How to Apply for the Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) Program

How to Apply for the Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) Program

Energy costs are one of the biggest expenses for industrial facilities. The Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program helps Alberta-based businesses lower those costs and reduce emissions. SEMI offers repayable funding from $50,000 to $1 million to support long-term energy management, not just single equipment upgrades.

This guide explains how Alberta businesses can apply for the Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program, what you need to prepare, and how to avoid common mistakes.

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Understanding SEMI: What the Program Funds and Who It’s For

SEMI is delivered by Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) and is designed for industrial and manufacturing facilities in Alberta with meaningful energy use. The program supports both equipment upgrades and building internal energy management skills.

Funding Amount and Cost Share

• $50,000 to $1,000,000 per project
• Up to 50% of eligible costs for for-profit organizations
• Up to 100% of eligible costs for not-for-profit and Indigenous organizations
• Funding is repayable, not a grant

Eligible Organizations

To qualify, your business must:

• Operate an industrial or manufacturing facility in Alberta
• Own or lease at least one eligible facility
• Have a facility that has been operating for at least one year
• Be in one of these NAICS sectors:
  • 11 (Agriculture)
  • 21 (Mining)
  • 22 (Utilities)
  • 23 (Construction)
  • 31–33 (Manufacturing)
  • 48 (Transportation)
  • 56 (Waste management and remediation services)

Eligible Project Activities

SEMI supports a wide range of activities, including:

• Energy assessments and audits
• Energy Management Information Systems (EMIS)
• Strategic Energy Management (SEM) training
• Capital retrofit projects that reduce energy use or emissions

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How to Apply for the Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) Program

The SEMI application process has several steps. With good preparation, it is straightforward.

Step 1: Check Your Facility and Project Eligibility

First, make sure:

• Your facility meets the NAICS and operational requirements
• Your project includes both energy management practices and measurable outcomes
• You can follow the reporting and repayment rules

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly check if SEMI fits your business and industry.

Step 2: Create a Strong Energy Management Plan

ERA wants to see projects that have lasting impact. Your application should include:

• Current energy use and baseline data
• Planned energy management systems or processes
• Expected energy savings and emissions reductions
• How energy management will become part of your operations

Projects that only focus on equipment upgrades are less likely to be approved.

Step 3: Prepare a Detailed Project Budget

Your budget should:

• Separate eligible and ineligible costs
• Show your share of the costs
• Match the requested funding amount

For for-profit businesses, you need to cover at least 50% of eligible costs from your own funds or other sources.

Step 4: Submit Your Application to ERA

Send your application directly to Emissions Reduction Alberta. Intake periods may be continuous or based on set deadlines, depending on available funding.

You will need to provide:

• Corporate and facility information
• Technical details about your project
• Financial statements or proof you can repay the funding
• Energy and emissions data

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Treating SEMI like a simple rebate
   SEMI focuses on changing systems and behaviours, not just buying equipment.

2. Weak energy baseline data
   Using vague or estimated energy numbers can delay approval.

3. Ignoring repayable funding terms
   You must repay SEMI funding, so plan your cash flow carefully.

4. Submitting without team support
   Projects without management and staff commitment often do not meet performance targets.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program?
SEMI is an Alberta program that gives repayable funding to industrial facilities to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions through strategic energy management. It is run by Emissions Reduction Alberta.

Q: How much funding can my business receive from SEMI?
Projects can receive between $50,000 and $1 million. For-profit organizations can get up to 50% of costs covered. Not-for-profit and Indigenous organizations can get up to 100%.

Q: Is SEMI funding repayable or non-repayable?
SEMI provides repayable funding, so you must pay it back under agreed terms. It is not a traditional grant.

Q: What types of projects qualify under SEMI?
Projects like energy audits, EMIS, SEM training, and capital retrofits that improve energy performance are eligible.

Q: How long must my facility be operating to qualify?
Your facility must have been operating for at least one year before you apply.

Q: Where can I find other programs like SEMI?
GrantHub tracks SEMI and similar industrial energy management programs across Canada, making it easier to compare options and find funding that fits your business.

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Next Steps

Applying for the Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program means understanding how your Alberta facility uses energy and planning long-term improvements. Review your energy data, build a strong team, and prepare a clear project plan before submitting your application. If you want to see other energy efficiency programs, GrantHub lists SEMI and many options for Canadian businesses. This can help you find the right funding and make your application stronger.

See also:

• Energy Efficiency and Clean Tech Rebates for Canadian Businesses
• How to Improve Industrial Energy Management Using Government Programs
• How to Fund Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Feasibility Projects