Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is "clean energy"?
• Who is this Portal for?
• How do I use the Portal?
• Where do I find information on grants or financial incentives for clean energy?

What is "clean energy"?

Although there appears to be no strict definition, clean energy is any source of energy that causes little or no harm to the environment. These sources can include; renewables such as wind, solar, or bioenergy; advanced fuel and transportation technologies; clean fossil fuel technologies such as carbon capture and sequestration; industrial energy systems; as well as commercial and residential building system technologies designed to make our buildings and communities greener. 

Within the pages of the Clean Energy Portal you will find information that encompasses all areas of clean or “green” energy technologies, including information on clean air technologies, as well as consulting and engineering services and modelling services. 

Who is this Portal for?

The Clean Energy Portal was designed for anyone interested in clean energy technologies. This can include:

• Canadian providers of clean energy products and services, including consultants, manufacturers, and distributors, designers, etc.;
• People interested in clean energy for gaining knowledge and/or to implement technologies;
• Companies (in all sectors) who want to find technologies that will make their business more environmentally friendly and/or save them money on electricity;
• Domestic or non-Canadian companies or governments who are seeking financial assistance/incentives for clean energy projects;
• Companies looking to take part in clean energy events, either in Canada or abroad;
• Domestic federal, provincial, municipal and/or regulatory entities;
• Research and development organizations, including Canadian universities and colleges; and
• Canadian and international associations and non-profit entities who are working in clean energy.

How do I use the Portal?

Everything you need on the site can be accessed through navigation menus on both the left and right hand side of the screen.  Use these menus to search through the extensive lists of data available to visitors within the site.  The main navigation areas include:

Canadian Technology Directory
The Canadian Technology Directory houses the Canadian clean energy technology companies listed within the site. The companies are further sorted into submenus, so as to provide easier navigation and direct users to the particular technology they are looking to find.

Organizations
The Organizations directory houses information on both Canadian and International organizations that work in a variety of sub-areas within the clean energy industry. This category includes government entities, including a full listing of Canada’s Trade Commissioners, as well as public and private sector funding organizations, research institutions, and cooperatives that are actively promoting clean energy. These organizations can provide assistance in the implementation of clean energy projects.

Associations
The Associations directory houses Canadian and International associations related to clean energy technologies. These associations promote information sharing and the membership lists allow domestic and foreign visitors to see how actively involved some companies are in the clean energy industry. Associations may also provide an addition reference contact for companies and foreign associations can provide Canadian companies with contact information for companies abroad, enabling partnership opportunities.

Canadian Activities
The Canadian Activities directory houses information on Canadian based activities such as; energy technology projects being conducted by Canadian firms; Canadian programs that promote a particular area of energy development including funding initiatives and research activities; Events (conferences, trade missions, meetings, forums, workshops, and calls for proposals); as well as non-profit and association listings.  

International Activities
Similar to the Canadian Activities area, the International Activities directory houses clean energy information on countries around the globe.

Clean Energy Projects
The Project directory lists clean energy projects being run by our Canadian Technology companies, both in Canada and abroad. This section provides visitors, particularly international visitors, with examples of where Canadian know-how/technology has been applied.

Clean Energy Initiatives
The Initiative directory is designed to show visitors the clean energy programs, particularly funding programs that are available throughout Canada as well as internationally. These initiatives promote international projects by providing companies and clients with funding and related technology information.

Clean Energy Events
The Event directory allows interested parties to view upcoming events in a given country with respect to clean energy technologies. Events include conferences, trade missions, meetings, forums, workshops, key trade shows, and calls for proposals. This section promotes international involvement in the development of clean energy technologies.

News
The News directory provides users with access to the latest news in Clean Energy research, innovations and funding.

Where do I find information on grants or financial incentives for clean energy?

Grants and financial incentives for clean energy are available from a variety of sources, both within public and private sector. 

The federal government's Office of Energy Efficiency provides information on grants and incentives for both business and individuals as does the ecoAction website.    

To look for further information on funding programs visit the CanmetENERGY site’s funding page.