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Net Zero Accelerator Initiative
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Canada
Funding for large-scale industrial decarbonization and clean technology projects
Grant and Funding
Overview
The Net Zero Accelerator Initiative provides up to $8 billion in funding to support large-scale projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate Canada's transition toward a net-zero economy by 2050. Eligible activities include decarbonizing large emitters, transforming industrial sectors, and developing clean technologies and battery ecosystems.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Research and experimental development
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Closing date : November 4, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Utilities
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Activities funded
- Decarbonization projects in large industrial sectors to achieve significant near-term greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
- Initiatives that support the transformation of established industries towards net-zero operations and products.
- Development and commercialization of clean technologies, such as hydrogen or carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).
- Projects aimed at building and strengthening a made-in-Canada battery ecosystem and related supply chains.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 9,900,000
Retrofitting fertilizer plant with ammonia stripping and biofilter system
$ 23,000,000
Clean process integration for aluminum smelting in major facility
$ 15,000,000
Electrification of heavy truck fleet for industrial freight logistics
$ 13,300,000
Development of a lithium-ion battery module assembly pilot line
$ 7,900,000
Hydrogen fuel cell system integration for municipal bus fleet
$ 24,500,000
Installation of carbon capture system for cement production facility
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a Canadian company.
- The project must aim to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and contribute to Canada's net zero objectives.
- The company must operate in a key industrial sector such as oil and gas, heavy industry, automotive transportation, aerospace, electricity, clean technology, or battery ecosystem development.
- The project should demonstrate quantifiable, direct, and meaningful GHG emissions reductions and/or support the transition to low carbon processes and products.
Who is eligible?
- Companies in Canada's largest emitting industrial sectors (such as oil and gas, steel, aluminum, cement, mining and mineral processing, and chemicals)
- Established industries in key sectors such as automotive transportation, aerospace, and electricity (or electrification)
- Companies developing or operating within clean technology sectors, including hydrogen, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and battery ecosystem development
Eligible expenses
- Purchase of clean technologies and equipment aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
- Investment in systems and supply chains for electrification and battery production.
- Expenses related to the adoption or development of low-carbon industrial processes.
- Costs for research, design, and integration of new products or processes to reduce GHG emissions.
Eligible geographic areas
- Companies operating anywhere in Canada.
Selection criteria
- Potential for meaningful, quantifiable, and direct reductions in domestic GHG emissions.
- Use of developed technologies that can deliver results by 2030.
- Ability to help move industrial sectors away from GHG-intensive activities and toward low-carbon processes or products.
- Demonstrated potential for medium- to long-term impact on GHG emissions, with a preference for sector-wide or market-wide benefits.
- Creation and maintenance of high-skill, long-term employment and promotion of Canadian competitiveness on a global scale.
How to apply
1
Assess program eligibility and alignment
- Review the Net Zero Accelerator Initiative objectives and investment pillars
- Ensure your project aligns with the eligibility criteria and climate goals
2
Initiate contact with the funding team
- Reach out to the Strategic Innovation Fund team for an initial discussion
- Present your project concept, innovation, and anticipated GHG emission reductions
3
Prepare and compile application materials
- Prepare your application with all required details on GHG reductions and innovative aspects
- Gather supporting documentation as required by the Strategic Innovation Fund
4
Submit your application
- Submit your complete application to the Strategic Innovation Fund portal
- Ensure all requested information and documentation are provided
5
Complete due diligence review
- Undergo a due diligence review to validate your GHG reduction estimates and project details
- Participate in any additional assessments as requested during review
6
Await funding decision
- Wait for notification of the funding decision from the Strategic Innovation Fund
- Review any feedback provided concerning your application
Additional information
- The application process is ongoing and non-competitive, enabling applicants to submit proposals at any time.
- Successful projects must undergo a due diligence review, including validation of GHG reduction estimates, before final funding decisions are made.
- Applicants are expected to demonstrate planned or potential reductions in GHG emissions as well as outline innovation and technological advancements in their proposals.
- Collaboration with provincial and territorial initiatives may strengthen an application, as alignment with regional priorities is considered in funding decisions.
