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EDMONTON — Alberta is launching a new funding program aimed at accelerating low-emission fuel technologies while reinvesting federal fuel charges into projects within the province.
The Future Fuels Challenge, administered by Emissions Reduction Alberta, will support projects focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the competitiveness of Alberta’s fuel sector.
The program will direct funds collected through federal levies on gasoline and diesel producers and importers into initiatives such as refinery efficiency improvements, carbon capture, biofuels and hydrogen development.
Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter said the initiative is intended to ensure those funds are used to support practical projects in Alberta, rather than being directed elsewhere.
Emissions Reduction Alberta has been approved to manage the funding in the province, making it one of a small number of organizations across Canada authorized to do so.
Officials say the program is designed to help move new technologies from development to commercialization, addressing a gap faced by industry and innovators.
Funding will be available for projects requesting between $1 million and $10 million, covering up to half of eligible costs.
Industry groups say the program could help advance infrastructure and technologies needed to reduce emissions while supporting economic activity.
Alberta companies account for more than 60 per cent of Canada’s refining capacity and more than half of the country’s biofuels production.
The Future Fuels Challenge is the first competition launched under Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Fuel Innovation Fund, which reinvests federal fuel charges into emissions-reduction projects
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