Contributor Reinvestment Program

The Contributor Reinvestment Program is an integral part of the Fuel Innovation Fund, a federally registered emission reduction funding program under Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR) and a subsidiary of ERA.

This program reinvests contributions from regulated fuel suppliers into projects that deliver measurable greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, accelerate commercialization of low-emission fuel technologies, and support Canada’s clean fuel transition. Funding is allocated through a continuous intake process, ensuring timely support for high-impact projects.

Who Should Apply

Regulated entities under the Clean Fuel Regulations that contribute to the Fuel Innovation Fund are invited to participate in this program to receive funding support for their eligible projects.

Project Development Stage

Funding is targeted at high-readiness projects at or near Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9, where technologies are ready for commercial deployment. Projects at TRL 7–8 may be considered if technical risks are well mitigated; projects at this level can alternatively be submitted under the annual Future Fuels Challenge, which has broader TRL requirements. Projects must include deployment activities that lead to realized emissions reduction within five years.

Funding Per Project

Funding requests must be between $5 million and $100 million. Applicants may combine smaller projects into one proposal if justified by shared management and reporting—for example, multiple deployments of the same technology or complementary technologies at one site. 

Project Location

All projects must demonstrate a clear and justified value proposition for reducing GHG emissions and/or the carbon intensity of transportation fuels in Canada. 

• Technology solutions can originate from anywhere globally but must be demonstrated or implemented in Canada during the project. 
• Projects that involve the demonstration or implementation of a technology at multiple Canadian sites are eligible for funding under the Program. 
• Lead applicants must be located in Canada, although project partners, such as technology vendors, may be located anywhere globally.

Partnerships

Applicants are encouraged to partner with Canada’s post-secondary and research institutions, Indigenous communities, and municipalities where appropriate. These partnerships can offer significant benefits, including the attraction and training of highly skilled workers, increasing innovation capacity, engagement of local communities, and leveraging complementary resources.