Bioenergies Program
At a glance
- From 10,000$ to 5,000,000$
- 50% of project cost
- Open Date : April 30, 2024
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
- Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs
Overview
Eligibility criteria
1. Be established in Quebec.
The head office of the company or institution must be located in Quebec.
The municipality must be located in Quebec.
2. Carry out projects in Quebec.
Projects involving the implementation of bioenergy production systems must be carried out in Quebec.
Projects to analyze the technical and economic feasibility of converting to bioenergy may be carried out in Quebec or elsewhere, but the results must be applied to future projects in Quebec.
3. Comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Companies, institutions and municipalities must comply with all laws and regulations applicable in Québec, including environmental, health and safety, and taxation laws and regulations.
4. Commit to maintaining investments made for at least five years.
Businesses, institutions and municipalities must commit to maintaining their Bioenergies program investments for at least five years after the end of the project.
In addition to these general conditions, there are specific eligibility requirements for each program component:
Component 1: Implementation projects
Implementation projects must be technically and economically viable.
Projects must comply with current standards and technical requirements.
Projects must contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions.
Section 2: Analysis projects
Analysis projects must be carried out by qualified experts.
Analysis projects must provide clear and precise information on the technical and economic feasibility of conversion to bioenergy.
Who is eligible
Quebec's Bioenergies program is open to a wide range of Quebec players wishing to convert their energy production systems to biomass.
Here are the main eligibility categories:
1. Businesses:
Small, medium and large businesses operating in all sectors that consume thermal energy for their processes or heating.
Manufacturing, forestry, agri-food, mining industries, etc.
Construction and renovation companies carrying out bioenergy conversion projects for their customers.
2. Institutions:
Educational institutions, hospitals, research centers, etc. looking to reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint.
Public and government buildings seeking to comply with Quebec's energy transition objectives.
3. Municipalities:
Municipalities wishing to heat their municipal buildings, swimming pools or produce domestic hot water with biomass.
Municipalities that encourage the development of bioenergy on their territory by supporting community projects or establishing biomass heat networks.
4. Non-profit organizations (NPOs):
NPOs working to protect the environment, promote sustainable development or combat poverty.
NPOs that manage bioenergy conversion projects for disadvantaged communities or RCMs.
Who is not eligible
Although the Bioenergy program is open to a wide range of players, certain categories are not eligible.
Here are the main exclusions:
1. Individuals:
The program is not intended for individuals wishing to convert their primary residence to bioenergy.
Specific programs exist to support residential energy transition.
2. Ineligible projects:
Projects not related to thermal energy production (e.g. biogas for transportation).
Projects that do not comply with current technical standards and requirements.
Projects that do not significantly reduce GHG emissions.
Projects located outside Quebec.
3. Ineligible entities:
Companies or institutions with a history of non-compliance with laws or regulations.
Entities in bankruptcy or insolvency.
Entities whose activities are contrary to the values and objectives of the program.
Eligible expenses
Component 1: Implementation projects
- Engineering and feasibility studies: Preliminary and detailed studies to assess the technical and economic viability of the project.
- Analysis of biomass requirements and supply options.
- Design and sizing of bioenergy production systems.
- Procurement and installation of equipment: boilers, burners, gasifiers, etc.
- Biomass handling and storage systems.
- Control and instrumentation systems.
- Pollutant emission treatment equipment.
- Construction and installation work:Modifications to existing buildings and infrastructure.
- Construction of new facilities.
- Connection to electricity or heat networks.
- Commissioning and testing:Start-up and adjustment of bioenergy production systems.
- Performance and compliance testing.
- Additional engineering, installation and commissioning costs:Cost differences between bioenergy and traditional approaches.
Component 2: Analysis projects
- Expert services: In-depth technical and economic feasibility studies.
- Biomass market analyses.
- Environmental and social impact assessments.
- Travel and accommodation expenses:Travel related to studies and analyses.
- Specialized tools and software:Acquisition of modeling and simulation software.
- Acquisition of biomass databases.
Ineligible expenses:
- Current operating and maintenance expenses.
- Debt repayment.
- Distribution of profits to shareholders.
- Promotional and marketing activities.
- Purchase of land and buildings.
