Energy Innovation Program - Renewable Energy Demonstration (Stream 1)

Canada has made international commitments to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, as well as national commitments to implement a net-zero electricity grid and low-carbon economy. This will require significant growth in renewable heat and power.

Much of the growth in renewables in Canada has been targeted at large-scale deployment while important opportunities for integrating renewables at the local level remain untapped. Innovation is needed to sustainably increase the share, role, and diversity of renewables across Canada and ensure that energy is reliable, accessible, and affordable. To de-risk novel energy systems and end uses for different renewable resources, it is important to support first demonstrations across Canada.

Aligned with Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Research and Development (OERD) commitment to driving innovation to accelerate Canada’s clean energy transition, the Renewable Energy Demonstration Call will fund demonstration projects that help to advance innovative renewable heat or power generation and/or integration through novel applications that provide local benefits.

Projects must address one or more of the following objectives:

• Increase local participation in, and local benefits of, renewable energy generation and use;
• Improve the reliability and accessibility of renewable energy generation;
• Reduce environmental impacts and contribute to Canada's net-zero goals; and/or,
• Advance replicable renewable energy solutions.

To further OERD’s objectives to support projects that advance inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA), applicants will be asked to describe how their project will positively impact local communities. The Call will also aim to fund at least one project led by an Indigenous applicant, recognizing the importance of Indigenous participation and leadership in advancing renewable energy initiatives.

For this Call, renewable resources are limited to solar, wind, geothermal, and marine (tidal, wave, or river current) energy.

Stream 1 is for all applicants, including Indigenous peoples.

• Provincial, territorial, regional and municipal governments and their departments and agencies where applicable
• Legal entities validly incorporated or registered in Canada including:
  • Indigenous communities or governments
  • Tribal Councils or entities that fulfill a similar function (e.g., general councils)
  • National or regional Indigenous councils, or tribal organizations
  • Indigenous (majority owned and controlled by Indigenous people) for-profit or not-for-profit organizations

For the purposes of this Applicant Guide, the term “Indigenous” is understood to include Inuit, Métis, First Nation, Status Indian and non-Status Indian individuals, or any combination thereof.

Stacking of funding (i.e. total government support for a project) will be supported to a maximum of 100% of the Total Project Cost.

Applicants are permitted to work with partners on their project, including partners that do not qualify as eligible applicants. This could include academic institutions, government labs, other for-profit or non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities, or other entities. Foreign entities are eligible to act as partner organizations for the project. While project partners do not need to be confirmed at the Expression of Interest (EOI) phase, applicants can provide information if available.

Legal entities validly incorporated or registered in Canada including:

• For profit and not for profit organizations
• Community groups
• Canadian academic institutions

This Call is open to demonstration projects that request between $500,000 and $4,000,000 over a period of up to a maximum of five years. Stream 1 can request a contribution comprising up to 50% of Total Project Cost.