Renewable Natural Gas Production Support Program — Stream 2

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for this grant are businesses, non-profit organizations (NPOs), and municipal entities in Quebec. Applicants must have a Quebec enterprise number and experience in bioenergy development. They must not be a ministry, budgetary organization of the Quebec government, or a designee of the National Assembly, federal department, or agency. Additionally, they must not have any past financial assistance violations from the Quebec government in the past two years, must not be bankrupt or insolvent, nor listed on the Register of companies not eligible for public contracts (RENA). They must also uphold ethical standards and not offer products or services that could harm the integrity or reputation of the Quebec government. Projects that are eligible involve the production and injection of renewable natural gas (RNG) into Quebec's natural gas distribution network, utilizing commercially proven technologies, and having a lifespan of at least ten years with a minimal production and injection period of four years post-realization.

Who is not eligible

This grant has specific restrictions related to the eligibility of applicants, focusing on entities that align with the program's goals. The exclusions are intended to ensure that only qualified organizations with relevant experience can access the funding.

• Federal ministries or bodies and those designated by the National Assembly.
• Organizations currently in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings.
• Entities listed in the Register of Ineligible Enterprises for Public Contracts (RENA).

Eligible expenses

The grant covers expenses related to the production and injection of renewable natural gas (RNG) projects.

• Initial capital for upgrading or purchasing equipment and infrastructure construction or upgrades.
• Installation of machinery and equipment.
• Commissioning and calibration of machinery and equipment.
• Land development for the project site.
• Engineering work to finalize project design.
• Professional fees.
• Administrative or management fees, up to a maximum of 15% of eligible expenses.
• Salaries and benefits.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies operating within the province of Quebec. Eligibility is tied to entities meeting specific criteria outlined by the Government of Quebec.

• Companies based in Quebec, Canada.

The evaluation and selection of projects under this grant focus on ensuring the project's relevance and its potential economic, environmental, and social impacts.

• The pertinence of the project.
• Financial aspects of the project.
• Technical aspects of the project.
• Legal aspects of the project.
• Potential economic impacts of the project.
• Potential environmental impacts of the project.
• Potential social impacts of the project.

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

• Step 1: Review Program Details
• Consult the program's framework document to understand the guidelines and requirements.
• Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
• Prepare a detailed document describing the GNR production project.
• Compile information on legal, environmental, and social aspects of the project.
• Create a technical project plan.
• Draft a financial and economic aspects report.
• Develop a detailed plan for connecting to the natural gas distribution network.
• Obtain a certificate from Revenu Québec for the applicant or each entity in a joint venture.
• Demonstrate ownership or the right to use the project site.
• Step 3: Complete Application Form
• Fill out the participation form as per the program's guidelines.
• Step 4: Submit Application
• Submit all completed documents and the application form via email to gnr@economie.gouv.qc.ca by December 1, 2023.
• Step 5: Wait for Evaluation
• The application will be evaluated based on project relevance, financial, technical, and legal aspects, and potential economic, environmental, and social impacts.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The grant application deadline is December 1, 2023.
• The maximum aid offered per project is $15,000,000, with a non-repayable subsidy covering up to 50% of eligible expenses.
• Cumulative government aid cannot exceed 80% of eligible expenses.
• Applicants must provide quarterly activity reports and deliverables for payment disbursement.
• An example template for a financial aid agreement is available, although not linguistically reviewed.
• Applicants can seek assistance or clarification via the provided email gnr@economie.gouv.qc.ca.