Financial assistance and accumulation:
- The Bioenergies program offers financing of up to 50% of eligible expenses, with a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $5,000,000.
- Cumulative financial assistance from different programs may not exceed 75% of total eligible expenses.
Eligible projects & activities
- Conversion projects to bioenergy from fossil fuel systems
- Production of renewable natural gas with injection into the gas network or connection to the distribution network
- Demonstration projects for new technologies, including bioenergy production
- Infrastructure projects for the treatment of organic materials through anaerobic digestion and composting
- Innovation projects for the transformation of forest products
Eligible geographic areas
All of Quebec is eligible for this program
Evaluation & selection criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The evaluation and selection criteria include:
- The program aims to support projects that convert fossil fuel systems to bioenergy systems for thermal energy production, heating, or industrial processes.
- Financial assistance can go up to $5 million for an implementation project.
- Support for the production of renewable natural gas involved in injection into the gas network or connection to the distribution network.
- Programs like Technoclimat for showcasing new technologies, including bioenergy production.
- Programs for organic matter treatment through biomethanization and composting projects.
- Innovation Wood Program aimed at promoting innovative projects in the transformation of forest products.
How to apply
1. Preparing your application:
- Carefully read the application guides and forms available on the program website.
- Gather the necessary supporting documents, such as technical plans, specifications, permits, etc.
- Fill in the online or paper application form, providing all required information.
2. Submitting the application:
- Submit the complete application electronically or by post, according to the program's instructions.
- Respect application deadlines.
3. Application evaluation:
- A team of Bioenergy program experts assesses the application against the eligibility criteria and program objectives.
- The team may request additional information or clarification if necessary.
4. Decision and notification:
- The Bioenergy program communicates its decision in writing to the applicant, stating the reasons for the decision.
- If the application is approved, the program issues a funding agreement defining the conditions and obligations of the recipient.
5. Monitoring and evaluation:
- The Bioenergies program monitors funded projects and ensures that recipients comply with the terms of the funding agreement.
- Projects are evaluated after the fact to measure their impact on reducing GHG emissions and achieving program objectives.
Additional information
- Bioenergies are renewable energies produced from organic matter.
- They can replace fossil fuels because of their lower environmental impact and their contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Contact information
Grant Summary
This grant program supports the development and implementation of bioenergy projects in Quebec, aiming to promote renewable energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It provides financial assistance to businesses, institutions, and municipalities for the conversion to bioenergy systems and the production of renewable natural gas.
Understanding the Quebec Bioenergy Grant Program
The Quebec Bioenergy Grant Program is a government initiative designed to encourage the adoption of bioenergy solutions as part of the province's energy transition strategy. Bioenergy, derived from organic matter or biomass, offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, contributing to a cleaner environment and a more diverse energy mix.
Through this program, eligible entities can receive funding to implement bioenergy projects that utilize various forms of biomass such as forest residues, agricultural by-products, and municipal waste. By supporting the production and distribution of bioenergy, the program aims to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources and support the development of a green economy in Quebec.
One of the key benefits of bioenergy is its positive environmental impact. By replacing fossil fuels with bioenergy sources like wood pellets, ethanol, and renewable natural gas, greenhouse gas emissions can be significantly reduced, leading to a more sustainable energy sector. Additionally, bioenergy projects can help address waste management challenges by converting organic residues into valuable energy resources.
Businesses looking to transition to bioenergy systems can leverage the financial support provided by the grant program to cover project implementation costs, such as equipment upgrades, biomass procurement, and system installation. This financial assistance can facilitate the adoption of cleaner energy solutions and contribute to meeting emission reduction targets set by organizations and governments.
Furthermore, the Quebec Bioenergy Grant Program aligns with the province's broader efforts to promote innovative technologies and sustainable practices in the energy sector. By investing in bioenergy initiatives, Quebec aims to enhance its energy resilience, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, and create new opportunities for local bioenergy production and utilization.
In conclusion, the Quebec Bioenergy Grant Program serves as a catalyst for the growth of bioenergy projects across the province, supporting the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy landscape. By fostering the development of bioenergy infrastructure and capabilities, the program contributes to Quebec's overall energy security, economic prosperity, and environmental stewardship.
