Alberta Innovates — Methane Emissions Reduction Program

• The lead applicant may be a technology developer, industry player, industrial association, SME, R&D organization, post-secondary institution, municipality, not-for-profit organization, government research lab, individual or other entity.
• The project must advance technology development within a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range of 3 to 7.
• The project must support detection, monitoring or mitigation of methane emissions from Alberta’s oil and gas industry.
• The applicant does not need to be based in Alberta but must clearly demonstrate a value proposition for the Province and alignment with the program’s priorities.
• The applicant must be legally able to enter into and execute Alberta Innovates’ Investment Agreement.

Who is eligible?

• Technology developers working on methane emissions reduction solutions
• Industrial companies, including those in the oil and gas sector
• Industrial associations
• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Research and development (R&D) organizations and post-secondary institutions
• Municipalities
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Government research laboratories
• Individual proponents advancing eligible technologies

Eligible expenses

The grant supports expenses directly related to the execution and development of the project.

• Salary and benefits for individuals specifically working on the project.
• Reasonable material costs.
• Pro-rated costs of capital improvements, capital equipment, and software based on the asset's expected economic life within the project timeframe.
• Travel expenses, including mileage, low economy airfare, meals, and accommodation necessary for project execution.
• Services or products provided by sub-contractors directly related to the project.
• Other costs pre-approved in writing as eligible expenses by Alberta Innovates.

Eligible geographic areas

• Organizations located in any province or territory, provided they can demonstrate a clear value proposition for the Province of Alberta.
• Applicants with activities linked to Alberta’s oil and gas sector, showing direct benefits to Alberta.

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Methane Emissions Reduction Program are based on specific criteria across three major categories: Innovation, Execution, and Impacts.

• Innovation: Assessment of the novelty, technical merit, and potential of the proposed technology to contribute to methane emissions reduction. Evaluation includes how well the project advances technology development and aligns with strategic focus areas.
• Execution: Examination of the feasibility and clarity of the implementation plan, including the project team’s capabilities, project management strategies, and risk mitigation measures.
• Impacts: Evaluation of the potential economic, environmental, and social benefits, including contributions towards achieving Alberta's 2030 Innovation Targets and the alignment with Alberta Innovates' strategic priorities.

• The program operates under a continuous intake model, meaning applications can be submitted at any time rather than by a fixed deadline.
• The Methane Emissions Reduction Program is delivered under Alberta Innovates’ Clean Resources continuous intake framework.
• Program documentation and templates, including guides and the standard investment agreement, are available online through Alberta Innovates’ website.
• Information on previously supported projects is publicly available through Alberta Innovates’ “Funded Projects” portal, which can help applicants understand the types of initiatives previously supported.