Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI)
AB, Canada
Improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
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Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- 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_single|grantors
- Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA)
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grant_card_status|open
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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.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specifically for companies located in Alberta, as outlined in the eligibility criteria of the SEMI program. The program is designed to support and enhance the energy performance of facilities within this province.
- Companies that operate facilities located in Alberta.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers expenses related to strategic energy management improvements to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
- Costs for conducting Energy Assessments and Audits up to $50,000 per facility.
- Implementation of Energy Management Information Systems (EMIS) with funding up to $50,000 for facilities consuming less than 400,000 GJ annually, or up to $250,000 if consuming more.
- Participation in Strategic Energy Management training with funding up to $100,000 per facility.
- Investments in energy-efficient Capital Retrofit projects with funding up to $1,000,000 per facility.
- Facility Readiness Assessment (FRA) costs partially covered, with up to 50% in-kind contributions allowed for for-profit organizations and up to 100% funding for Indigenous-led and not-for-profit organizations.
grant_single_labels|criteria
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.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the SEMI program:
- Step 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.
- Step 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.
- Step 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.
- Step 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.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
grant_single_labels|contact
semi@eralberta.ca
1-844-407-0025
Apply to this program
Boost Energy Efficiency with the SEMI Program
The SEMI grant offers comprehensive financial incentives for industrial and manufacturing facilities seeking to optimize energy management and efficiency. Funded by the Government of Alberta and Natural Resources Canada, this initiative supports projects aimed at reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing competitiveness in Alberta.
Detailed Insights into the SEMI Program and Its Benefits
The Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program presents a significant opportunity for businesses within Alberta's industrial and manufacturing sectors to enhance their energy efficiency and reduce operational costs. With a substantial funding pool of $50 million, provided by both Alberta's Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund and Natural Resources Canada, SEMI is structured to offer tailored assistance through a suite of initiatives. These are crafted to foster energy efficiency through systematic management practices, technological enhancements, and capital upgrades.
Central to SEMI's strategy is the Facility Readiness Assessment (FRA), which serves as a foundational step for participants. Through the FRA, facilities receive an in-depth evaluation of their energy consumption patterns, benchmarked against industry standards. This assessment provides critical insights into controllable and uncontrollable energy uses, helping facilities identify key areas for improvement and investment.
Following the FRA, businesses can engage in several funded activities such as comprehensive energy studies, strategic energy management training, and the implementation of energy management information systems. These activities are designed not only to improve energy performance but also to build organizational capacity and expertise in managing energy resources effectively.
Moreover, SEMI supports capital retrofits—Upgrades such as high-efficiency equipment, waste heat recovery systems, and renewable energy installations can receive up to $1 million per facility, significantly reducing the financial barriers to modernizing the energy infrastructure. For-profit facilities can receive up to 50% of the eligible project costs covered, while Indigenous and not-for-profit organizations benefit from full funding support, reflecting SEMI's commitment to inclusivity and community-based development.
By participating in the SEMI program, businesses not only enhance their competitiveness but also contribute to broader sustainability goals, including significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. This collaborative approach is reinforced by SEMI’s community of energy managers who share best practices and support each other in overcoming energy challenges.
This program represents a comprehensive package of strategic investments intended to elevate the energy efficiency landscape across Alberta's industrial sectors. Companies engaging with SEMI gain a competitive edge, ensure compliance with evolving environmental regulations, and participate actively in Alberta's transition to a more sustainable economy.
