Open
Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program
Supports clean energy transition in remote communities
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
Provides up to $50 million for clean energy projects that reduce fossil fuel use for heat and power in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities across Canada. Eligible activities include renewable energy, biomass and district heating, research and demonstration, capacity building, project planning, and related energy efficiency measures.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Environment
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Capacity-building projects such as training, energy planning, workshops, and community energy coordination
- Renewable energy deployment projects using solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, geothermal, solar thermal, or energy storage
- Energy efficiency projects and demand-side management measures linked to clean energy transition
- Project planning activities such as feasibility studies, design, engineering, resource assessments, and environmental assessments
- Research, development, and demonstration projects for clean energy technologies and systems
Documents Needed
- Signed project application form
- Written project proposal with statement of work
- Supporting technical documents, such as feasibility or engineering studies
- Financial documents, such as a detailed budget and financial statements
- Community or partner support documents, such as letters of support or agreements
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Legally registered or incorporated Canadian for-profit organizations
- Canadian not-for-profit organizations
- First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities, governments, development corporations, and other Indigenous organizations
- Provincial, territorial, regional, or municipal governments and related organizations
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and employee benefits for staff working on the project
- Professional, scientific, technical, and contracting services
- Equipment, materials, installation, testing, commissioning, and warranty costs
- Project travel, meals, accommodation, training, workshops, and facility rental costs
- Direct project overhead up to 15%, plus honoraria and ceremony costs for Indigenous organizations
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Land purchase
- Financing charges and interest on loans
- Costs incurred before project approval
- The reimbursable portion of federal or provincial and territorial taxes
- In-kind costs
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Indigenous, rural, and remote communities across Canada
- Northern and Arctic regions
- Remote industrial sites in Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Regional program officers review submitted applications for completeness and eligibility.
- Applications are assessed individually against the program’s objectives and criteria.
- The initiative may request additional supporting documentation during due diligence.
- If the project meets the requirements, it is brought forward for approval.
- No funding commitment exists until a written contribution agreement is signed by both parties.
Additional information
- Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, with no fixed deadline, subject to available funds.
- CERRC currently has limited remaining funding: some streams are waitlisted and others are fully committed.
- One application can be used to access CERRC and/or the Northern REACHE program.
- Projects may also be considered for other Government of Canada programs and initiatives, including the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities 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 Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program?
Provides up to $50 million for clean energy projects that reduce fossil fuel use for heat and power in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities across Canada. Eligible activities include renewable energy, biomass and district heating, research and demonstration, capacity building, project planning, and related energy efficiency measures.
Who is eligible for the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program program?
To be eligible for the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program program, you must:
Eligible Canadian or Indigenous applicant
Project in Indigenous, rural, or remote communities
Clean energy transition focus
What expenses are eligible under Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program?
Capacity-building projects such as training, energy planning, workshops, and community energy coordination
Renewable energy deployment projects using solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, geothermal, solar thermal, or energy storage
Energy efficiency projects and demand-side management measures linked to clean energy transition
Project planning activities such as feasibility studies, design, engineering, resource assessments, and environmental assessments
Research, development, and demonstration projects for clean energy technologies and systems
Who can I contact for more information about the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program?
You can contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) by email at nrcan.remoteenergy-energieadistance.rncan@canada.ca.
Where is the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program available?
The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program?
Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program is funded by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)