If your business in Quebec wants to replace fossil fuels with bioenergy, understanding the available funding is essential. The province’s main program for this is Bioénergies — Implementation, which supports real, on-the-ground conversion projects. Depending on your project size and costs, funding can reach up to $5 million per project—for example, a $4 million project could receive $2 million, while a $10 million project would be capped at $5 million.
This program is run by the Government of Quebec and is focused on lasting reductions in greenhouse gases from thermal bioenergy projects.
The Bioénergies — Implementation program provides some of the largest bioenergy funding in Quebec for organizations ready to switch away from fossil fuels:
For example, if your bioenergy conversion project costs $4 million, you could receive up to $2 million in non-repayable funding. If your project costs $10 million, the maximum grant is $5 million.
The funding is non-repayable if you meet all program conditions and complete your project as approved. However, if you do not follow the rules or fail to deliver the agreed results, the government may ask you to repay some or all of the grant (a “clawback”). It’s important to stay in compliance throughout your project.
The program is focused on thermal bioenergy (not electricity generation). Eligible projects must replace fossil fuels used for:
Common bioenergy sources include biomass and other approved fuels that directly substitute fossil fuels like natural gas, oil, or propane.
Eligibility is broad, but there are clear requirements.
To qualify, you must:
Both private businesses and public or municipal organizations can apply, as long as the project leads to verified fossil fuel reduction.
Knowing which expenses are eligible helps you estimate how much funding your bioenergy project in Quebec could receive.
Eligible costs generally include:
Planning-only or feasibility studies are usually funded under other streams, not the Implementation stream.
The Bioénergies — Implementation program is currently open, and applications are accepted while funding remains available. There is no fixed annual deadline, so applying early is important.
For large projects, early preparation is critical. Quebec-specific tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter bioenergy programs by sector and project size before investing in engineering or financial studies.
Overestimating the funding percentage
The program caps funding at 50% of eligible costs, even if your project has strong environmental benefits.
Including ineligible expenses in the budget
General operating costs or unrelated upgrades can reduce your approved funding amount.
Applying without clear fossil fuel reduction data
You must show how much fossil fuel use will be reduced and how that reduction will last over time.
Waiting too long to apply
Since the program runs while funds last, late applications risk missing available funding.
Q: How much funding can my bioenergy project get in Quebec?
Projects can receive up to $5 million, covering a maximum of 50% of eligible costs under the Bioénergies — Implementation program.
Q: Do small businesses qualify for Quebec bioenergy funding?
Yes. Small, medium, and large energy consumers are all eligible if they meet the fossil fuel reduction and sector requirements.
Q: What types of bioenergy are eligible?
The program supports thermal bioenergy used for heating or industrial processes, not electricity generation.
Q: Is the Bioénergies grant considered taxable income?
It is generally treated as government assistance. Your specific tax treatment should be confirmed with an accountant.
Q: Is there a deadline to apply?
There is no fixed deadline. Applications are accepted while program funding is available.
If you’re estimating how much funding your bioenergy project in Quebec could receive, start by mapping your total eligible costs and fossil fuel reductions. GrantHub tracks Quebec-specific energy funding programs and helps you see which ones fit your project profile before you apply.
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