Open
Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC)
Funding for clean energy projects in remote communities
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : December 1, 2023
Location
Canada
Overview
CERRC provides funding to reduce fossil fuel use for heating and electricity in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities across Canada. It supports renewable energy, capacity building, biomass heating, district heating, combined heat and power, and research, development and demonstration projects, with limited remaining funding for some streams.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : December 1, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Environment
- Employment and Training
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Biomass heating, district heating, and combined heat and power systems
- Research, development, and demonstration projects
- Renewable energy and capacity building projects
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous communities
- Rural communities
- Remote communities
Who is not eligible
- Projects under the fully committed capacity building stream
- Projects under the fully committed renewable energy deployment stream
Eligible geographic areas
- Across Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
- Eligible proposals may be waitlisted if funding is unavailable.
- Some submissions are reviewed to inform future program design and development.
Additional information
- Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, subject to available funds.
- There is no deadline to apply.
- Applicants can request a contact form or an application by email.
- Program staff respond within 5 business days after the contact form is submitted.
Documents and links
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC). 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 Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC)?
CERRC provides funding to reduce fossil fuel use for heating and electricity in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities across Canada. It supports renewable energy, capacity building, biomass heating, district heating, combined heat and power, and research, development and demonstration projects, with limited remaining funding for some streams.
Who is eligible for the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program?
To be eligible for the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program, you must:
Project in eligible communities
Fits an open program stream
Reduces fossil fuel use
What expenses are eligible under Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC)?
Biomass heating, district heating, and combined heat and power systems
Research, development, and demonstration projects
Renewable energy and capacity building projects
Who can I contact for more information about the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC)?
You can contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) by email at nrcan.remoteenergy-energieadistance.rncan@canada.ca or by phone at 0.
Where is the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) available?
The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program is available across Canada.
Is the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC)?
Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) is funded by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Government of Canada