Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities
Last Update: January 24, 2025
Canada
Funding for renewable energy and capacity building projects
Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : December 1, 2023
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
Grant Providers
- Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
- Government of Canada
Status
Open
Overview of the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program
Get financial support for your project that will help reduce the use of fossil fuels for heating and electricity by increasing the use of clean energy in remote and rural communities.
Financing terms and conditions
This grant offers flexible financing modalities tailored to the needs of recipients while ensuring optimal resource utilization. The modalities vary based on the type of project funded under the CERRC program.
- On-going basis application reviews, subject to available funds.
- Investment aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing the use of renewable energy.
- Managed funding allocations based on high demand streams and the current status of fund availability.
- Specified waitlist procedures for projects under limited funding streams.
Eligible projects & activities
The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program aims to support projects that enhance energy sustainability and reduce fossil fuel reliance in rural and remote areas. Eligible projects emphasize the deployment of efficient and renewable energy systems and community-based energy solutions.
- Biomass heating projects for local energy generation.
- District heating systems using renewable sources.
- Combined heat and power systems integrating green technologies.
- Research, development, and demonstration of innovative clean energy solutions.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 400,000
Installing a biomass heating system for a community center
$ 280,000
Developing a district heating system to enhance energy efficiency in a remote community
$ 400,000
Deployment of renewable energy projects in a remote Indigenous community
$ 120,000
Research and development of a combined heat and power system for a sustainable eco-village
$ 200,000
Implementing a biomass heating system in a rural collective farming community
Eligibility criteria of the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program
Eligibility for the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program is dependent on specific criteria related to the applicant and project location.
- The applicant must be part of or work with Indigenous, rural, or remote communities in Canada.
- The community must be either rural or remote as defined by the program criteria.
- The project must focus on clean energy solutions, including biomass heating, district heating, or combined heat and power systems.
- The project should aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Who is eligible?
The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program is aimed primarily at Indigenous communities, rural communities, and remote communities within Canada. Projects that involve partnerships between these communities and other entities such as municipalities, non-profit organizations, or private sector companies may also be eligible. The program encourages projects that support the transition to clean energy with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels through the use of local renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures.
Eligible expenses
Eligible expenses for the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program may include, but are not limited to:
- Costs associated with implementing biomass heating, district heating, and combined heat and power systems
- Research, development, and demonstration project expenses
- Community capacity building initiatives
- Deployment of renewable energy projects
- Energy efficiency measures
- Consultation and engagement with Indigenous, rural, and remote communities
Eligible geographic areas
This grant aims to support Indigenous, rural, and remote communities across Canada in reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The eligible geographical areas include specific communities defined by their connection to energy networks and population criteria.
- Indigenous communities throughout Canada.
- Rural communities connected to the North American electrical grid but not to the piped natural gas network, with fewer than 5,000 people and low population density.
- Remote communities not connected to the North American electrical grid or piped natural gas network, including Northern Remote Communities.
Eligibility criteria of the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program
The evaluation and selection criteria for this grant are:
- Alignment with program objectives and priorities
- Feasibility and sustainability of the project
- Community engagement and support
- Demonstrated benefits to the community
- Capacity building and knowledge transfer
- Financial viability and budget justification
How to apply to the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program
1
Contact Form Submission
- Submit a contact form through the provided link to discuss your project and check the most suitable stream.
- Indicate your community vision, idea, or project details.
- Await contact from the program representatives to guide you through the next steps.
2
Application Request
- If required, request an application by email to officially begin your application process.
- Ensure to state your project clearly to confirm its eligibility.
3
Ongoing Basis Review
- Note that applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, subject to fund availability.
- Keep informed about the status of your application through regular communication with program representatives.
Additional information
There is no additional information mentioned for this grant.
Apply to this program
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