Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI)

The Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program from Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) helps industrial and manufacturing facilities improve energy performance, lower operating costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Backed by $70 million in funding from the Government of Alberta and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the program is available until March 31, 2027, or until funding is fully allocated.

What SEMI Offers

SEMI supports organizations through four key activities:

• Energy Assessments and Audits (EAA) – Identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency.

• Energy Management Information Systems (EMIS) – Implement systems to monitor and optimize energy use.

• Strategic Energy Management (SEM) – Build organizational expertise through energy management training.

• Capital Retrofits – Upgrade equipment and systems to improve energy performance.

Waitlists are currently open for all four activities.

Benefits of Participating

By joining SEMI, organizations can:

• Reduce energy costs and improve profitability.

• Increase equipment lifespan and lower operating expenses.

• Build in-house energy management knowledge and capacity.

• Collaborate with industry peers to share best practices.

• Improve competitiveness while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Who Can Apply?

The program is designed for eligible industrial and manufacturing facilities in Alberta that:

• Are owned or leased by the applicant (with landlord approval if leased).

• Have been operating for at least one year.

• Perform energy-intensive industrial, extraction, production, or manufacturing activities.

• Fall within eligible NAICS sectors, including agriculture, mining, utilities, construction, manufacturing, transportation, and waste management/remediation services.

Funding Available

SEMI covers:

• Up to 50% of eligible project costs for for-profit organizations.

• Up to 100% of eligible project costs for not-for-profit and Indigenous organizations.

Funding opportunities include:

• Up to $50,000 for an Energy Assessment and Audit.

• Up to $50,000 (or $250,000 for larger energy users) for an Energy Management Information System.

• Up to $100,000 in Strategic Energy Management training.

• Up to $1 million for eligible Capital Retrofit projects.

Getting Started

Participation begins with a Facility Readiness Assessment (FRA). This comprehensive assessment evaluates your facility's energy performance, identifies improvement opportunities, benchmarks performance against industry standards, and provides recommendations on the SEMI activities best suited to your organization.

The FRA includes:

• Energy use analysis and benchmarking.

• Assessment of energy management practices.

• Evaluation of energy performance drivers and variability.

• A professional engineer-reviewed report with a customized roadmap for future SEMI opportunities.

The FRA serves as the foundation for organizations looking to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and maximize the benefits available through the SEMI program.

Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition — CRIN

What is it?

The Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition is a $12 million, pan-Canadian funding program launched by the Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN), in coordination with MaRS Discovery District, and supported by Canada’s Strategic Response Fund.

The competition supports late-stage cleantech technologies that deliver measurable environmental and economic benefits for Canada’s oil and gas sector and other hard-to-abate industries.

What Kinds of Projects Are Funded

Funding is available for projects aligned with one or more of CRIN’s technology themes:

• Cleaner Fuels

• Digital Oil and Gas Technologies

• Carbon Capture and Value-Added Products

• Novel Hydrocarbon Extraction

• Novel Land and Wellsite Remediation

• Methane Monitoring, Quantification, and Abatement

• Water Technology Development

Technologies with cross-industry applications are encouraged.

Funding Details

• Total program funding: $12 million

• Up to $2 million per project

• Covers up to 50% of eligible project costs

• Funding provided on a reimbursement basis

• Industry partner required, including financial contribution

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, projects must:

• Be led by a Canadian entity

• Be carried out in Canada

• Target TRL 6–9 (late-stage, near-commercial)

• Include at least one industry partner

• Be completed by September 30, 2027

• Demonstrate clear environmental, economic, and commercialization outcomes

Potential outcomes include emissions reductions, IP development, and skilled job creation.

Why It Matters

The competition is designed to accelerate adoption of late-stage cleantech by grounding projects in real-world industry demand. By requiring industry partnership, CRIN aims to de-risk deployment, shorten commercialization timelines, and strengthen Canada’s leadership in oil and gas innovation and emissions reduction.

