If you’re planning a large carbon capture project in Canada, the NRCan Energy Innovation Program (CCUS FEED) call is one of the few federal programs that funds Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) work before a final investment decision. This funding helps reduce technical and cost risk on capital‑intensive CCUS projects, where FEED studies can cost millions. The program is run by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and is currently open.
The Energy Innovation Program (EIP): Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) FEED Call for Proposals provides non‑repayable federal funding to support detailed engineering and cost work for advanced CCUS projects in Canada.
You must be a Canadian legal entity, including:
To qualify, the applicant must:
Individuals who are not incorporated or representing a legal entity are not eligible.
Based on NRCan program guidance and FAQs, CCUS FEED funding typically offers:
Funding is pre‑commercial and designed to de‑risk projects before construction or final investment decisions.
This is not early‑stage R&D funding. Your project must already be advanced. NRCan expects:
Projects that are still conceptual or lack a viable business case are unlikely to be competitive.
The program only supports FEED‑level work, including:
Important: CCUS projects focused on enhanced oil recovery (EOR) are not eligible under this call.
Applications are submitted directly to NRCan through the Energy Innovation Program process.
You should be prepared to submit:
Because this is a competitive federal call, proposals are assessed on technical merit, readiness, risk reduction, and alignment with Canada’s CCUS objectives.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly confirm whether your organization type, project stage, and province align with NRCan’s requirements before you invest time in a full proposal.
Many FEED proposals fail because they read like concept notes instead of investment‑ready plans. Based on NRCan guidance, focus on:
Specificity over vision
Clearly define capture volumes, technology choice, transport method, and storage site. Avoid high‑level climate language without numbers.
Cost credibility
Show how your FEED work leads to a defensible Class 3 cost estimate. Name vendors, engineering firms, and methodologies.
Risk reduction
Explicitly explain what risks exist today and how FEED will reduce them before a final investment decision.
Funding stack clarity
Identify other confirmed or planned funding sources and explain how NRCan funding fits without duplication.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active clean‑energy and decarbonization programs across Canada, which helps teams plan realistic funding stacks alongside NRCan programs.
Applying too early
Projects below FEL‑3 readiness are usually screened out.
Including construction or equipment costs
This call funds FEED work only, not build‑out or procurement.
Underestimating cash contribution requirements
NRCan expects clear proof that your organization can fund its share.
Proposing EOR‑focused projects
Enhanced oil recovery CCUS projects are explicitly ineligible.
Q: How much funding can you receive from the CCUS FEED program?
Most projects receive between $3 million and $7 million, covering up to 50% of eligible costs, or up to 75% for Indigenous applicants.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for NRCan CCUS FEED funding?
Eligible applicants include Canadian for‑profit companies, utilities, and Indigenous governments or organizations that own or are responsible for the CCUS investment.
Q: What level of readiness is required?
NRCan expects projects at FEL‑3 or equivalent, with strong technical, commercial, and financial fundamentals already in place.
Q: Are enhanced oil recovery projects eligible?
No. CCUS projects primarily focused on enhanced oil recovery are not eligible under this call.
Q: Is CCUS FEED funding taxable?
Federal grants are generally considered taxable income. Confirm treatment with your tax advisor based on your corporate structure.
The NRCan Energy Innovation Program (CCUS FEED) call is best suited for advanced CCUS projects that are close to investment decisions and need credible engineering and cost certainty. If you’re building a funding strategy around FEED and beyond, GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada to help you identify complementary federal and provincial options.
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