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Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects - Canada

Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects

Last Update: July 22, 2025
Canada
Money for Indigenous-led clean production capacity projects

At a glance

Eligible Funding
  • No Condition
Timeline
  • Open Date : February 11, 2022
  • Closing date : March 31, 2026
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
  • Utilities
  • Manufacturing
  • Professional, scientific and technical services
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open

Overview

Receive funding for capital clean fuel production projects, feasibility studies, basic engineering studies and detailed front-end engineering studies for the new build or expansion of low carbon fuel production facilities.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant provides financial support aimed at enhancing Indigenous-led clean fuel production capabilities across Canada. The funding modalities are structured to promote sustainable development and technological innovation.
  • Funding available for capital projects involving clean fuel production technologies ready for commercial deployment.
  • Support for feasibility, basic engineering, and detailed front-end engineering studies for low-carbon fuel production facilities.
  • Opportunity for single application submissions for comprehensive end-to-end projects.
  • Strict compliance with completion and commissioning deadlines by March 31, 2026, to qualify for funding.

Activities funded

This grant is designed to enhance the clean fuel production capacity within Indigenous-led projects. Eligible activities cover a range of initiatives that support clean energy advancements and feasibility assessments.
  • Capital clean fuel production projects using advanced fuel production technologies for commercial deployment.
  • Feasibility studies for assessing the establishment or expansion of low carbon fuel production facilities.
  • Basic engineering studies related to the development of clean fuel production infrastructures.
  • Detailed front-end engineering studies to facilitate the building or expansion of clean fuel facilities.
  • Feasibility studies examining the techno-economic potential of integrating hydrogen into natural gas systems.
  • Proposals can include comprehensive "End-to-End" projects submitted via a single application.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 4,500,000
Capital project to develop a low carbon hydrogen production facility
$ 3,000,000
Implement a hydrogen blending plant to lower carbon emission
$ 500,000
Detailed front-end engineering study for a new biodiesel plant
$ 150,000
Feasibility study for expanding bioethanol production facilities
$ 200,000
Feasibility study for introducing biogas production from municipal waste
$ 250,000
Study to determine the feasibility of a new biochar production facility

Eligibility

Eligibility for funding of Indigenous-led clean production capacity projects is limited to Indigenous organizations or entities with demonstrated Indigenous ownership and includes a variety of eligible institutions.
  • The applicant must be an Indigenous organization, registered Indigenous business, or Indigenous community.
  • Eligible applicants include both not-for-profit and for-profit organizations.
  • The applicant must demonstrate a minimum of 50% Indigenous ownership.
  • Types of applicants can include Indigenous communities, development corporations, electricity or gas utilities, private sector companies, industry associations, research associations, standards development organizations, and academic institutions.

Who is eligible?

Indigenous organizations or registered Indigenous businesses, or communities including not-for-profit and for-profit organizations with a minimum of 50% Indigenous ownership, are eligible to apply. This includes Indigenous Communities, Development Corporations, Electricity or gas utilities, Private sector companies, Industry associations, Research associations, Standards development organizations, and 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

This grant supports Indigenous-led clean production capacity projects by funding various stages of development and commercialization of clean fuel technologies. Eligible projects are focused on enhancing production capabilities and conducting necessary studies for future development.
  • Capital clean fuel production projects using fuel production technologies ready for commercial deployment.
  • Feasibility studies evaluating the new build or expansion of low carbon fuel production facilities.
  • Basic engineering studies and detailed front-end engineering studies for potential projects.
  • Feasibility studies assessing the blending of hydrogen into natural gas systems.
  • Applications for Feasibility study, Front End Engineering Design study, or Production project separately or as an End-to-End project.

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection criteria for projects under this grant are not explicitly detailed in the provided context.

How to apply

1

Determine Eligibility

Read the Applicant’s Guide specifically for Indigenous-led projects.
2

Request Application Materials

Request the Indigenous-led projects’ Applicant Guide and Forms.
3

Prepare Project Proposal

  • Complete the project proposal using the forms provided.
  • Ensure all required information and documentation are included in the proposal.
4

Submit Application

  • Submit your completed project proposal via email or mail.
  • Address the submission to:
  • c/o Clean Fuels Fund – Building New Domestic Production Capacity – Indigenous-Led Projects
  • 580 Booth Street
  • Ottawa, ON K1A 0E4

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
  • The application process is ongoing until funds are exhausted, enabling flexibility in timing for potential applicants.
  • Successful projects must be completed and facilities commissioned by March 31, 2026, which allows for a significant implementation window.
  • The program aims to increase Indigenous participation, emphasizing community and business involvement in clean energy initiatives.
  • Completed applications are subject to a service standard goal of being assessed within 120 business days.
  • Indigenous-led project applicants may apply for different stages of project development as separate applications or as an End-to-End project.

Documents and links

Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects. 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 Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects?

Who is eligible for the Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects program?

Who can I contact for more information about the Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects?

Where is the Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects available?

Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects program?

Apply to this program

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