Program Delivery

• Competition lead: Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN)

• Coordinator: MaRS Discovery District (selected via RFP)

• Funding source: Canada’s Strategic Response Fund

About CRIN

The Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN) is a pan-Canadian network connecting industry, innovators, investors, academia, and governments to develop, commercialize, and deploy clean technologies for the oil and gas sector and other hard-to-abate industries. CRIN’s work supports environmental performance while strengthening Canada’s energy competitiveness.

About MaRS Discovery District

MaRS Discovery District is North America’s largest urban innovation hub, supporting Canadian technology companies in climate, health sciences, and emerging sectors. Since 2010, MaRS-supported ventures have generated $11.5B in revenue, raised $19B in funding, and created over 33,000 jobs.

About the Strategic Response Fund

The Strategic Response Fund (SRF) supports large-scale, transformative projects that strengthen Canadian industries, enhance supply chain resilience, and protect jobs. Building on the former Strategic Innovation Fund, SRF expands support for industries navigating global trade and economic disruptions.

Clean Growth Innovation Fund — FortisBC

What is it?

The Clean Growth Innovation Fund is a funding program administered by FortisBC, aimed at accelerating innovation in clean energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in British Columbia. The fund supports projects that can help decarbonize gas supply, improve energy efficiency, and bring forward lower‑carbon or renewable gas technologies and solutions.

What kinds of projects and activities are funded

FortisBC will fund projects in multiple clean energy / emissions reduction areas including:

• Renewable and lower carbon gas production, distribution and end‑use (e.g. hydrogen, synthesis gas, lignin, and especially Renewable Natural Gas “RNG”)

• Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies.

• Energy efficiency measures, especially those with strong emission reduction potential or that improve long‑term system cost‑benefits.

Criteria for Funding

Applications are evaluated based on a number of factors. Projects are assessed on:

• The estimated emissions reduction within British Columbia that the project will deliver.

• Cost‑benefit for customers — i.e. whether the project offers value for money or cost savings in the long run.

• The amount of co‑funding secured (applicant or third‑party). Projects with more partner funding tend to score better.

• The experience and relevant expertise of the project team.

Funding & Governance

• The fund is financed by ratepayers; it is part of the basic charge on FortisBC’s natural gas customers.

• Oversight includes internal working groups, and an external advisory council which offers feedback, insight and guidance.

• Unspent funds are returned to ratepayers. Also, the fund is not intended for FortisBC to earn return or use to finance projects already part of its regulated rate base.

Why It Matters

• Helps BC meet its climate action goals (e.g. under CleanBC) by funding projects that reduce GHG emissions.

• Supports the development of new clean gas/energy technologies which may not yet be commercially mature.

• Promotes partnerships among academia, industry, and government to solve technical, economic and policy challenges.

• Offers a pathway to making existing gas infrastructure more sustainable through integration with renewable gases, hydrogen etc.

Important Dates & How to Get Involved

• Current funding round: 2025–2027.

• Annual funding amount: approx. CAD $5.5 million per year for 2025‑2027.

• Application deadline for the current year: Projects submitted after Nov 15, 2024 are part of the 2025‑2027 fund round.

• To apply: fill out the project proposal form (available from FortisBC), submit by email.

Challenges & Considerations

• Some projects may have long lead times to demonstrate real emissions reductions.

• Cost effectiveness and ensuring benefits for customers are central criteria — meaning high risk or purely experimental ideas may face tougher scrutiny.

• Balancing investment across different technologies (RNG, hydrogen, carbon capture) such that the most promising pathways receive support.

Emissions Reduction Alberta – Methane Reduction Deployment Program

ONGOING – PROGRAM END DATE: MARCH 31, 2029

The Methane Reduction Deployment Program, administered by Emissions Reduction Alberta, supports the deployment and commercialization of technologies that detect, monitor, and mitigate methane emissions from Alberta’s oil and gas industry. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and reducing emissions is a key component of climate change mitigation strategies in Canada and Alberta.

This program focuses on large-scale implementation of proven technologies that deliver measurable emissions reductions in the province. Applications are accepted continuously until the program ends on March 31, 2029, or until the available funding is fully allocated.

