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Alberta Innovates — Recovery Technologies Program - AB - Canada

Alberta Innovates — Recovery Technologies Program

Last Update: July 22, 2025
AB, Canada
Advances hydrocarbon recovery technology, reducing emissions

At a glance

Eligible Funding
  • Max. $2,000,000
  • Up to 25% of project cost
Timeline
  • Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
  • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open

Overview

The Recovery Technologies Program aims to advance innovative technologies that enhance hydrocarbon recovery while reducing emissions, offering funding up to $2 million per project. Eligible activities include innovation-commercialization or knowledge generation projects within a Technology Readiness Level of 3-7, demonstrating a value proposition for Alberta.

Activities funded

This grant supports projects that aim to enhance hydrocarbon recovery technologies while concurrently reducing environmental emissions. Eligible initiatives may involve innovative processes and tools to optimize resource extraction and efficiency.
  • Development of new recovery processes for hydrocarbons.
  • Improvement of tools and technologies to access and produce from reservoirs more efficiently.
  • Advancement of technologies that reduce emissions during hydrocarbon recovery.
  • Creation of value for operators by unlocking new hydrocarbon resources.

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.
  • Applicants can include 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.
  • The project must demonstrate an advancement within a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range of 3-7.
  • Applicants must be legally able to execute the Investment Agreement.

Who is eligible?

The Recovery Technologies Program is open to a diverse group of applicants who are involved in advancing technologies that enhance hydrocarbon recovery while minimizing emissions in Alberta.
  • Technology developers working on innovations in hydrocarbon extraction and emission reduction.
  • Industry professionals and companies focused on improving recovery processes and creating added value for operators.
  • Research and development organizations contributing to new methods and technologies in hydrocarbon recovery.
  • Post-secondary institutions conducting research aligned with the program's priorities.
  • Not-for-profit organizations involved in projects that enhance hydrocarbon recovery efficiency.
  • Municipalities, and government research labs supporting sustainable hydrocarbon recovery initiatives.
  • Individuals participating in research or projects that align with program goals.

Who is not eligible

This grant does not explicitly outline any specific restrictions or exclusions for certain companies or industries in its eligibility criteria. It is open to a wide range of entities as long as they can demonstrate alignment with the program's priorities.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.
  • Salary and benefits for individuals who are specifically working on the project.
  • Reasonable material costs.
  • Capital improvements, including capital equipment and software.
  • Travel, including mileage, low economy airfare, meals, and accommodation for the purposes of executing the project.
  • Services or products of another entity.

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Recovery Technologies Program are based on specific criteria, focusing on innovation, execution, and impacts to ensure alignment with the program’s objectives.
  • Innovation: This includes the originality and advancement of the technology being proposed, as well as its potential to create value for operators and reduce associated emissions. The project should clearly demonstrate how it will improve hydrocarbon recovery technologies. Point score is based on the degree of innovation and relevance to the improvement of recovery efficiency and reduction of emissions.
  • Execution: This criterion assesses the feasibility of the proposed project, the clarity and detail of the implementation plan, and the capabilities of the team. It includes evaluation of the technical approach, project plan, timeline, and resource allocation, ensuring that the proposed activities are realistic and achievable within the set timeframes and budgets. Point score is based on the robustness and clarity of the execution plan.
  • Impacts: Projects are evaluated based on their potential economic, environmental, and social contributions. This includes potential emissions reduction, economic value creation for Alberta, and alignment with Alberta's 2030 Innovation Targets. The point score is dependent on the projected impacts and contributions to specific GHG mitigation and economic outcomes.

How to apply

1

Consult a Project Advisor

Contact a Clean Resources Project Advisor to determine if the project scope meets the program requirements.
2

Register Online

Register on SmartSimple, the online application portal for Alberta Innovates.
3

Complete and Submit Intake Form

  • Complete the Continuous Intake Form on SmartSimple.
  • Submit the form for an initial review to determine if the project will be invited to submit a Detailed Proposal.
4

Wait for Review

Wait for the Intake Form review process by the project advisor and Clean Resources Management Team.
5

Submit Detailed Proposal (if invited)

If invited, submit a Detailed Proposal through the SmartSimple portal.
6

Engage in Review Process

Participate in the review process by providing additional information if requested.
7

Await Funding Decision

Await the funding decision, which may take 3-6 months depending on the request size.
8

Execute Investment Agreement

Successful applicants will execute an agreement with Alberta Innovates to proceed with the project.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
  • Projects must align with Alberta Innovates’ strategic priorities and 2030 Innovation Targets.
  • Applicants are encouraged to include letters of support from interested end-users to strengthen the application.
  • Collaboration between multiple organizations is encouraged to enhance value proposition.
  • Alberta Innovates employs an active project management philosophy, with progress reports required for milestone completion.
  • Applicants can submit multiple applications but should select only the most promising ones.
  • External expert reviewers are used during the evaluation process to ensure objectivity and impartiality.
  • Successful projects continue to report for up to five years post-completion to assess long-term benefits.
  • Alberta Innovates is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring diverse representation during the application process.
  • The applicant is responsible for milestone and outcome achievement reporting during the project.

Contacts

CleanEnergyIntake@AlbertaInnovates.ca
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Alberta Innovates — Recovery Technologies Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Alberta Innovates — Recovery Technologies Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Alberta Innovates — Recovery Technologies Program?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Alberta Innovates — Recovery Technologies Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Alberta Innovates — Recovery Technologies Program?

Who is eligible for the Alberta Innovates — Recovery Technologies Program program?

Who can I contact for more information about the Alberta Innovates — Recovery Technologies Program?

Where is the Alberta Innovates — Recovery Technologies Program available?

Are startups eligible for the Alberta Innovates — Recovery Technologies Program program?

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