Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects
At a glance
- No Condition
- Open Date : February 11, 2022
- All industries
- Government of Canada
- Natural Resources Canada
Overview
Eligibility criteria
Indigenous organizations or registered Indigenous businesses or communities with a minimum of 50% Indigenous ownership are eligible to apply for this grant. Eligible entities include Indigenous Communities, Development corporations, Electricity or gas utilities, Private sector companies, Industry associations, Research associations, Standards development organizations, and Academic institutions.
- Indigenous organizations or registered Indigenous businesses or communities
- Demonstrate a minimum of 50% Indigenous ownership
Who is eligible
There are eligible types of companies for this grant. Indigenous organizations or registered Indigenous businesses or communities including not-for-profit and for-profit organizations that can demonstrate a minimum of 50% Indigenous ownership are eligible. This includes Indigenous Communities, Development corporations, Electricity or gas utilities, Private sector companies, Industry associations, Research associations, Standards development organizations, and Academic institutions.
- Indigenous Communities
- Development corporations
- Electricity or gas utilities
- Private sector companies
- Industry associations
- Research associations
- Standards development organizations
- Academic institutions
Who is not eligible
Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant. Only Indigenous organizations or registered Indigenous businesses or communities, including not-for-profit and for-profit organizations demonstrating a minimum of 50% Indigenous ownership, are eligible. Other types of companies not meeting these criteria are not eligible for this grant.
- Non-Indigenous-owned organizations
- Organizations without at least 50% Indigenous ownership
Eligible expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include costs related to capital clean fuel production projects, feasibility studies, basic engineering studies, and detailed front-end engineering studies, all aimed at advancing the production of low carbon fuels and clean hydrogen blending into natural gas systems.
- Costs associated with capital clean fuel production projects
- Fees for feasibility studies and basic engineering studies
- Expenses for detailed front-end engineering studies
- Technological readiness assessments
- Techno-economic feasibility studies for hydrogen blending
Eligible projects & activities
There are eligible projects for this grant:
- Capital clean fuel production projects using advanced technologies for commercial deployment
- Feasibility studies for new build or expansion of low carbon fuel production facilities and blending hydrogen into natural gas systems
- Front End Engineering Design studies to assess production facilities
- Possibility to apply for Feasibility study, Front End Engineering Design study, or Production project separately
- Potential to apply for an End-to-End project via a single application
Evaluation & selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.
- Completeness review
- Mandatory criteria review
- Evaluation Committee assessment
- Investment Committee validation
- Final project decision
How to apply
- Step 1: Read the Applicant’s Guide to determine your eligibility.
- Step 2: Request the Indigenous-led projects’ Applicant Guide and Forms.
- Step 3: Complete and submit your project proposal by email or mail to the provided address.
Funding for Indigenous-led Clean Production Capacity Projects
Overview of the Grant:
The funding opportunity supports Indigenous-led clean production capacity projects in Canada, focusing on clean fuels like hydrogen, biofuels, natural gas, and aviation fuel. Indigenous organizations and businesses with 50% Indigenous ownership can apply for capital projects, feasibility studies, or engineering studies to expand low carbon fuel production facilities. The program aims to boost domestic clean fuel production, aid Canada's transition to cleaner energy sources, and contribute to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Indigenous communities, development corporations, utilities, private companies, and research institutions are eligible to apply. Projects must be completed by March 31, 2026, and funding will be provided to successful applicants based on the stage of the project. The initiative emphasizes Indigenous participation, economic, environmental, and social benefits of the energy transition, and offers support through a structured application process and clear service standards.
