Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI)
Last Update: January 24, 2025
AB, Canada
Improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions
Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $1,000,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Utilities
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Grant Providers
- Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA)
Status
Open
Overview of the Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program
The Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program, funded by the Government of Alberta and Natural Resources Canada, aims to enhance energy performance in industrial and manufacturing facilities in Alberta through various energy management activities. Eligible activities include conducting energy assessments, implementing Energy Management Information Systems, participating in Strategic Energy Management training, and investing in energy-efficient capital retrofits. The program provides financial incentives to cover up to 50% of eligible project costs for for-profit organizations and up to 100% for not-for-profits and Indigenous organizations.
Financing terms and conditions
The SEMI program provides various financing modalities to enhance energy efficiency and emissions reduction in industrial facilities. These modalities are designed to meet different facility needs and capabilities.
- Co-funding support for up to 50% of eligible project costs for for-profit organizations.
- Full funding support for Indigenous-led and not-for-profit organizations.
- In-kind contributions from facility staff time and previous energy management activities can offset co-funding requirements for for-profit organizations.
- Maximum financial incentives provided for different activities: Energy Assessments and Audits up to $50,000 per facility; Energy Management Information Systems (EMIS) up to $50,000 for facilities consuming less than 400,000 GJ annually or up to $250,000 for those consuming more; Strategic Energy Management training up to $100,000 per facility; Capital Retrofit projects up to $1,000,000 per facility.
Eligible projects & activities
The SEMI program offers financial incentives to support industrial and manufacturing facilities in Alberta through a range of activities. These activities are designed to enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thereby boosting profitability and competitiveness.
- Conducting an Energy Assessment and Audit, with funding available up to $50,000 per facility.
- Implementing an Energy Management Information System, offering up to $50,000 for facilities consuming under 400,000 GJ annually, or up to $250,000 for facilities consuming more.
- Participating in Strategic Energy Management training, with funding up to $100,000 per facility.
- Investing in capital retrofit projects to improve energy efficiency, with potential funding up to $1,000,000 per facility.
Eligibility criteria of the Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program
An eligible participant for the SEMI program must meet the following criteria:
- Operate a business in Alberta owning or leasing at least one eligible facility. This business could be a corporation, non-profit, co-operative, sole proprietorship, partnership, government or public entity, or Indigenous-owned organization.
- Be not insolvent.
Who is eligible?
This grant is designed to assist industrial and manufacturing facilities in Alberta looking to improve their energy performance and efficiency. Eligible organizations must operate facilities within specific Canadian sectors and meet defined operational criteria.
- Industrial, commercial, or manufacturing facilities owned or leased by the participant, located in Alberta, with permission from the landlord if leased.
- Facilities involved in energy-intensive processes that transform materials or substances into new products.
- Facilities in operation for at least one year with fixed equipment, buildings, or complexes for extraction, production, or manufacturing.
- Facilities within eligible sectors as defined by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes: Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting; Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; Utilities; Construction; Manufacturing; Transportation; Administrative and support, waste management, and remediation services.
Who is not eligible
The SEMI program restricts some companies and industries from eligibility to ensure alignment with its goals. Key restrictions related to the type of business activity and financial status are listed below.
- Companies that are insolvent or bankrupt are not eligible.
- Facilities that are newly established and have not been in operation for at least one year cannot apply.
- Industries not listed in the specified NAICS codes are excluded from eligibility.
Eligible expenses
The Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program offers an array of activities aimed at enhancing energy management and reducing emissions for industrial and manufacturing facilities in Alberta. Participants can engage in comprehensive assessments and strategic implementation processes to achieve significant energy efficiency improvements.
- Conduct an Energy Assessment and Audit with funding of up to $50,000 per facility.
- Implement an Energy Management Information System (EMIS) with up to $50,000 for smaller facilities, or up to $250,000 for larger facilities consuming more than 400,000 GJ annually.
- Participate in Strategic Energy Management (SEM) training, receiving up to $100,000 per facility.
- Invest in energy-efficient Capital Retrofit projects with funding of up to $1,000,000 per facility.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is specifically aimed at companies that operate within the province of Alberta, due to the unique funding contributions from the Government of Alberta and Natural Resources Canada. This restriction ensures that the program supports the regional energy management infrastructure.
- Industrial, commercial, or manufacturing facilities located within Alberta, Canada.
Eligibility criteria of the Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program
The evaluation and selection of projects for the SEMI grant are based on ensuring that projects align effectively with the objectives of enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions within industrial facilities.
- Alignment with strategies to enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Potential for improving energy performance and competitiveness of industrial facilities.
- Clarity in detailing the project's implementation plan and expected outcomes.
- Capacity of the facility to integrate recommended energy saving practices post-FRA.
- Readiness and appropriateness of the facility for implementing SEMI activities, as indicated by the Facility Readiness Assessment.
How to apply to the Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program
1
Register on SEMI Portal
- Create an account on the SEMI portal at https://www.semiprogram.ca.
- Provide basic information about your organization, such as name, address, and contact details.
- Confirm eligibility by ensuring your facility is located in Alberta and belongs to eligible NAICS sectors.
- Consent to the Portal Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and CASL agreement.
2
Confirm FRA Scope and Budget
- Schedule a virtual meeting with ERA’s Service Provider to discuss the scope and budget of the FRA.
- Provide necessary information like facility energy consumption and goals to define FRA parameters.
- Establish in-kind contributions as a form of budget offset.
- Finalize the FRA proposal including scope, deliverables, schedule, and budget.
- Receive and sign the FRA Terms and Conditions to confirm enrollment.
3
FRA Conducted
- ERA’s Service Provider conducts the FRA after scheduling a kick-off meeting.
- Participate in site visits and meetings as required to support FRA execution and data collection.
- Review draft FRA deliverables and confirm your in-kind contributions.
- Receive the final FRA report and recommendations after validation.
4
Enable Additional SEMI Activities
- Use the FRA report to access recommendations for additional SEMI activities.
- Decide on participation in further eligible activities as guided by the FRA.
Additional information
The SEMI program provides funding and support to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions for eligible industrial and manufacturing facilities in Alberta.
- The program offers co-funding of up to 50% for eligible project costs for for-profit organizations and up to 100% for not-for-profit and Indigenous organizations.
- It supports a range of activities such as Strategic Energy Management training and implementing energy management systems with financial incentives provided for each activity.
- The Facility Readiness Assessment (FRA) is mandatory as the first step and provides a roadmap for participants to implement further energy-saving activities.
- Facilities involved must be located in Alberta and belong to specific NAICS codes such as manufacturing, transportation, or utilities.
Contact Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA)
semi@eralberta.ca
1-844-407-0025
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