Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (AICEI): eligibility and application guide

Many Indigenous communities in Alberta want to lead clean energy projects but aren’t sure where to start or how to fund early work. The Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (AICEI) was created to remove those barriers by offering flexible support at any stage of a project. Unlike many grants, AICEI starts with a conversation, not a long application form.

What is the Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative?

The Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (AICEI) is a federal program delivered by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan). It supports First Nations and Métis communities in Alberta that want to develop, own, or benefit from clean energy and energy efficiency projects.

AICEI helps Alberta communities:

Identify clean energy priorities
Explore project ideas and partnerships
Build internal capacity and expertise
Move projects from idea to completion

The program is currently open and does not have a fixed intake deadline.

AICEI eligibility: who can apply

AICEI keeps eligibility broad. You do not need a fully developed project to connect with the program.

You may be eligible if:

You are a First Nation or Métis community located in Alberta
Your community is leading a project or directly benefiting from it
The project focuses on clean energy generation or energy efficiency
The project is at any stage, from early idea to implementation

Most eligible applicants are:

First Nations governments or entities
Métis Settlements or Métis organizations
Community-owned corporations acting for Indigenous communities in Alberta

Private companies can join as partners, but the Indigenous community must play a central role and receive clear benefits.

What types of projects does AICEI support?

AICEI supports many clean energy and energy efficiency projects in Alberta. There is no published list of maximum or minimum funding amounts because support is tailored to each project.

Common project types include:

Solar, wind, biomass, or other renewable energy generation
Energy efficiency upgrades in community buildings
Feasibility studies and business case development
Community energy planning
Capacity-building, training, and governance support
Early-stage development costs that are often ineligible under other programs

If you are unsure whether your idea qualifies, AICEI encourages Alberta communities to reach out early for guidance.

How much funding can you get through AICEI?

There is no fixed funding cap published for the Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative. Funding amounts depend on:

Project scope and stage
Community needs and capacity gaps
Total project costs and other funding sources

In most cases, AICEI funding is non-repayable. Tax treatment depends on the structure of the recipient organization.

You can often combine AICEI funding with other federal or provincial clean energy programs. This means your community may not need to invest as much money.

GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you sort through Indigenous and clean energy programs by province and project type.

AICEI application process: what to expect

The AICEI application process is different from traditional grants.

Here’s how it usually works:

Initial conversation
Contact PrairiesCan to discuss your community’s goals, ideas, or challenges.
Project scoping
Program staff help clarify priorities, possible project pathways, and next steps.
Funding discussion
Eligible activities, timelines, and possible funding levels are discussed.
Formal documentation (if required)
For more advanced projects, you may be asked to submit supporting documents.

You do not need a completed feasibility study or business plan to start the conversation.

Common mistakes to avoid

Waiting until your project is fully developed
AICEI is meant to support early-stage ideas. Reaching out late can limit how much help you receive.
Unclear community benefit
Projects must clearly benefit the Indigenous community, not just a third-party developer.
Assuming there is a standard grant amount
AICEI funding is flexible and negotiated. Avoid building budgets around assumptions.
Not exploring stacking opportunities
Many communities miss out by not combining AICEI with other clean energy grants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a completed project proposal to apply to AICEI?
No. You can contact AICEI at any stage, including when you only have an idea or identified need.

Q: Is there an application deadline for the Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative?
No. The program is open and does not follow fixed intake periods.

Q: Can AICEI fund feasibility studies and planning work?
Yes. Early-stage planning, feasibility studies, and capacity-building are common AICEI-supported activities.

Q: Is AICEI funding repayable?
Funding is generally non-repayable. Tax treatment depends on your organization’s structure.

Q: Can AICEI be combined with other grants?
Yes. Stacking with other federal or provincial clean energy programs is often possible and encouraged.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs in Alberta and across Canada. You can quickly see which ones match your community’s profile.

Next steps

If your Indigenous community in Alberta is interested in clean energy, the Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative is a helpful starting point. Begin by discussing your goals and possible project ideas within your community. Then, contact PrairiesCan’s AICEI team to start a conversation about support and funding. You can find more details and contact information on the AICEI program page. Consider using GrantHub to compare other Indigenous and clean energy programs that may work for your project.

Alberta Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (AICEI): eligibility and application guide