Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC): Eligible Renewable Energy Projects

Many rural and remote communities in Canada still depend on diesel for electricity and heating. Diesel is expensive, pollutes the air, and can be hard to deliver when supplies are disrupted. The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program helps these communities switch to local renewable energy. It funds research, development, and demonstration projects designed for northern and off-grid conditions.

Eligible Renewable Energy Projects

The CERRC: Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) stream supports projects that test, adapt, or show how clean energy solutions work in real communities. The main goal is to find technologies that can lower the use of fossil fuels for electricity and heat in rural and remote areas, including Indigenous communities.

CERRC supports a wide range of renewable energy projects, as long as the project includes research, development, or demonstration. Eligible projects include:

Solar energy systems
- Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for communities
- Solar paired with battery or other energy storage
- Solar systems designed for cold or northern climates
Wind energy
- Small or medium wind turbines
- Wind-diesel hybrid systems to cut fuel use
- Projects testing wind in remote or cold areas
Biomass and bioenergy
- Biomass heating using local wood or waste
- District heating powered by biomass
- Demonstrating new biomass technology
Small-scale hydropower
- Micro- or small-hydro projects for local streams
- Projects that protect the environment
- Testing new or improved hydro systems
Energy storage and hybrid systems
- Battery storage with renewables
- Hybrid systems combining solar, wind, hydro, or biomass
- Smart controls that lower diesel use

Projects do not need to be ready for full commercial use. CERRC is meant for technologies that need real-world testing in rural or remote places before they are used more widely.

Who Can Apply for CERRC Funding?

CERRC is run by Natural Resources Canada. The following groups can apply:

Indigenous organizations
For-profit businesses
Not-for-profit organizations
Municipal, provincial, territorial, or regional governments

Projects must be for rural or remote communities in Canada. Indigenous communities are a priority group.

Using GrantHub’s program matcher can help you quickly check which clean energy grants fit your type of organization and your community.

Funding Basics and Project Duration

CERRC funding details depend on each intake, but the RD&D stream usually offers:

Project durations of one to five years
Non-repayable funding (grants, not loans)
Projects are chosen based on program goals and available funds, not on a first-come, first-served basis

Applicants should include technical details, a plan for community involvement, and clear proof that the project will cut fossil fuel use. It helps to break your application into simple parts: explain the technology, show how the community is involved, and describe the expected results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming all renewable projects qualify
CERRC does not fund basic construction or commercial installations. Projects must include research, development, or demonstration, not just standard deployment.

Neglecting community involvement
Projects that do not include local support or engagement are less likely to succeed. Community readiness and benefits are important for CERRC.

Overlooking hybrid and storage options
Diesel replacement often happens in steps. Projects that mix renewables with storage or existing systems are often more practical.

Submitting without enough detail
General ideas are not enough. CERRC applications need clear system design, goals, and expected learning outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What types of projects does the CERRC program fund?
CERRC funds renewable energy, energy efficiency, training, and community energy planning. The RD&D stream focuses on testing and showing clean energy technologies in real communities.

Q: Is CERRC only for Indigenous communities?
No. Indigenous communities are a priority, but rural and remote non-Indigenous communities and organizations can also apply.

Q: How long can a CERRC-funded project last?
Projects can last from one to five years, depending on what is needed.

Q: Is CERRC funding repayable?
No. CERRC grants do not need to be paid back. Tax rules depend on the type of organization.

Q: Is funding awarded on a first-come, first-served basis?
No. Applications are reviewed based on program goals and available funding, not the order they are received.

GrantHub tracks current federal and provincial clean energy grants across Canada. You can check which programs fit your community or business.

Next Steps

If you are thinking about a renewable energy project for a rural or remote community, first check if it matches CERRC’s research, development, and demonstration focus. Then, compare CERRC with other clean energy and infrastructure programs to build a strong funding plan. GrantHub can help you see which programs fit your technology, community, and project stage, so you can focus on the best opportunities.

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Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC): Eligible Renewable Energy Projects