Canada is striving hard to opt for better and greener solutions in the agricultural sector. The Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), on June 16, 2021, announced the Agricultural Clean Technology Program (ACTP) as a part of the climate plan, A Healthy Environment and A Healthy Economic. This new agricultural program will help farmers and agri-businesses reduce greenhouse emissions which will further enhance their competitiveness.
The main focus of this program is to provide farmers with funds and promote environmental-friendly solutions by encouraging farmers to adopt greener technological options such as solar and renewable energy. This will not only improve the quality of the environment but also introduce employment opportunities for many Canadians. This program is an extension of the ACTP program originally introduced in 2018, with an investment of $25 million for the development, research, adoption, and usage of clean technological solutions.
Why can Dandelion Renewables help with the ACT?
Dandelion Renewables has a decade-worth experience working with farmers community on energy-efficiency, feasibility studies and renewable energy systems, e.g. solar power systems and energy storage. In fact, our unique approach was recognized by the Alberta Provincial Government to partner with on many great initiatives. By partnering with the government, under the retired Growing Forward program, Dandelion Renewables completed feasibility studies and facilitated the Net Zero transformation for: Alberta Pork, Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association, Alberta Potato Growers and Alberta Beekeepers Commission, as well as many dairy barns.
Our approach was always looking at a broader picture to help make the agriculture industry more resilient and sustainable. That approach includes economic modeling of a facility or a barn and recommending energy efficiency measures, renewable energy generation, e.g. solar PV, waste management that are feasible under the current market and government regulations.
Designing or upgrading Alberta agricultural facilities towards Net Zero not only helps the environment, but also helps to reduce dependency on the system and put control back into the farmer’s hands. As the Alberta electricity and transmission/distribution charges continue to rise, it allows farmers to generate their own renewable electricity, store energy and implement energy savings to minimize the operating costs and the exposure to volatile energy prices.
What Does ACTP Include?
The purpose of the ACTP is to reduce greenhouse gases emissions and promote a healthier environment. Almost 10% of the total GHG emissions are from livestock and agricultural activities. This amount can be reduced by opting for greener and cleaner energy solutions having very little to no impact on the environment.
The net investment of this project is $165.7 million, which will support the purchase and installation of greener energy options such as solar power systems and eligible project costs will be shared up to 50% / 50% between a farmer and the government. Such new incentives from the Federal Government have made investments more attractive than ever. ACTP is divided into two streams, Research And Innovation Stream and The Adoption Stream.
Research And Innovation Stream
This stream is an aggregate of up to $50 million and aims to prioritize near market-ready technologies. Such technologies have the potential to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment. This stream will continue over a period of seven years and end on March 31, 2028. The amount of support for one project is $2 million and should not exceed $5 million for multiple projects. Eligible applicants for this stream ACTP include:
- For profit-organizations
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Indigenous groups
For more information on eligibility and eligible activities for this stream, read here.
The Adoption Stream
The investment cost of this stream is about $100 million over five years, ending on March 31, 2026. This stream will support the purchase, installation, and adoption of green technological solutions for agricultural sector participants. Eligible applicants under this stream include:
- For-profit organizations
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Individuals
- Indigenous groups
For more information on eligibility and eligible activities for this stream, read here.
Does ACTP Support Installation Of Solar Panels?
Solar power is one of the most demanding and effective cleaner technological solutions, playing an active role in powering many units of different sectors. Such solar panels and solar-powered technology will not only improve employment prospects in Canada but also be helpful for many agricultural processes such as grain drying, barn heating, watering systems, and ventilation, farm equipment, and sensors.
As the cost of the solar PV systems came down, the application of solar in the agricultural sector became highly feasible. By contacting us, we can look at the energy needs of your entire facility and can complete a feasibility assessment that shows the most cost-effective energy efficiency or renewable energy upgrades you can complete in your farm. The remaining energy consumption can be minimized by designing and installing a custom solar PV system that meets your farming needs.
The Agricultural Clean Technology Program is a great opportunity for farmers and landowners to step up their agricultural practices and take advantage of energy efficiency and solar power for their energy production.
Dandelion Renewables offers complete solar and sustainable solutions
Dandelion Renewables contribute to the planet’s sustainable energy future by offering healthy environmental solutions. We aim to reduce carbon footprints and offer our clients consultation, feasibility studies, knowledge and complete installation services regarding some energy-efficiency upgrades and solar. We are proud to be one of the top-rated solar and renewable energy contractors in Western Canada, and our professionals are here to help you throughout every step of the way. Contact us for more information.
