Alberta Innovates CCUS and Hydrogen Program: How to Apply

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Alberta Innovates CCUS and Hydrogen Program: How to Apply

If your business is developing carbon capture or hydrogen technology, Alberta Innovates offers one of the most flexible funding programs in Canada. The Alberta Innovates Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and Hydrogen Program supports early- to mid-stage projects with a continuous intake. You can apply when your project is ready—not just during short funding windows.

This guide explains who can apply, what projects qualify, and how the application process works. Use it to decide if this program fits your clean technology plans. GrantHub tracks funding programs like this, making it easier to find options that suit your project.


What Is the Alberta Innovates CCUS and Hydrogen Program?

The CCUS and Hydrogen Program funds technology development projects that reduce emissions and help Alberta’s low-carbon economy. It focuses on Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 3 to 7. This includes everything from proof-of-concept to pilot and demonstration stages.

Key program facts

  • Funding organization: Alberta Innovates
  • Status: Open with continuous intake
  • Eligible TRLs: 3–7
  • Project focus: Carbon capture, utilization and storage, and hydrogen technologies
  • Jurisdiction: Alberta (projects must deliver value to Alberta)
  • Deadline: No fixed deadline

Funding amounts vary. Alberta Innovates decides how much to fund based on your project’s size, risk, and expected results.


Who Is Eligible to Apply?

This program is unusually broad in who it supports. You do not need to be an Alberta-based company, but your project must clearly benefit Alberta’s economy, environment, or innovation ecosystem.

Eligible lead applicants include:

  • Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
  • Large industry players
  • Technology developers and startups
  • Post-secondary institutions
  • Research and development organizations
  • Municipalities
  • Not-for-profit organizations
  • Government research labs
  • Industrial associations
  • Individuals (in limited cases)

Your project must advance CCUS or hydrogen technology within the eligible TRL range. It must also align with Alberta Innovates’ clean energy priorities.


What Types of Projects Are Funded?

The program supports technology development, not full commercial deployment. Projects must show technical merit and a clear path to real-world application.

Examples of eligible project areas include:

  • Carbon capture systems and materials
  • Carbon utilization technologies (for example, converting CO₂ into products)
  • Carbon storage monitoring or verification tools
  • Hydrogen production, storage, or transportation technologies
  • Hydrogen use in industrial or energy systems
  • Enabling technologies that reduce emissions at scale

Projects should clearly explain how they reduce emissions, improve efficiency, or strengthen Alberta’s CCUS or hydrogen value chains.


How the Application Process Works

The Alberta Innovates CCUS and Hydrogen Program uses a staged investment process. This means there are several steps, not just a single short application.

Step-by-step overview:

  1. Initial engagement
    Start by discussing your project with Alberta Innovates to confirm fit and readiness.

  2. Proposal development
    Submit technical, financial, and impact details. This includes TRL justification, project milestones, and expected outcomes.

  3. Investment review
    Alberta Innovates assesses technical feasibility, Alberta value, team capability, and risk.

  4. Funding decision
    Approved projects move forward to contracting.

  5. Investment Agreement
    Successful applicants must sign an Investment Agreement before funding is released.

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check if your project fits Alberta Innovates requirements before you invest time in a full proposal.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Applying with a TRL that is too early or too advanced
    Projects below TRL 3 or already fully commercialized are typically not a fit.

  2. Weak Alberta value proposition
    Out-of-province applicants often fail by not clearly showing economic, environmental, or ecosystem benefits for Alberta.

  3. Treating this like a one-time grant deadline
    With continuous intake, timing still matters. Alberta Innovates expects projects to be well-developed and ready to proceed.

  4. Underestimating reporting and agreement requirements
    Approved projects must meet milestone tracking and legal agreement obligations.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to be based in Alberta to apply?
No. Applicants can be located outside Alberta, but the project must clearly deliver value to Alberta through jobs, emissions reduction, or technology deployment.

Q: What Technology Readiness Levels are eligible?
Projects must fall between TRL 3 and TRL 7, covering applied research through pilot and demonstration stages.

Q: How much funding can I receive?
There is no fixed maximum. Funding amounts vary and are determined through Alberta Innovates’ investment process based on project needs and impact.

Q: Is there a deadline to apply?
No. The program has a continuous intake, allowing applications at any time.

Q: What happens if my project is approved?
You must execute a formal Investment Agreement with Alberta Innovates before receiving funds and starting reimbursable work.


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