Many rural, remote, and Indigenous communities in Canada still rely on diesel for heat and power. Diesel is expensive, polluting, and hard to replace without upfront capital. The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program supports clean energy projects that reduce fossil fuel use and build local energy capacity.
This guide explains how to apply to CERRC, with a focus on Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) projects and biomass and district energy systems.
CERRC is a federal funding program delivered by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). Its goal is to reduce diesel use for electricity and heating in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities by supporting cleaner, local energy solutions.
CERRC is not a single grant. It includes several funding streams, including:
As of June 2024, the program is open.
The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities: Research, Development, and Demonstration Projects stream supports early-stage and pilot projects that test or prove clean energy solutions in real-world community settings.
Eligible applicants include:
Eligible RD&D activities:
Projects must directly support rural, remote, or Indigenous communities. They should show potential to reduce fossil fuel use.
Funding type:
CERRC funding is repayable, not a traditional non-repayable grant. This is an important factor when planning cash flow and stacking with other programs.
CERRC also supports biomass-based heating and district energy systems, including combined heat and power (CHP).
The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities: Biomass Heating, District Heating, and CHP Systems stream focuses on replacing fossil fuels used for heat with renewable, locally sourced biomass.
Eligible project types include:
Eligible applicants:
Funding amounts vary by project scope and are assessed case by case. Costs must be clearly tied to clean heat outcomes.
While each CERRC stream has specific intake requirements, the application process generally follows the same steps:
Confirm community eligibility
Your project must serve an Indigenous, rural, or remote community and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Define the technology and outcomes
NRCan looks for clear links between your project and diesel reduction, emissions savings, or energy cost stability.
Prepare a strong technical and financial case
This includes feasibility data, community engagement, timelines, and a realistic budget.
Submit through NRCan’s application portal
Applications are reviewed for technical merit, community impact, and readiness.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly confirm whether your project and organization fit CERRC requirements before you invest time in a full application.
Assuming CERRC is a non-repayable grant
CERRC provides repayable funding. Treat it like a low-cost financing tool, not free money.
Weak community involvement
Projects without clear community support or leadership often score poorly.
Overlooking feasibility work
NRCan expects solid technical and economic analysis, especially for RD&D projects.
Trying to fund urban projects
CERRC is strictly for Indigenous, rural, and remote communities.
Q: Who is eligible for the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program?
Eligibility includes Indigenous communities, governments, municipalities, and legally incorporated Canadian for-profit and non-profit organizations.
Q: Is CERRC funding repayable or non-repayable?
CERRC provides repayable funding, not traditional grants. Repayment terms depend on the project and agreement.
Q: Can businesses apply for CERRC funding?
Yes. Canadian for-profit businesses can apply if their project benefits eligible communities.
Q: Does CERRC fund feasibility studies and energy planning?
Yes. Research, feasibility studies, and community energy planning are eligible, especially under the RD&D stream.
Q: How does CERRC reduce diesel use?
It funds clean energy alternatives for electricity and heating, such as biomass, renewables, and energy efficiency measures.
CERRC can be a strong fit if your project reduces fossil fuel use in a rural or remote community. Make sure you have solid technical planning behind it. The challenge is matching the right funding stream and understanding how repayable funding fits into your broader financing plan.
GrantHub tracks active clean energy and community infrastructure funding programs across Canada and helps you see which ones align with your location, technology, and project stage—so you can focus your time where you’re most likely to qualify.
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