Energy Innovation Program — Clean Fuels Call for Proposals

Q: How much funding can be received?

Energy Innovation Program — Clean Fuels Call for Proposals Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $10 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Energy Innovation Program — Clean Fuels Call for Proposals a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Energy Innovation Program — Clean Fuels Call for Proposals is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Energy Innovation Program — Clean Fuels Call for Proposals?

Energy Innovation Program — Clean Fuels Call for Proposals is funded by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Energy Innovation Program — Clean Fuels Call for Proposals?

You can contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) by email at eipcleanfuels-piecombustiblespropres@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Energy Innovation Program — Clean Fuels Call for Proposals program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Energy Innovation Program — Clean Fuels Call for Proposals program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Advances clean fuel technologies for environmental sustainability

At a glance

Eligible Funding

From $500,000 to $10
Up to 75% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Utilities
Transportation and warehousing
Professional, scientific and technical services
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The Energy Innovation Program — Clean Fuels Call for Proposals supports the development of innovative pre-commercial clean fuels-related technologies in Canada, with a maximum funding amount of up to $10 million. The program aims to fund activities such as research and development, pilot projects, and demonstration projects focused on clean fuel production, transport, and storage.

Financing terms and conditions

Funding is available for research and development, pilot, and demonstration projects within two focus areas: Clean Fuels Production and Clean Fuels Transport and Storage.
Indigenous applicants can request funding up to 100% of the total project cost, provided it does not exceed specified maximum contribution limits.
Funding availability is set for the period between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2031.
For Clean Fuels Production, project-specific contributions are set at up to 75% for research and development ($500,000 to $2M), up to 50% for pilot and Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) ($2M to $5M), and up to 50% for demonstration projects ($5M to $10M).
For Clean Fuels Transport and Storage, research and development projects can receive up to 75% funding of total project costs ($500,000 to $2M), and pilot projects up to 50% ($2M to $5M).
Maximum government stacking percentage for Clean Fuels Production is 100% for research and development, 75% for pilot or FEED, and 50% for demonstration projects; for Clean Fuels Transport and Storage, it is 100% for research and development and 75% for pilot projects.
Eligible expenditures include salaries, benefits, training, professional services, travel costs, capital expenditures, overhead expenses, and certain other project-related costs.
Ineligible expenditures cannot be reimbursed but can count towards the proponent's contribution; these include costs like overhead exceeding 15% and in-kind contributions.
Non-permissible expenditures, such as purchase of land, are neither eligible for reimbursement nor inclusion in the total project cost.
In-kind contributions are accepted as part of the total project cost but are ineligible for reimbursement.
Projects may require collaboration; however, Indigenous applicants are exempt from the mandate for contributing additional financial sources.
Funding contributions are contingent upon meeting due diligence, regulatory assessments, and signing a contribution agreement with NRCan.
Contributions are non-repayable, supporting pre-commercial activities that promote broader environmental and economic benefits.

Activities funded

Development and demonstration of innovative pre-commercial clean fuels-related technologies.
Pre-commercial development, enhancement, and pilot or demonstration testing of innovative technologies related to the production of gaseous or liquid clean fuels.
Pre-commercial research and development of clean fuels transportation and storage solutions.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 90,000

Implementing sustainable energy solutions for local businesses

Eligibility

Applicants must be legal entities validly incorporated or registered in Canada.
Eligible entities include for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, provincial and territorial governments, and Indigenous organizations.
Indigenous recipients may include Indigenous communities, governments, and organizations majority-owned and controlled by Indigenous people.
University spin-offs are eligible if they are separate legal entities from academic institutions.
Applicants can work with project partners who provide in-kind or financial contributions, including those from non-eligible entities.
Projects must focus on the development and demonstration of innovative pre-commercial clean fuels-related technologies.
Project activities can take place outside of Canada but must provide significant tangible benefits to Canada.
Projects must start at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4-8.
Projects already receiving funding from other NRCan programs may be ineligible.
Eligible projects include those improving cleanness and functionality of transport and storage solutions for clean fuels.

Who is eligible?

