Faced with plummeting crude oil prices and the worldwide move to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the federal government and the provincial government of Alberta are working together to help small and medium-sized businesses in that province create “green jobs” and advance clean technology.
Navdeep Bains, minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Shannon Phillips, minister of Environment and Parks for Alberta announced $40 million in new funding the provinces clean tech sector.
“Canada knows that clean and sustainable technology is critical for a prosperous future,” Bains said. “The projects supported through this investment will help create the jobs of the future by advancing innovative solutions that will make our resource sectors world leaders in clean and sustainable technology and processes.”
The funding will be provided through a competitive application process led by Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) and Alberta’s Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation (CCEMC).
CCEMC and SDTC are seeking projects that advance pre-commercial technology for greenhouse gas reduction. They include prototype development, field pilots and commercial scale demonstration projects. Eligible applicants must be incorporated, operate in Canada, and have fewer than 500 employees and less than $50 million in annual gross revenue.
CCEMC was created by the Province to support Alberta in the successful transition to a future with lower GHG emissions. CCEMC provides funding for the next generation of innovative and clean technology with the goal of building an open, sustainable economy that attracts investment, facilitates diversification, expands market access and delivers improved environmental outcomes.
SDTC funds and supports Canadian clean tech projects across a number of sectors. SDTC invests in Canadian companies that, through their innovative technologies, contribute positively to Canada by creating quality jobs, driving economic growth and preserving our environment. SDTC is a foundation funded by the Government of Canada.
“Encouraging the development of clean technology will create opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses to help reduce greenhouse gas pollution, diversify our economy and create good jobs in Alberta,” Phillips said. “Under our Climate Leadership Plan, initiatives like this will help make Alberta one of the most environmentally responsible energy producers in the world.”
The process offers applicants a streamlined, harmonized model with one-window access. A maximum of $10 million per project will be provided.
The matching funds available (up to 66.7 per cent of eligible costs) are more than applicants could access through either the SDTC or CCEMC processes individually.
The technology must be applicable and well suited for deployment in Alberta.
Details on the funding application are available at www.CCEMC-SDTC.ca.
