Clean Fuels Fund — Indigenous-Led Projects
Highlights
This program is designed specifically for Indigenous businesses like yours. It offers a unique opportunity to expand your clean fuel production capacity. By participating, you can access funding to build or expand facilities that produce clean hydrogen, advanced biofuels, renewable natural gas, and sustainable aviation fuel.
Why Apply?
- Significant Funding: Receive financial support for capital projects, feasibility studies, and engineering assessments.
- Economic Growth: Enhance your business's role in Canada's energy sector and contribute to the transition to cleaner energy sources.
- Environmental Impact: Support Canada's goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
What's in it for You?
- Government-Backed Financing: Benefit from reliable funding that can be easier to secure than private loans.
- Competitive Edge: Position your business as a leader in the clean energy market, both domestically and globally.
- Ease of Qualification: The application process is straightforward, with ongoing reviews and support to help you succeed.
By being approved, you will not only grow your business but also contribute to a sustainable future.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- No repayment required.
- No interest rates applicable.
Eligible Expenses:
- Capital clean fuel production projects.
- Feasibility studies, including basic engineering and detailed front-end engineering studies.
- Techno-economic feasibility studies for blending hydrogen into natural gas systems.
Use of Funds:
- Funds can be used for new builds or expansions of low carbon fuel production facilities.
- Feasibility and engineering studies related to clean fuel production.
Restrictions on Use of Funds:
- Funds cannot be used for operational expenses.
- Funds cannot be used for projects not related to clean fuel production.
Fees:
- No fees associated with the program.
Qualifications
- Must be an Indigenous organization or a registered Indigenous business or community.
- Must demonstrate a minimum of 50% Indigenous ownership.
Eligible entities include:
- Indigenous Communities
- Development corporations
- Electricity or gas utilities
- Private sector companies
- Industry associations
- Research associations
- Standards development organizations
- Academic institutions
Disqualifications:
- Entities that do not meet the minimum 50% Indigenous ownership requirement.
Description
This program offers your business a unique chance to grow through clean fuel production. You can receive funding to support projects that produce clean hydrogen, advanced biofuels, renewable natural gas, and sustainable aviation fuel. This funding can cover feasibility studies, engineering studies, and the actual build-out of production facilities.
The financial support is substantial. You can apply for funds to cover different stages of your project, from initial feasibility studies to full-scale production. This means you can plan, design, and build your clean fuel production capacity with financial backing.
All projects must be completed by March 31, 2026. This gives you a clear timeline to work within, ensuring your project stays on track. By participating, you not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also position your business to benefit economically from the growing clean energy sector.
Program Steps
Read the Applicant’s Guide: Obtain and thoroughly read the Indigenous-led projects’ Applicant Guide and Forms to understand the program requirements and application process.
Prepare Documentation: Gather the necessary documents to support your application. These may include:
- Proof of Indigenous ownership (minimum 50%)
- Business plan
- Financial statements
- Project proposal
- Feasibility studies (if applicable)
- Engineering studies (if applicable)
Complete the Application Forms: Fill out all required sections of the application forms accurately and completely. Ensure all information aligns with the guidelines provided in the Applicant’s Guide.
Submit Your Proposal: Send your completed project proposal by email or mail to the following address:
Clean Fuels Fund – Building New Domestic Production Capacity – Indigenous-Led Projects 580 Booth Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0E4
Await Acknowledgment: After submission, you will receive an acknowledgment of your application. This will confirm that your proposal has been received and is under review.
Respond to Inquiries: Be prepared to respond to any follow-up questions or requests for additional information from the review committee.
Review and Approval: Your application will go through several review stages, including completeness review, mandatory criteria review, evaluation committee assessment, and investment committee validation.
Receive Notification: You will receive an approval or rejection notification letter within 120 business days of your application submission.
Draft Agreement: If approved, you will receive a draft proposed agreement for review within 30 business days of the approval notification.
Finalize Agreement: Review, sign, and return the agreement to finalize your participation in the program.
Project Implementation: Begin your project as per the approved proposal and adhere to the timelines and conditions outlined in the agreement.
Submit Payment Claims: As your project progresses, submit payment claims with the necessary documentation to receive funding. Claims will be reviewed within 15 business days, and payments will be processed within 30 business days of receipt of a duly completed claim.
Complete the Project: Ensure your project is completed and facilities are commissioned by March 31, 2026.