Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program
The $4.5 billion Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs) supports the deployment of clean electricity infrastructure – such as wind turbines, solar panels, batteries and other technologies – and aims to modernize and strengthen the electricity grid to ensure a reliable, affordable and decarbonized electricity system for all Canadians.
Launched in 2021, SREPs works with provinces, territories and Indigenous Peoples to support critical regional priority projects that will reduce dependence on fossil fuel generation and create pathways for a stronger electricity grid system. The program newly incorporates transmission and distribution infrastructure into its eligibility, and continues to support grid modernization activities, energy storage, and Indigenous-led clean energy projects.
The program is currently expected to end March 31, 2036.
Funding opportunities
Critical Regional Priorities Stream
Engaging with provinces and territories
Funding to help provinces and territories decarbonize their electricity systems, with a focus on maintaining affordability and reliability.
Indigenous-Led Clean Energy Stream
Not currently accepting proposals
Funding to increase meaningful and equitable Indigenous participation in decarbonizing the electricity system
A request for expressions of interest will be launched by the end of 2024.
Utility Support Stream
Currently accepting expressions of
interest
Funding for utility and system operator-led projects, such as grid modernization, technology upgrades, and upgrades and expansions to transmission and distribution systems.
Working with the Canada Infrastructure Bank
SREPs complements other federal measures supporting clean electricity projects, including the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB). The CIB has committed $10 billion in Clean Power financing to support clean electricity and clean growth infrastructure, helping to increase Canada’s energy security and address infrastructure gaps, including in Indigenous and northern communities.
SREPs coordinates with the CIB in supporting projects which are eligible for both low-cost financing from the CIB and SREPs funding.
Learn more about the CIB’s financing opportunities for Clean Power.
Results achieved to date as of September 30, 2024
Enabling clean electricity generation
- 72 deployment projects
- 2,700 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity
- 2,100 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy storage capacity
- 3.1 megatons (MT) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions displaced per year
Supporting deployment projects with Indigenous ownership
- 44 approved deployment projects have Indigenous ownership
- 61% of approved deployment projects have Indigenous ownership
- Over $850 million (M) in program contributions
Building capacity for an equitable transition
- 72 capacity building projects
- $103 M in program contributions
- Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) plan or commitment received for every approved deployment project
View announced projects funded by the program
Text version
Province/Territory | Number of Projects |
---|---|
Alberta (AB) | 35 |
British Columbia (BC) | 0 |
Manitoba (MB) | 0 |
National | 0 |
New Brunswick (NB) | 3 |
Newfoundland (NL) | 0 |
Nova Scotia (NS) | 10 |
Northwest Territories (NT) | 0 |
Nunavut (NU) | 1 |
Ontario (ON) | 10 |
Prince Edward Island (PE) | 1 |
Quebec (QC) | 0 |
Saskatchewan (SK) | 12 |
Yukon Territory (YT) | 0 |
Grand Total | 72 |
Province/Territory | Number of Projects |
---|---|
AB | 14 |
BC | 13 |
MB | 2 |
National | 6 |
NB | 8 |
NL | 1 |
NS | 6 |
NT | 0 |
NU | 3 |
ON | 9 |
PE | 2 |
QC | 1 |
SK | 7 |
YT | 0 |
Grand Total | 72 |
Province/Territory | Capacity Installed (MW) |
---|---|
AB | 2131 |
BC | 0 |
National | 0 |
MB | 0 |
NB | 127 |
NL | 0 |
NS | 532 |
NT | 0 |
NU | 6 |
ON | 297 |
PE | 0 |
QC | 0 |
SK | 355 |
YT | 0 |
Grand Total | 3448 |
Projects with Indigenous ownership
Text version
Projects with Indigenous Ownership | Number of Projects |
---|---|
Indigenous Ownership | 44 |
No Indigenous Ownership | 28 |
Grand Total | 72 |
Number of approved projects by type
Text version
Project Activity Type | Number of Projects |
---|---|
Wind | 18 |
Solar PV | 27 |
Other | 3 |
Energy Storage | 12 |
Grid Modernization | 9 |
Generation + Energy Storage | 3 |
Capacity Building | 72 |
Total | 144 |
SREPs is contributing to the achievement of federal targets and commitments related to access to clean, affordable power, non-emitting energy and greenhouse gas emission reductions. A summary of these contributions to date include:
Expand the supply of clean electricity through investments in renewable and next generation clean energy and technology
Source: Strengthened Climate Plan (A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy)
Achievement
- 2,700 MW of clean electricity being added
- $7.3 billion in public and private investments in projects supported through the program
Expand non-emitting energy deployment and development
Source: 2030 Emission Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy
Achievement
- $850 million in funding towards the deployment of commercially ready renewable energy technologies
- $245 million invested in emerging technologies such as biomass and electricity storage
- $7.3 billion in public and private investment in projects supported through the program
Increase access for Canadians to clean energy
Source: Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (2022-2026) and Departmental Results Framework
- By 2030, 90% of Canada’s electricity generated from renewable and non-emitting sources (100% in the long term).
- By the end of 2026, support 1000 MW of new renewable energy projects, capable of providing grid services.
Achievement
2,700 MW of electricity from renewable energy projects capable of providing grid services
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
Source: Canada’s Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions between 40% to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030, and
- Net-zero greenhouse gas emissions economy-wide by 2050
Achievement
- Approved projects are expected to reduce GHG emissions by 3.1 MT of CO2e annually, once commissioned.
Canadian electricity generated from non-GHG emitting sources
Source: NRCan’s 2024-25 Departmental Plan
- 100% of Canadian electricity generated from non-GHG emitting sources by January 1, 2035.
- 15% of NRCan’s projects on innovation and sustainable development engage Indigenous communities, organizations or governments by March 31, 2025
Achievement
- 2,700 MW of added electricity generated from non-GHG emitting sources.
- 61% of approved deployment projects have Indigenous ownership.
Contact us
Please direct questions to the SREPs Team: sreps-erite@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
To receive future program updates by email, please send us a request specifying streams of interest.
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