Alberta Innovates — Methane Emissions Reduction Program
AB, Canada
Alberta's Methane Reduction Program supports emissions mitigation technologies
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Grant and Funding
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- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
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- Alberta Innovates
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grant_card_status|open
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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.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Methane Emissions Reduction Program targets projects and activities focused on reducing methane emissions in Alberta's oil and gas industry. It supports technological advancements aimed at detection, monitoring, and mitigation of methane.
- Development and deployment of technologies for methane emissions detection.
- Monitoring systems for assessing methane emissions in real-time.
- Innovative solutions for mitigating methane emissions at the source.
- Validation and implementation of technologies contributing to significant reductions of methane emissions by 2025 and towards the 2030 targets.
- Projects aligned with advancing technologies from TRL 3-7 that demonstrate clear benefits for Alberta.
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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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
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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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to companies globally as long as they can demonstrate a clear value proposition for Alberta. Preference is given to projects that will be undertaken in Alberta or have long-term Alberta-based infrastructure.
- Global applicants with a clear Alberta value proposition.
- Projects researched, piloted, demonstrated, and/or implemented in Alberta.
- Projects demonstrating long-term Alberta-based infrastructure or resources.
grant_single_labels|criteria
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.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Initial Contact
- Contact a Clean Resources Project Advisor to assess if the project scope meets the requirements.
- Step 2: Registration
- Register on SmartSimple, the online application portal.
- Step 3: Complete Intake Form
- Complete and submit the Intake Form on SmartSimple.
- Step 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.
- Step 5: Submit Detailed Proposal (Invitation Only)
- If invited, prepare and submit a Detailed Proposal according to guidelines provided on SmartSimple.
- Step 6: Await Evaluation
- Your application will be evaluated by Alberta Innovates leveraging both internal staff with expertise and external reviewers.
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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.
Apply to this program
Supporting Methane Emissions Reduction in Alberta
The Methane Emissions Reduction Program provides essential funding for technologies focused on detecting, monitoring, and mitigating methane emissions within Alberta's oil and gas sector. This initiative is part of broader efforts to achieve significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions, aligned with both national and international climate goals.
Detailed Explanation of the Methane Emissions Reduction Program
The Methane Emissions Reduction Program operates as a crucial component of Canada's broader climate change strategy, specifically targeting the reduction of methane emissions from Alberta's prolific oil and gas industry. Recognized as a potent greenhouse gas, methane has been the focus of rigorous environmental policies aiming to achieve a 45% reduction from 2016 levels by 2025. This ambitious target underscores the urgency and the strategic importance of the program, which is led by Alberta Innovates in partnership with Natural Resources Canada.
The program is designed not only to fund technological innovations but also to validate and deploy these advancements through the Canadian Emissions Reduction Innovation Network (CERIN). This collaborative approach aims to promote the development of a national Centre of Excellence, catalyzing further research, innovation, and practical applications in methane emissions reduction technologies. By doing so, the program seeks to enhance environmental outcomes while simultaneously bolstering Alberta's position as a leader in sustainable hydrocarbon production.
Eligible applicants span a diverse range of entities, including technology developers, industry players, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), research organizations, academia, and even individuals. This inclusive eligibility criterion ensures that a wide array of innovative solutions can be nurtured and brought to fruition, directly translating into more effective emissions reduction in the field. Notably, while applicants are not required to be based in Alberta, they must illustrate a distinct and measurable benefit to the province, aligning their objectives with local environmental and economic priorities.
The program’s continuous intake process provides flexibility for applicants, allowing them to submit proposals at any time. This open structure encourages ongoing innovation and timely interventions as project needs and technological landscapes evolve. Additionally, the Methane Emissions Reduction Program leverages a rigorous evaluation process that emphasizes innovation, execution readiness, and projected impact. By employing both internal experts and external reviewers, Alberta Innovates ensures that funded projects are of the highest quality and have a significant potential for success.
Successful applicants are expected to adhere to a well-defined project management framework, which includes clear objectives, milestones, and deliverables. Regular progress reports align with Alberta Innovates' active project management philosophy, ensuring that both economic benefits and emissions targets are met efficiently and effectively. Importantly, funding through the program supports costs critical to the project's lifecycle, ensuring financial resources are directed where they are most impactful.
Through initiatives like the Methane Emissions Reduction Program, Alberta Innovates is not just reducing emissions but also supporting economic diversification, enhancing environmental stewardship, and reinforcing Alberta's commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future. The program exemplifies how focused investment in strategic technology areas can drive both ecological progress and economic growth, ensuring Alberta remains at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions.