Who Can Apply

Funding is open to a range of participants, including:

• Technology developers

• Industry operators

• Industrial associations

• Research organizations and post-secondary institutions

• Not-for-profits

• Municipalities and government research labs

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to deploy technologies at scale and achieve quantifiable methane reductions in Alberta’s oil and gas sector.

Eligible Technology Areas

The program supports projects that:

• Detect, monitor, and quantify methane emissions

• Mitigate methane emissions through proven technological solutions

• Integrate into Alberta oil and gas operations for measurable impact

Projects should be ready for deployment, with technologies beyond the development stage, focused on implementation and measurable emissions reduction.

Application & Funding Process

The program operates in competitive intake cycles, and funding requests are reviewed based on:

• Technical feasibility and readiness

• Expected methane emissions reductions

• Alignment with Alberta’s climate and energy priorities

• Potential for scaling and broader adoption

Project timelines and funding amounts depend on project scope and scale.

Key Dates

• Program: Continuous intake

• Program End Date: March 31, 2029

Learn More / Apply

For more information and application details:

• ERA Program Page: Methane Reduction Deployment Program

This program provides a critical opportunity to deploy advanced methane reduction technologies, helping Alberta’s oil and gas sector meet emissions targets while promoting innovation and sustainable operations.

Oil Infrastructure Investment Program (OIIP) – Program Update

As part of Budget 2025–26, the Oil Infrastructure Investment Program (OIIP) has been extended for four more years, with applications now accepted until March 31, 2029.

About OIIP

The OIIP provides transferable Crown royalty and freehold production tax credits equal to 20% of eligible project costs for approved oil and gas infrastructure projects.

The program supports the development of:

• Transmission pipelines

• Feeder pipelines (including trunk and branch systems)

• Pipeline terminals

• Enabling infrastructure directly linked to a qualified project

Administered by the Ministry of Energy and Resources, OIIP is designed to strengthen Saskatchewan’s energy infrastructure and encourage investment.

Program Benefits

• Transferable tax credits, allowing broader participation across project partners

• CAD $40M project-specific credit cap (up to $200M in eligible costs)

• Credit redemption schedule:

  • 20% in Year 1

  • 30% in Year 2

  • 50% in Year 3

• Can be combined with other provincial incentives

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify:

• The project must directly increase pipeline capacity for oil or CO₂ in Saskatchewan

• It must represent a non-redundant service and be non-operational at the time of application

• Must involve a minimum investment of CAD $10 million

How to Apply

Email applications to: oiip@gov.sk.ca
Application window: April 8, 2020 – March 31, 2029

Refer to the OIIP Program Overview and Application Instructions for full details.

Saskatchewan Petroleum Innovation Incentive (SPII)

The Saskatchewan Petroleum Innovation Incentive (SPII) has received a five-year extension as part of Budget 2024-25, with applications now accepted until March 31, 2029. The program’s lifetime funding cap has also increased from $30 million to $100 million, now shared with the new Saskatchewan Critical Minerals Innovation Incentive (SCMII).

Note: Helium and lithium innovation projects are no longer eligible under SPII. These are now covered under SCMII.

About SPII

The SPII program supports the commercialization of innovative technologies in Saskatchewan’s oil and gas sector, offering transferable Crown royalty and freehold production tax credits equal to 25% of eligible project costs.

Eligible project types include:

• Pilot projects to test new technologies

• Commercial-scale deployments of proven innovations

• Multi-phase or multi-site projects

Administered by the Ministry of Energy and Resources, SPII aims to boost innovation that enhances oil recovery, reduces environmental impact, increases value-added capacity, or commercializes production byproducts.

Program Benefits

• 25% tax credit on eligible capital and operating costs

• Fully transferable credits, allowing non-producers to participate

• Supports cash flow during both construction and operational phases

• CAD $5M project-specific credit cap (up to $20M in eligible costs)

• Can be combined with other provincial incentives

Eligibility Overview

Projects must:

• Feature innovations at Technology Readiness Level 7or higher

• Be new or significantly different in Saskatchewan’s oil and gas sector

• Have a minimum investment of $1 million

• Not be commercially operational prior to application

Qualifying projects must focus on at least one of the following:

• Enhanced oil/gas recovery

• Environmental impact management

• Value-added processing capacity

• Commercialization of byproducts or waste

How to Apply

To apply, submit a completed SPII Application Form to: spii@gov.sk.ca

Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2029.

