ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge

Q: How much funding can be received?

ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $15000000 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge a grant, loan, or tax credit?

ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge is a Partnering and Collaboration

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge?

ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge is funded by Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA)

Q: Who is eligible for the ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge program?

To be eligible for the ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge program, you must: • Oil sands operators with confirmed senior leadership support • Technology providers with a confirmed site host and oil sands operator commitment

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge?

You can contact Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA).

Q: Where is the ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge available?

The ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge program is available the province of AB.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge program.

Last Update: August 12, 2025

AB, Canada

Funding for innovative oil sands tailings and water solutions

At a glance

Eligible Funding

From $1,000,000 to $15,000,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Partnering and Collaboration

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Professional, scientific and technical services
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The ERA Tailings Technology Challenge offers up to $50 million to support the advancement, demonstration, and deployment of innovative technologies aimed at reducing and managing oil sands mine water and tailings in Alberta. Eligible activities include scale-up, pilot testing, commercialization, and partnership-driven projects focused on improving tailings and water treatment solutions.

Financing terms and conditions

Total funding envelope of up to $50 million for the program.
Maximum funding per project is $15 million.
Minimum funding request per project is $1 million.
ERA's financial contribution will not exceed 50% of eligible project expenses.

Activities funded

Advancement and deployment of technologies to manage and reduce oil sands mine water and tailings.
Pilot projects and demonstration of innovative solutions for tailings dewatering and water treatment.
Implementation of new technologies for mine site remediation and reclamation.
Projects enabling monitoring, measurement, and optimization of tailings and water management.
Commercial-scale trials of solutions to recover, treat, or re-use water in oil sands operations.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 31,000

Upgrading public access computers at a cultural community centre

$ 39,000

Launch of a community composting program using smart bins

$ 34,000

Installing energy-efficient cold storage at an urban food hub

$ 36,000

Development of a bilingual e-commerce platform for local artisans

$ 20,000

Purchase of adaptive manufacturing tools for accessible woodworking

$ 32,500

Deployment of a youth mental health text support service pilot

Eligibility

The applicant must be an oil sands operator or a technology provider.
Oil sands operator applications must include confirmed senior leadership support.
Technology provider applications must include a confirmed site host and a commitment from an oil sands operator for site or sample access.
The proposed project must focus on tailings and/or mine water management and demonstrate clear benefits.
Projects must be at the field pilot, demonstration, or first-of-kind commercial implementation stage.

Who is eligible?

Oil sands operators
Technology providers with a confirmed site host and a commitment from an oil sands operator

Eligible geographic areas

Alberta

Selection criteria

Alignment with the objectives of managing and remediating oil sands mine water and tailings in Alberta.
Demonstrated potential for real-world application and deployment of the proposed technology or solution.
Ability of the project to advance technology to at least field pilot, demonstration, or first-of-kind commercial implementation by project completion.
Strength and completeness of partnerships, particularly with local communities and Alberta’s post-secondary research institutions.
Rigor and transparency of the project plan, supporting advancement toward tangible, targeted outcomes.

How to apply

Identify funding opportunity

Review the Tailings Technology Challenge guidelines
Determine project eligibility and funding criteria
Align your technology or project with targeted outcomes

Confirm eligibility and partnerships

Confirm support from senior leadership if an operator
Secure a site host and commitment from an operator if a technology provider
Establish partnerships where applicable (e.g., with research institutions or Indigenous communities)

Prepare application documents

Download and complete Expression of Interest (EOI) template
Prepare documentation and required supporting materials
Review expense, privacy, and policy guidelines

Submit application

Submit Expression of Interest and required materials before deadline
Ensure all information and commitments are included
Submit via the designated Grant Manager system

Await selection results

Await notification of shortlist status (October 2025)
Prepare for potential shortlist presentations (December 2025)
Monitor communications from the ERA team for updates

Funding decision and agreement

Receive funding decision notification (January 2026)
If selected, proceed to funding agreement and project initiation

Additional information

A one-hour informational webinar is scheduled for July 3, 2025, from 2 to 3 p.m. MDT.
ERA's independent competitive review process includes oversight by a Fairness Monitor to ensure transparency.
Applicants may submit proposals that integrate multiple technologies targeting tailings and water management.
Partnerships with local communities and Alberta's post-secondary research institutions are highlighted as particularly valuable.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge. 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 ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under ERA — Tailings Technology Challenge?

Advancement and deployment of technologies to manage and reduce oil sands mine water and tailings. Pilot projects and demonstration of innovative solutions for tailings dewatering and water treatment. Implementation of new technologies for mine site remediation and reclamation. Projects enabling monitoring, measurement, and optimization of tailings and water management. Commercial-scale trials of solutions to recover, treat, or re-use water in oil sands operations.