PrairiesCan is investing over $21 million for 13 projects in Alberta through several federal programs, including the Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (AICEI); the Business Scale-up and Productivity program (BSP); and the Regional Innovation Ecosystems program (RIE). These investments are expected to support over 415 jobs and help Alberta organizations seize opportunities resulting from the integration and development of clean technologies. Adopting and commercializing new technologies offers the potential of environmental and economic benefits across a wide range of industries.

Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (AICEI) – $926,450

The AICEI supports renewable energy generation or energy efficiency projects that are led by, or for the benefit of, First Nation and Métis communities in Alberta. AICEI is funded through the Strategic Partnerships Initiative which is led by Indigenous Services Canada to provide a way for federal partners to coordinate their efforts, reduce administrative burden and pool resources in support of Indigenous communities. Today, PrairiesCan announced AICEI support for four projects:

• Cold Lake First Nations ($124,000)
  Complete a feasibility study to determine the suitability of a geothermal system to heat and cool a new pre-construction events centre as well as the existing Casino Dene and Hotel Dene.

• Métis Nation of Alberta ($174,000)
  As part of the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) Climate Change Action Plan, conduct a comprehensive review of the MNA housing portfolio and develop a report which gives prioritized recommendations to increase the energy efficiency of homes.

• Neyaskweyak Group of Companies Inc. (Ermineskin Cree Nation) ($373,450)
  Complete a feasibility study to support the approval and construction of a new solar farm in Ermineskin Cree Nation.

• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) ($255,000)
  As part of a partnership between SAIT‘s Green Building Technologies research division and the Alberta Native Friendship Centre Association (ANFCA), upgrade ANFCA Friendship Centres in Fort McMurray, Medicine Hat, and St. Paul with energy efficient building systems to reduce emissions and operating costs.

Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) Program – $5,986,395

The BSP program supports high-growth businesses that are seeking to improve productivity, scale-up and commercialize technology. It offers interest-free, repayable funding to incorporated businesses that have been in operation for a minimum of two years. Today, PrairiesCan announced BSP support for two projects:

• Kuva Canada ($4,079,895)
  Expand marketing, operations, and product development initiatives to grow market share of its automated methane monitoring products and software which safely detect methane leaks more accurately, faster and at a lower cost than traditional methane inspection technologies.

• RJ Maclean Tank Services ($1,906,500)
  Incorporate product improvements and launch marketing initiatives to increase international sales of its robotic tank cleaning system which uses less water and produces less waste than traditional industrial storage tank cleaning processes.

Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) Program – $15,070,112

The RIE program helps create, grow, and nurture inclusive regional ecosystems that support business needs to facilitate innovation. Through the RIE program, targeted investments in not-for-profit organizations support businesses in priority sectors to innovate, grow and compete globally. The RIE program also promotes inclusive growth by helping underrepresented groups more fully participate in the innovation economy. Today, PrairiesCan announced RIE support for seven projects:

• Alberta Energy Efficiency Alliance ($500,000)
  Lead stakeholder engagement sessions and technology demonstrations to increase the adoption of energy reducing technologies and support collaboration in Alberta’s energy industry. 

• Alberta Innovates ($10,000,000)
  Establish a specialized production and testing facility to commercialize technologies that convert bitumen into carbon fibre at a significantly lower cost than traditional carbon fibre manufacturing processes.

• Alberta Motor Transport Association and the University of Alberta ($1,400,000)
  Expand hydrogen heavy vehicle trials and demonstrations across Alberta, including in rural areas and Indigenous communities. This latest funding builds on PrairiesCan’s previously announced funding of $3 million, bringing total PrairiesCan funding to $4.4M.

• Battery Metals Association of Canada ($850,000)
  Support growth of the battery metals sector in Western Canada by enhancing collaboration and educating stakeholders.

• Carbon Management Canada ($1,168,000)
  Purchase and install new equipment to enhance its emission management technology validation facility where small- and medium-sized businesses can test, refine, and commercialize carbon capture products and technologies. This latest funding builds on PrairiesCan’s previously announced funding of $1,573,500, bringing total PrairiesCan funding to $2,741,500.

• Pembina Institute ($752,112)
  Establish a new Centre for Carbon Dioxide Removal based in Calgary which will provide resources and workshops to advance a market for innovative technologies that remove carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere.

• Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada ($400,000)
  Provide technical, business and marketing support to help businesses in Alberta export their clean technology innovations to international markets.

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