For guidelines and documents, refer to the SPII Program Overview or contact the Ministry for support.

Oil and Gas Processing Investment Incentive (OGPII) – Program Update

CLOSING DATE MARCH 31, 2029

As part of Saskatchewan's Budget 2024-25, the Oil and Gas Processing Investment Incentive (OGPII) has been extended for five more years, with project applications now accepted until March 31, 2029.

Additionally, the funding cap for OGPII has increased from $370 million to $500 million. This total cap will be shared with the newly announced Critical Minerals Processing Investment Incentive (CMPII).

Please note: Helium and lithium processing projects are now covered under CMPII, not OGPII. Applicants for these projects should consult CMPII guidelines.

About OGPII

The OGPII program supports greenfield and brownfield value-added oil and gas processing projects in Saskatchewan by offering transferable crown royalty and freehold production tax credits equal to 15% of eligible program costs.

Eligible sectors include:

• Oil & gas refineries and upgrading facilities (e.g., partial upgraders, asphalt production)

• Petrochemical facilities (e.g., methanol, ethylene, polypropylene)

• Associated gas commercialization (e.g., gas processing, waste-gas-to-power)

• Regional gas gathering systems

• Carbon capture for enhanced oil recovery

• Processing of oil and gas byproducts/waste

• Chemical fertilizer production facilities

Program Benefits

• Transferable Credits: Even non-producers can benefit through credit transfers.

• Multi-Company Projects Supported: Costs can be shared across partners.

• CAD $75M Project-Specific Credit Cap

• Credit Claim Schedule:

  • 20% in Year 1 of operations

  • 30% in Year 2

  • 50% in Year 3

• Stackable with other Saskatchewan incentive programs

Eligibility Overview

Projects must:

• Add significant value through processing or transformation

• Represent a minimum investment of CAD $10 million

• Result in a meaningful increase in Saskatchewan’s processing capacity

Eligible projects include new builds, expansions, and essential enabling infrastructure.

How to Apply

For detailed eligibility criteria, required documentation, and application instructions, visit the official OGPII page or contact the program team directly.

Alberta Petrochemical Incentive Program

CLOSING DATE NOVEMBER 1, 2030

The Alberta Petrochemicals Incentive Program (APIP) is intended to grow the province’s petrochemicals sector and is designed to allow projects to compete in an open market and provide potential investors with certainty that projects that progress to the operational stage will be supported by the government. The APIP is administered by the Alberta Department of Energy (“the Department”). It provides financial incentives in the form of grants to encourage private sector investment in certain types of new or expanded Alberta-based petrochemical manufacturing facilities to produce value-added, petrochemical, hydrogen, fertilizer and fuel products.

The program will be open to receive applications from proposed projects for either five years or ten years from the launch of the program, depending on the size of the project’s capital investment. Projects with a capital investment of between $50 million to $150 million will have until November 1, 2025, to apply to the program and projects with a capital investment of more than $150 million will have until November 1, 2030, to apply to the program.

Please contact Crimson if you would like further information regarding this Program.

Alberta Innovates - Methane Emissions Reduction Program

ONGOING - CLOSING DATE TBD

The Methane Emissions Reduction program supports technologies that detect, monitor, and mitigate methane emissions reductions from Alberta’s oil and gas industry.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. Reducing methane emissions is a critical component of any climate change strategy. Canada and the USA aligned on targeted methane emissions reductions of 45 per cent from 2016 levels by 2025, and remarkable progress has been achieved to date. Part of this success relates to the deployment of new technologies, and with more aggressive emissions reductions now targeted, technology development continues to be a focus area.

