NRCan Energy Innovation Program (EIP): Two Open Calls, Up to $10M
Taking a clean energy technology toward deployment calls for engineering studies and testing infrastructure that are hard to finance alone. Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Innovation Program (EIP) funds clean energy research, development and demonstration (RD&D) through targeted calls for proposals.
EIP is open, and two calls are accepting applications with rolling intake: one for carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) front-end engineering and design (FEED) studies, and one for process and technology testing facilities. Funding ranges from $1,000,000 to $10,000,000 depending on the call, and contributions are non-repayable.
What is EIP?
EIP is Natural Resources Canada’s clean energy RD&D funding program, managed by its Office of Energy Research and Development (OERD). Instead of one standing application, it funds clean energy technologies through targeted calls for proposals, and each call has its own priorities, funding range and applicant guide.
The CCUS FEED call funds FEED studies for CCUS projects heading toward a final investment decision. The Innovation Ecosystem Enablers call for Process and Technology Testing Facilities funds organizations to establish, expand or modernize testing facilities that are open to outside energy innovators.
Two more calls are planned for fall 2026: Smart Grids: Regulatory Innovation for Grid Modernization, and Space and Water Heating: Energy Efficient Technologies.
EIP at a glance
| Detail | NRCan — Energy Innovation Program (EIP) |
|---|---|
| Funding amount | $1M – $10M |
| Program type | Grant |
| Level | Federal |
| Where it applies | Canada-wide |
| Status | Open |
| Deadline | Both open calls take Expressions of Interest on a rolling basis, with no fixed closing date, until funding is allocated; submission timing can affect review priority. Invited applicants then submit a Full Project Proposal. CCUS FEED funding is available from April 1, 2026 and testing facilities funding from April 1, 2027. The Smart Grids and Space and Water Heating calls are planned for fall 2026. |
| What it funds | Sustainability / Emissions Reduction, R&D / Proof of Concept, Product Demonstration / Pilot, Productivity / Automation / Equipment |
| Industries | Clean Tech, Oil Gas Chemicals, ECE, Advanced Manufacturing, Equipment Manufacturing |
| Company stage | Growth, Expansion, Established |
| Payment model | Reimbursement |
| Matching funds required | Yes |
| Competition level | High |
How much funding is available?
Each call sets its own funding range, and contributions are non-repayable. In both open calls, NRCan funds up to 50% of total project cost, with higher rates for Indigenous applicants.
Costs are reimbursed quarterly, with a holdback released once completion documents are approved. Projects can run up to five years, and retroactive costs are capped at 30% of the NRCan contribution.
- CCUS FEED studies: $3,000,000 to $7,000,000.
- Process and Technology Testing Facilities: $1,000,000 to $10,000,000.
- NRCan’s share: up to 50% of total project cost — up to 75% for Indigenous applicants under CCUS FEED and up to 100% under the testing facilities call.
- Stacking limit: total government funding is capped at 50% of project cost under CCUS FEED (100% for Indigenous organizations and majority publicly owned utilities) and at 100% under the testing facilities call.
- Eligible costs: salaries and benefits, professional and technical services, travel at National Joint Council rates and overhead up to 15%; the testing facilities call also covers capital equipment. Land is not eligible.
Who is eligible?
The applicant
- Eligible applicants are set by each call. Both open calls accept legal entities incorporated or registered in Canada, including for-profit organizations, utilities and Indigenous organizations.
- The testing facilities call also accepts not-for-profit organizations, academic institutions, and provincial, territorial, regional and municipal governments.
CCUS FEED projects
- Your organization must own or be responsible for the capital investment in the assets the FEED study covers.
- The project must be past TRL 8, past the FEL 2 (Pre-FEED) stage, and working toward a final investment decision.
- Eligible projects are point-source capture (including abated natural gas power generation), carbon dioxide removal such as direct air capture and BECCS, and CO2 transportation and storage.
- Enhanced oil recovery is not eligible, and neither is utilization without verifiable permanent storage.
Testing facility projects
- Your organization must be the entity establishing, expanding or modernizing the facility.
- The facility must fill an unmet need, be broadly accessible to outside energy innovators, have a confirmed Canadian location and show a path to operating without ongoing government support.
When and how to apply
Both open calls take Expressions of Interest on a rolling basis, with no fixed closing date, until funding is allocated. Submission timing can affect review priority. Invited applicants then submit a Full Project Proposal.
CCUS FEED funding is available from April 1, 2026, and testing facilities funding from April 1, 2027. The Smart Grids and Space and Water Heating calls are planned for fall 2026.
The status of NRCan — Energy Innovation Program (EIP) in EVAMAX Grant AI™ is currently Open. Grant AI™ re-checks it against the official program page, so look there for the latest before you start an application.
Is EIP right for you?
EIP suits organizations with a clean energy project that is past the research stage: a CCUS project working toward a final investment decision, or a testing facility that outside energy innovators will use. Check which call your project fits first, since each sets its own eligibility. Plan for the cost share as well: NRCan covers up to 50% of total project cost in most cases and reimburses costs quarterly, so your organization funds the rest and carries costs until each claim is paid.
Next steps: look up NRCan — Energy Innovation Program (EIP) in EVAMAX Grant AI™ to see its live status and other programs that fit your company, or talk to EVAMAX about building your application.
Program details are from the EVAMAX Grant AI™ record as of October 19, 2026. Programs change — confirm current terms on the official program page before you apply.