Closed
Energy Innovation Program — Renewable Energy Demonstrations
Funding for renewable energy demonstration projects
Last Update: June 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Canada
Overview
This closed program offered non-repayable contributions of up to $4,000,000 for renewable energy demonstration projects. It supports innovative solar, wind, geothermal, and marine projects that improve local heat or power generation and integration.
/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
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Demonstration projects for innovative renewable heat or power generation and integration
- Projects using solar, wind, geothermal, or marine energy resources
- Projects that strengthen local energy systems and deliver local benefits
Documents Needed
- Declaration of interest
- Full project proposal, if invited
- Detailed project budget
- Detailed statement of work
- Support letters for fully committed partners
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian for-profit and non-profit organizations
- Canadian utilities, companies, and industry associations
- Canadian community groups and universities
- Provincial, territorial, regional, and municipal governments
- Indigenous communities, governments, and Indigenous-owned organizations
Who is not eligible
- Applicants outside Canada without Canadian registration
- Projects based on nuclear power
- Projects based on conventional hydropower
- Bioenergy projects
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and benefits for project staff
- Training, workshops, and travel costs
- Contracting and professional, scientific, and technical services
- Equipment, materials, testing, and commissioning
- Permits, licences, lab supplies, and other directly related project costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Land purchases
- Indirect costs
- Recoverable portions of federal and provincial taxes
- Costs outside the eligible expense period
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Alignment with program objectives
- Local participation and local benefits
- Improved reliability and accessibility of renewable energy
- Reduced environmental impacts and net-zero contribution
- Replicability of the renewable energy solution
How to apply
- Step 1: Check eligibility
- Review the guide and confirm the project fits the call requirements.
- Stream 2 applicants should contact the program for support.
- Step 2: Submit a declaration of interest
- Complete and submit the DI through the applicant portal by the relevant deadline.
- Stream 2 applicants must confirm Indigenous applicant status if applicable.
- Step 3: Submit a full project proposal if invited
- Prepare and submit the full project proposal only if invited by NRCan.
- Provide all required supporting information, including partner support letters where applicable.
- Step 4: Complete due diligence and agreement signing
- Successful applicants complete due diligence with NRCan.
- Sign the contribution agreement before funding can be issued.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed first through the declaration of interest stage.
- Selected applicants are invited to submit a full project proposal.
- Technical experts assess the proposal and due diligence is completed for successful applicants.
- Applicants are notified of the results at each stage.
- Funding is only confirmed after a contribution agreement is signed.
Additional information
- Closed call for proposals.
- Funded projects will be announced on NRCan's Current Investments page.
- Applicants may receive support from a project manager for Stream 2.
- NRCan aims to respond to questions within two business days during regular operations.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Innovation Program — Renewable Energy Demonstrations Program
What is the Energy Innovation Program — Renewable Energy Demonstrations?
This closed program offered non-repayable contributions of up to $4,000,000 for renewable energy demonstration projects. It supports innovative solar, wind, geothermal, and marine projects that improve local heat or power generation and integration.
Who is eligible for the Energy Innovation Program — Renewable Energy Demonstrations program?
To be eligible for the Energy Innovation Program — Renewable Energy Demonstrations program, you must:
Canadian legal entity
TRL 6+ demonstration project
Minimum project capacity
What expenses are eligible under Energy Innovation Program — Renewable Energy Demonstrations?
Demonstration projects for innovative renewable heat or power generation and integration
Projects using solar, wind, geothermal, or marine energy resources
Projects that strengthen local energy systems and deliver local benefits
Who can I contact for more information about the Energy Innovation Program — Renewable Energy Demonstrations?
You can contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) by email at energyinnovation-innovationenergetique@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.
Where is the Energy Innovation Program — Renewable Energy Demonstrations available?
The Energy Innovation Program — Renewable Energy Demonstrations program is available across Canada.
Is the Energy Innovation Program — Renewable Energy Demonstrations a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Energy Innovation Program — Renewable Energy Demonstrations is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Energy Innovation Program — Renewable Energy Demonstrations?
Energy Innovation Program — Renewable Energy Demonstrations is funded by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)