This is a continuous program. Applicants are not required to be based in Alberta but must demonstrate a clear value proposition for the Province and be able to clearly demonstrate alignment to the program area priorities.

Funding is open to all categories of lead applicant including technology developers, industry, industrial associations, small and medium-sized enterprises, research and development (R&D) organizations, post-secondary institutions, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, government research labs, individuals and others, who are advancing technology development within a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range of 3-7.

Eligible technology portfolios include:

• Advanced Hydrocarbons supports economic, environmental, and diversification opportunities in Alberta's oil & gas sector. The Advanced Hydrocarbons portfolio consists of two programs: Cleaner Hydrocarbon Production and Innovative Hydrocarbon Products.

• Clean Technology supports diversification of Alberta’s economy through the development of clean technology. The Clean Technology portfolio consists of four areas: Renewable and Alternative Energy, Bioenergy and Circular Economy, and Carbon Capture, Utilization and Sequestration (CCUS) and Hydrogen, and Critical Minerals and Emerging Technology.

• Environmental Innovation supports economic development, environmental performance and healthy communities through investments in knowledge and technology gaps in two major programs: Water Innovation Program and Land and Biodiversity.

Please note that Agri-Food and Bio industrial Innovation have a separate portfolio.

The intake process consists of 3 phases: Phase 1 – Engagement and intake, Phase 2 – Detailed Proposal and Phase 3 – Project Management. A broad spectrum of focus areas are included in the 2030 target date set by the Clean Resources Program.

Funding requests are separated into two application types: One – Projects of $200k or under and Two – Projects over $200k. Consideration timelines will be dependent on the dollar value and review of your project. High dollar value requests may take 4 to 6 months.

Please see the following link for more information https://albertainnovates.ca/funding/methane-emissions-reduction-program/ or contact Crimson at info@crimsonreg.com and we will be happy to assist you in navigating through this process.

Strategic Innovation Fund: Collaborations and Networks

ONGOING - CLOSING DATE TBD

The Collaborations and Networks stream of the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) supports large, business-led innovation networks and collaborative R&D projects that strengthen Canada's global advantage in key sectors.

Who Can Lead?

• Canadian not-for-profits

• Canadian for-profit corporations

What’s Funded?

• National innovation networks

• Collaborative tech development & demonstration

• Industrial research and early- to mid-stage R&D (TRL 1–9)

Project Goals:

• Accelerate commercialization of homegrown technologies

• Strengthen collaboration between industry, academia, and research bodies

• Boost Canada’s supply chains and innovation ecosystem

Eligible Activities Include:

• Creating R&D collaborations among industry, research institutes, and universities

• Supporting projects that lead to new products, processes, or services

• Advancing tech with clear commercialization pathways

Lead Applicants Manage:

• SIF funding and reporting

• Network governance

• Sustainability and results

If you're building the future of Canadian innovation, SIF can help you scale your impact.

Learn more: Strategic Innovation Fund – Collaborations & Networks

Strategic Innovation Fund: Collaborations and Networks

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) and Hydrogen Program

ONGOING - CLOSING DATE TBD

The Clean Technology Program by Alberta Innovates is investing in projects that tackle sustainability while boosting economic diversification across the province.

Focus Areas:

• Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)

• Low-Carbon Hydrogen Technologies

These areas are critical to Alberta’s energy transition, enabling emissions reductions, decarbonization, and clean tech commercialization—while creating new economic opportunities.

What’s Funded:

• Projects in Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 3–7)

• Innovations across the full CCUS and hydrogen value chains (production, storage, end-use, etc.)

• Solutions aligned with Alberta’s net-zero goals

Who Can Apply:

• Open to developers, SMEs, researchers, post-secondary institutions, not-for-profits, municipalities & more

• Applicants outside Alberta welcome—must demonstrate local value

Intake: Ongoing (Continuous)
Apply via SmartSimple portal

Contact a Clean Resources Project Advisor before submitting your Intake Form.