For-profit organizations incorporated or registered in Canada
Not-for-profit organizations incorporated or registered in Canada
Indigenous communities or governments
Tribal Councils or entities that perform similar functions
National or regional Indigenous councils or tribal organizations
Indigenous for-profit or not-for-profit organizations with majority Indigenous ownership and control
Provincial and territorial governments and their departments and agencies (Focus area 2)

Eligible expenses

Salaries and benefits for employees on the payroll of the Recipient for the actual time spent by the employees on the project.
Training and workshops.
Professional, scientific, technical, and contracting services.
Travel expenditures, including meals and accommodation, based on National Joint Council Rates, adjusted to reflect costs in Northern and remote areas, where appropriate.
Capital expenditures such as the purchase, installation, testing and commissioning of qualifying equipment, materials and products, including diagnostic, testing tools and instruments, and original equipment manufacturer equipment warranty (including extended warranties where deemed appropriate to mitigate risk and lack of capacity).
Laboratory and field supplies and materials.
Printing services and translation.
Data collection services, including processing, analysis, and management.
Facility costs for seminars, conference room rentals, etc. (excluding hospitality).
Construction insurance.
Accreditation.
License fees and permits.
Honoraria.
Field testing services.
Overhead expenditures, provided they are directly related to the conduct of the project and can be attributed to it, up to a maximum of 15% of Eligible Expenditures. These include administrative and corporate support provided directly by the Recipient's employees, routine laboratory and field equipment maintenance, and office operating expenses directly related to the project.
GST, PST, or HST, net of any tax rebate to which the Recipient is entitled.

Selection criteria

Innovation and originality of the project proposal, specifically in clean fuels production and transport/storage technologies.
Feasibility and clarity of the implementation plan, including the articulation of how partnership roles and contributions will support project success.
Alignment with the Energy Innovation Program's strategic goals, particularly regarding net-zero emissions and the expansion of clean fuels use in challenging areas like heavy transport and industrial processes.
Potential environmental and economic impact, emphasizing the reduction of carbon footprint and lifecycle carbon intensities of clean fuels.
Integration and demonstration of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) principles within the project framework and among stakeholders involved.
Extent of collaboration and partnerships formed, with emphasis on diverse organizations and cross-sectoral cooperation.
Value for public spending and the plan for knowledge dissemination, including how project results will be shared and benefit Canadian society.
Ensurance of intellectual property management and strategy for sharing knowledge while securing competitive advantages.
Consideration of regional needs and potential benefits, especially for remote communities not connected to traditional energy networks.

How to apply

Expression of Interest (EOI) PhaseDetermine your eligibility by reviewing the Applicant Guide.

Complete and submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) via the Applicant Portal.
Ensure the EOI is fully completed and submitted by 1:00 p.m. ET on April 8, 2025.
Await notification from NRCan regarding the EOI evaluation results.

Full Project Proposal (FPP) PhaseFor invited applicants only, complete and submit the Full Project Proposal (FPP).

FPPs will be reviewed by the Technical Review and Investment Review Committees.
Await notification from NRCan regarding the FPP evaluation results.

Due Diligence AssessmentUndergo a due diligence assessment including financial, technical, legal, and regulatory components.

Submit required documentation within two months if selected for funding.

Contribution AgreementSign and execute a contribution agreement with NRCan if your project passes the due diligence assessment.

Ensure all terms and conditions within the contribution agreement are met.

Additional information

Indigenous applicants can apply for up to 100% of the total project cost, subject to maximum contributions specified.
The program encourages collaboration and leveraging of partnerships, although this requirement does not apply to Indigenous applicants.
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) reserves the right to assess project proposals to ensure alignment with Government of Canada policy and program priorities at both the Expression of Interest (EOI) and Full Project Proposal (FPP) phases.
Funding will be available between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2031.
Successful applicants will need to enter into a contribution agreement with NRCan before funding is confirmed.
The grant includes non-repayable contributions for pre-commercial projects with Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1-9.
NRCan is working with a network of "Trusted Partners" to explore co-funding opportunities. Consent for information sharing is required for NRCan to explore these possibilities.
Projects must include knowledge dissemination activities and provide NRCan with copies of all knowledge products developed under the project.
All projects are subject to a due diligence assessment covering financial, technical, legal, and regulatory aspects before final approval.
Applicants invited to the FPP phase and subsequent funding recipients are expected to fulfill inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) objectives within their projects.

Contacts

eipcleanfuels-piecombustiblespropres@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Innovation Program — Clean Fuels Call for Proposals Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Energy Innovation Program — Clean Fuels Call for Proposals. 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 Energy Innovation Program — Clean Fuels Call for Proposals?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Energy Innovation Program — Clean Fuels Call for Proposals a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Energy Innovation Program — Clean Fuels Call for Proposals?

Who is eligible for the Energy Innovation Program — Clean Fuels Call for Proposals program?

To be eligible for the Energy Innovation Program — Clean Fuels Call for Proposals program, you must: Legal entities validly incorporated or registered in Canada.For profit organizations and not-for-profit organizations. Provincial and territorial governments and their departments and agencies (Focus area 2 only). Indigenous communities, governments, or organizations, including those majority-owned and controlled by Indigenous people.