuses on innovation in the minerals, mining, and materials sectors in Alberta. It includes solutions that support the development of next-generation materials, critical minerals, and end products. The strategic priorities involve novel primary and secondary extraction technologies, processing key economic minerals, and generating value-add high-tech materials from Alberta's available resources.
Critical minerals prioritized include lithium, vanadium, titanium, helium, rare earth elements, and potash.
Battery Materials Recycling
This focus area is crucial for waste reduction and developing a circular economy associated with materials utilized in energy storage. The grant supports technology development and pilots exploring recycling approaches and other end-of-life technologies for battery materials.
Application Process
The application process for the Energy Storage and Minerals grant comprises three phases:
Phase 1: Engagement and Intake
In this phase, applicants should:
- Contact a Clean Resources Project Advisor to assess if the project scope meets Alberta Innovates' minimum requirements.
- Register on the Alberta Innovates Application Portal.
- Access, complete, and submit the Clean Resources Continuous Intake Form on the Portal.
- The submitted Intake Form will be reviewed to determine if the project will be invited to submit a Detailed Proposal.
Phase 2: Detailed Proposal
This phase is by invitation only. The review process is highly competitive, and only top-quality projects will be considered for funding. Funding requests are classified into Low Dollar (projects $200K or under) and High Dollar (projects over $200K). If the review is positive, a funding recommendation will be made, which may include adjustments to the funding request or conditions.
Phase 3: Project Management
Successful applicants will execute an agreement with Alberta Innovates to proceed with the project. The agreement covers project management activities, milestone and budget reporting, and outcome reporting over the term of the agreement and five years post-completion. Project payments are based on milestone achievement and progress reporting.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposed projects will be evaluated against three major categories: Innovation, Execution, and Impacts. Specific criteria for each category are detailed in the SmartSimple online application form. The review process involves internal staff and external expert reviewers who assess applications within their subject-matter and business expertise.
Funding and Expenses
Funding for approved projects can be up to, and typically not exceeding, $2 million per project. Alberta Innovates generally supports 25-50% of total project costs, with the remaining portion funded by project partners or other agencies. All applicants are expected to contribute to the project's funding, which may include cash or in-kind contributions.
Eligible expenses include:
- Labour costs for project-specific employees
- Reasonable material costs
- Capital equipment and software costs (pro-rated to project duration)
- Travel expenses for project execution
- Sub-contractor services
Ineligible expenses include:
- Overhead costs charged to employee labour rates
- Professional training and development not directly related to the project
- Capital acquisitions like land or buildings
- Routine testing and maintenance not directly related to the project
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Alberta Innovates is committed to ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion within the Alberta research and innovation ecosystem. This commitment includes providing equitable access to funding opportunities across diverse demographics and integrating EDI principles into due diligence processes. Under-represented groups, such as women, Indigenous peoples, immigrant entrepreneurs, and those in remote communities, are encouraged to apply and will receive support navigating the application process if needed.
Project Impact and Performance Management
Throughout the project’s lifespan, Alberta Innovates employs an active project management approach. Funding is tied to outcomes, achievements, and milestone completions, with regular progress reports required. Performance metrics, developed during the application phase and ratified during the agreement execution phase, will be tracked throughout the project. Post-project, outcomes and learnings will be publicly reported while maintaining business confidentiality.
Key Contact and Additional Information
Applicants are encouraged to contact a Clean Resources Project Advisor to discuss their projects and assess their alignment with the grant’s focus areas and priorities before beginning the application process. Detailed guidelines, application portals, and contact information can be found on Alberta Innovates’ website.
Whether you are a technology developer, industry expert, academic researcher, or from any qualifying sector, the Energy Storage and Minerals grant offers a substantial opportunity to contribute to Alberta’s sustainable and innovative future. Don’t miss out on this chance to make significant advancements in energy storage and mineral technology.
