Alberta Innovates — Methane Emissions Reduction Program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
AB, Canada
Alberta's Methane Reduction Program supports emissions mitigation technologies
Alberta Innovates — Methane Emissions Reduction Program at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $2,000,000
- Up to 25% of project cost
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Grant Providers
- Alberta Innovates
Status
Open
Overview of the Alberta Innovates — Methane Emissions Reduction Program program
The Methane Emissions Reduction Program provides funding of up to $2 million per project to support technologies that detect, monitor, and mitigate methane emissions in Alberta's oil and gas industry. Eligible activities include projects within Technology Readiness Level 3-7 that demonstrate a clear value proposition for Alberta and contribute to significant methane and greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
Eligible projects & activities
This grant supports projects that focus on developing and deploying technologies to reduce methane emissions from Alberta's oil and gas industry. The eligible projects aim to innovate in the detection, monitoring, and mitigation of methane emissions.
- Technological development for methane emissions detection systems.
- Creation of monitoring technologies for continuous methane emission tracking.
- Implementation of mitigation technologies to reduce methane emissions in oil and gas operations.
- Research projects targeting advancements in methane emission reduction methodologies.
- Initiatives to validate and scale existing methane reduction technologies.
Eligibility criteria of the Alberta Innovates — Methane Emissions Reduction Program program
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.
- Funding is open to all categories of lead applicant 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 are not required to be based in Alberta but must demonstrate a clear value proposition for the province and demonstrate alignment to the program area priorities.
- Successful applicants must be legally able to execute the Investment Agreement.
- The projects should be within a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range of 3-7.
Who is eligible?
The Methane Emissions Reduction program is open to a wide range of applicants interested in advancing technology to reduce methane emissions, with a specific focus on Alberta's oil and gas sector.
- Technology developers, including startups and established companies in relevant industries.
- Industry partners and industrial associations actively engaged in methane reduction projects.
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in technological advancements.
- Research and development (R&D) organizations conducting methane-related studies.
- Post-secondary institutions contributing to technological innovation and research.
- Municipalities implementing methane emissions reduction strategies.
- Not-for-profit organizations focused on environmental impact and sustainability.
- Government research labs working on technological solutions for emission reduction.
- Individuals with innovative proposals or projects in methane emissions management.
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
This grant is primarily intended for projects offering clear value to the Alberta region, but does not require the lead applicants to be physically based in Alberta. This wide applicant eligibility scope allows various applicants, regardless of their geographical location, to participate, provided they fulfill the other program criteria.
- Applicants must demonstrate a clear value proposition for Alberta.
Eligibility criteria of the Alberta Innovates — Methane Emissions Reduction Program program
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.
How to apply to the Alberta Innovates — Methane Emissions Reduction Program program
1
Initial Contact
Contact a Clean Resources Project Advisor to assess if the project scope meets the requirements.
2
Registration
Register on SmartSimple, the online application portal.
3
Complete Intake Form
Complete and submit the Intake Form on SmartSimple.
4
Intake Form Review
Wait for the Intake Form to be reviewed to determine if the project will be invited to submit a Detailed Proposal.
5
Submit Detailed Proposal (Invitation Only)
If invited, prepare and submit a Detailed Proposal according to guidelines provided on SmartSimple.
6
Await Evaluation
Your application will be evaluated by Alberta Innovates leveraging both internal staff with expertise and external reviewers.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Alberta Innovates requires applicants to engage with a Clean Resources Project Advisor before submitting their intake form to ensure the project aligns with specified priorities.
- Alberta Innovates uses an active project management approach, requiring regular progress reports and milestone achievements for funding disbursement.
- Projects are subject to performance metrics tracking, which extends to up to five years post-project completion to evaluate long-term impacts.
- Alberta Innovates maintains confidentiality during the application process and adheres to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act.
- Successful applicants will have to report outcomes publicly while maintaining business confidentiality.
- Partnerships and collaborations, especially with Alberta-based entities, are encouraged and beneficial for application strength.
- Active participation of indigenous, women, and remote community entrepreneurs is encouraged under their commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
- The potential to co-fund with Trusted Partners exists, expanding the funding avenues available for applicants.
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