How much funding can be received?

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.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Recovery Technologies Program supports projects that enhance hydrocarbon recovery technologies while reducing emissions. Eligible activities focus on innovative approaches, technological advancements, and strategic partnerships that align with Alberta's economic and environmental priorities.

Advancing new hydrocarbon recovery processes to improve efficiency.
Developing improved tools for accessing and producing reservoirs.
Innovating technologies for evaluating hydrocarbon recovery opportunities.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with hydrocarbon recovery.
Piloting and demonstrating technologies in Alberta for practical application.
Collaborating with Alberta-based partners to strengthen project value propositions.
Engaging in projects that align with Alberta's 2030 Innovation Targets.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant is open to applicants from diverse geographical areas as long as they can demonstrate a clear value proposition for the Province of Alberta. It prioritizes projects that originate from anywhere globally but are researched, piloted, demonstrated, and/or implemented in Alberta.

Applicants are not required to be based in Alberta but must prove clear benefits for Alberta.
Projects prioritized if implemented with long-term Alberta-based infrastructure/resources.

grant_single_labels|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.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Consult a Project Advisor
Contact a Clean Resources Project Advisor to determine if the project scope meets the program requirements.
Step 2: Register Online
Register on SmartSimple, the online application portal for Alberta Innovates.
Step 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.
Step 4: Wait for Review
Wait for the Intake Form review process by the project advisor and Clean Resources Management Team.
Step 5: Submit Detailed Proposal (if invited)
If invited, submit a Detailed Proposal through the SmartSimple portal.
Step 6: Engage in Review Process
Participate in the review process by providing additional information if requested.
Step 7: Await Funding Decision
Await the funding decision, which may take 3-6 months depending on the request size.
Step 8: Execute Investment Agreement
Successful applicants will execute an agreement with Alberta Innovates to proceed with the project.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

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.

grant_single_labels|contact

CleanEnergyIntake@AlbertaInnovates.ca

Apply to this program

Recovering Hydrocarbons While Reducing Emissions

The Recovery Technologies Program supports innovative technologies that enhance hydrocarbon recovery and simultaneously minimize emissions in Alberta's energy sector. This program is critical to advancing technological solutions that foster efficiency and sustainability in hydrocarbon extraction.

Comprehensive Details About the Recovery Technologies Program

The Recovery Technologies Program is a strategic initiative aimed at revolutionizing how hydrocarbons are extracted in Alberta, a province with a long-standing economy reliant on oil and gas production. This program specifically seeks to advance technologies within the hydrocarbon production spectrum that enhance recovery efficiency, diminish the carbon footprint, and open up untapped resources. Existing within the broader umbrella of Alberta Innovates’ Clean Resources Division, this initiative aligns with Alberta's 2030 Innovation Targets and the Government of Alberta's broader economic and environmental goals.

Alberta’s energy sector encompasses various subsectors, including conventional and unconventional resources, oil sands mining, and oil sands in-situ methods. Given the sector's complexity, the Recovery Technologies Program emphasizes innovation and technological integration at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 to 7. The aim is not only to improve extraction processes but also to minimize environmental impacts, such as reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per barrel of production. In doing so, this program supports Alberta’s climate action goals, like accelerating solutions to cut methane emissions by 45% by 2025.

Any organization intending to benefit from this program must clearly demonstrate how its proposed technology enhances economic value, reduces emissions, and aligns with Alberta’s priorities for sustainable energy development. While applicants need not be based in Alberta, their projects must deliver a tangible value proposition for the province—this could be through job creation, enhanced technological capacity, or improving market access for Alberta's resources.

The application process utilizes a continuous intake mechanism, allowing for ongoing submission and review of proposals. Alberta Innovates fosters a rigorous three-phase assessment framework: initial engagement and project scope review, a detailed proposal stage by invitation only, and subsequent project management for successful candidates. Funding through this program can cover up to $2 million per project, typically accounting for 25% to 50% of total project costs, thus necessitating co-funding from other partners, which may include private, institutional, or federal inputs.

The Recovery Technologies Program represents a critical investment in Alberta's future, supporting initiatives capable of transforming the hydrocarbon landscape into a more efficient and environmentally friendly sector. By encouraging technological developments within the extraction industry that align with governmental priorities and address both local and global challenges, this program not only aids in reducing the carbon footprint associated with energy production but also strengthens Alberta's economic foundation through innovation and environmental stewardship.

In essence, this program empowers organizations to pursue projects that align with sustainable development practices while enhancing the technological edge of Alberta's energy sector. By facilitating a collaborative environment with diverse stakeholders, including academia, industry, and government entities, the Recovery Technologies Program plays a pivotal role in securing Alberta's position as a leader in responsible resource development.