Northern REACHE Program
Supporting northern and Indigenous communities in their transition to renewable, sustainable and affordable sources of energy.
New funding available
An additional $300 million is available until 2027 for clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural and remote communities across Canada. To learn more about the types of projects we’re funding, who can apply and how we’re working, visit Clean energy in Indigenous, rural and remote communities.
On this page
About the program
The Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity program, also called the Northern REACHE program, funds renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, and related capacity building and planning in:
- Yukon
- Northwest Territories
- Nunavut
- Nunavik
- Nunatsiavut
The program objective is to reduce Northern communities' reliance on diesel for heating and electricity by increasing the use of local renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. This will result in environmental, social and economic benefits to support developing healthier, more sustainable Northern communities.
Investing in clean energy solutions in Indigenous communities is an important link to energy security, reconciliation and self-determination for Indigenous peoples.
Funding for hydroelectricity feasibility and planning
Announced in Budget 2021, Northern REACHE will provide $40.4 million, until 2024, to support the feasibility and planning stages of hydroelectricity and grid interconnection projects in the North.
You can contact us at aadnc.northernreache.aandc@canada.ca for more information or to request an application guide.
There is no deadline to apply. We review applications on an ongoing basis.
Changing how we work to support community priorities
To make funding more accessible for Indigenous communities, multiple departments are changing how we work. We are committed to improving community access to federal clean energy funding and resources.
What does this mean for applicants?
- Common application that you can submit to either Northern REACHE or Natural Resources Canada’s Clean Energy from Rural and Remote Communities Program ( CERRC)
- Simplified project reporting
- More flexible terms and conditions
- Indigenous Council to guide our work by fall 2022
- On-going conversations and information sessions to improve program delivery and work towards Indigenous climate leadership
Previously funded projects
Since 2016, Northern REACHE has funded 139 projects and invested over $29 million in capacity building, renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Learn more about what type of projects Northern REACHE has funded:
Background
Budget 2017 announced, starting in 2018 to 2019:
- $53.5 million over 10 years to implement renewable energy projects in off-grid Indigenous and Northern communities that rely on diesel and other fossil fuels to generate heat and power.
In 2020, Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan announced, starting in 2021 to 2022:
- $300 million over 5 years to advance the government’s commitment to ensure rural, remote and Indigenous communities that currently rely on diesel have the opportunity to be powered by clean, reliable energy by 2030.
Budget 2021 announced, starting in 2021 to 2022:
- $40.4 million over 3 years to support the feasibility and planning stages of hydroelectricity and grid interconnection projects in the North.