Methane Reduction Deployment Program (MRDP)

Insider Tip

Download the most current Eligible Technologies List from ERA before preparing your application — the list is updated and technologies may be added or removed. The GHG workbook (provided by ERA) is the central document for demonstrating emission reductions; projects with stronger quantified GHG reductions have clearer justification. Contact ERA at [email protected] or 1-844-407-0025 before starting your application — ERA staff can confirm eligibility and guide the portal registration process. Given the first-come, first-served allocation, submit sooner rather than later — if the $22.4M pool fills before 2029, the program ends early.

Rejection Pitfalls 7

• Facility regulated under TIER Regulation (unless part of an aggregated facility as defined under TIER)
• Large Final Emitter (LFE) facilities
• Opt-in facilities under TIER

Success Profile

Small to mid-size upstream or midstream Alberta oil and gas operator with 5–200 well-sites seeking to replace aging pneumatic devices, retrofit engines, or deploy SCVF capture solutions to meet federal methane reduction regulations cost-effectively. Companies facing regulatory deadlines in 2025–2027 for methane compliance are the ideal applicants.

Evaluation Criteria

First-come, first-served with eligibility gating: (1) applicant is an Alberta upstream or midstream oil and gas operator not subject to TIER regulation, (2) project deploys proven commercial technology from the ERA eligible technologies list, (3) GHG workbook demonstrates measurable methane reductions, (4) cost workbook supports the eligible project cost claim. No competitive merit scoring — timing of application determines access to remaining funds.

Application Steps

Required Documents 6

Eligible Expenses 7

• Engine optimization, retrofits, and replacements for emission reduction
• Surface Casing Vent Flow (SCVF) capture solutions
• Tank and compression routine venting mitigation equipment
• Pneumatics conversion to electrification, capture, or no-bleed systems
• Casing gas conservation and destruction systems
• Digital monitoring and management solutions for methane emission tracking
• Installation and commissioning costs for eligible technologies

Ineligible Expenses 6

• Research and development or prototype-stage technology development
• Operating and maintenance costs post-installation
• Equipment for facilities regulated under TIER (excluding aggregated facilities)
• Projects at LFE or opt-in TIER facilities
• Technologies not on the ERA eligible technologies list
• Costs already funded by other ERA programs

Intake Periods

Continuous, year-round intake until March 31, 2029 or until $22.4M is fully committed. First-come, first-served basis.

Deadline Notes

Applications accepted year-round on a continuous basis. Program ends March 31, 2029 OR when all $22.4M is committed — whichever comes first. Apply early as the fund operates on a first-come, first-served basis and $22.4M may be committed before the 2029 deadline.

Open Application Portal →

Ineligible Organizations

• Facilities regulated under the TIER Regulation (except aggregated facilities)
• Large Final Emitters (LFEs)
• Opt-in facilities under TIER
• Non-oil-and-gas industries
• Organizations operating outside Alberta

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Medium Risk

If post-project reporting reveals actual GHG reductions are materially below projected amounts, ERA may require repayment of a proportional portion of the grant. Misrepresentation of eligible costs or technology type triggers full repayment.