Learn more & access the Program Guide: Alberta Clean Technology Program

Alberta Innovates: Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and Hydrogen Program

Strategic Innovation Fund: Business Innovations and Growth

ONGOING - CLOSING DATE TBD

Is your business ready to scale, innovate, and create impact? The Business Innovation and Growth stream of Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) is designed to help for-profit companies invest in R&D, expand operations, and enhance competitiveness.

Who Can Apply?

• Canadian-incorporated for-profit businesses or cooperatives

• Partnerships carrying out business in Canada

Project Focus Areas:

• R&D & commercialization (TRL 8–9)

• Facility expansion

• Efficiency improvements

• Investment attraction or reinvestment

Eligible Projects Might Include:

• Increasing manufacturing to meet market demand

• Upgrading equipment to boost production efficiency

What’s in it for Your Business?

• Non-repayable and repayable contributions

• Support to grow, scale, and enhance output

• Commitment to job creation and long-term Canadian prosperity

Funding comes with responsibilities: Project management, IP rights, claims and reporting, and contributing to broader economic benefits for Canada.

Now’s the time to turn your vision into reality.

Learn more and explore eligibility: Innovation Canada – Strategic Innovation Fund

Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) – Research & Development Funding

ONGOING - CLOSING DATE TBD

The SAIF program, administered by Innovation Saskatchewan, offers non-repayable grants to support the commercialization of breakthrough technologies in Saskatchewan’s core industries. SAIF helps turn innovative ideas into real-world solutions that drive economic growth in the province.

Program Objectives

• Accelerate commercialization of game-changing technologies

• Support industry-driven R&D that solves sector-specific challenges

• Foster collaboration between businesses, academia, and research organizations

Focus Areas

SAIF supports R&D projects in the following sectors:

• Mining

• Energy

• Manufacturing & Processing

• Health Care

• Cleantech

Funding Details

• Up to $450,000 perproject (non-repayable)

• IS will fund no more than 30% of the project budget

• Industry partners must contribute at least 50%

• Maximum lifetime funding: $900,000 (including STSI credits)

• Funding disbursed based on milestones and reports

Eligibility

To qualify, projects must:

• Be led by a Saskatchewan-based for-profit organization

• Involve active industry partners (cash/in-kind/LOI)

• Address a clear industry challenge

• Demonstrate innovation and commercial potential

• Conduct R&D primarily in Saskatchewan

Application Process

1. Expression of Interest (EOI) – accepted twice yearly (May 31 & September 30)

2. Shortlisted EOIs invited to submit full proposals

3. Full proposal evaluation includes technical, financial, and strategic review

4. Funding decisions made approximately two months after submission

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals are assessed on:

• Sector alignment & innovation

• Technical feasibility & commercialization path

• Economic & environmental impact

• Partner and team capacity

• Letters of intent from customers (minimum of 2)

Eligible Costs

• R&D salaries and contractors

• Equipment (depreciated)

• IP protection, tech transfer, commercialization

• Travel for collaboration

Ineligible costs: marketing, overhead, land purchases, and hospitality.

IP & Confidentiality

• IP remains with project partners

• Confidentiality agreements in place

• IS does not assume ownership or liability for IP

Reporting Requirements

• Regular progress reports tied to funding milestones

• Final report required for last payment

• Annual post-project updates for 5 years

For more details or to start your application, visit the Innovation Saskatchewan website or contact the SAIF program manager.

AER (Alberta Energy Regulator) updates

AUC (Alberta Utility Commission) updates

BCER (British Columbia Energy Regulator) updates

MER (Ministry of Energy and Resources / Sask) updates

Federal TBD

AER (Alberta Energy Regulator) updates

AUC (Alberta Utility Commission) updates

BCER (British Columbia Energy Regulator) updates

MER (Ministry of Energy and Resources / Sask) updates

Federal updates

AER (Alberta Energy Regulator) updates

AUC (Alberta Utility Commission) updates

BCER (British Columbia Energy Regulator) updates

MER (Ministry of Energy and Resources / Sask) updates

Federal updates

AER (Alberta Energy Regulator) updates

BCER (British Columbia Energy Regulator) updates

MER (Ministry of Energy and Resources / Sask) updates

Federal updates