PEI Agriculture Energy Systems Pilot Program

The Prince Edward Island (PEI) Agriculture Energy Systems Pilot Program supports adoption of clean technologies, implementation of on-farm energy projects, applied energy research and innovation projects.

The program will be implemented through two streams:

• 1.1    Agriculture Energy Systems Pilot Program- Technology Adoption
• 1.2    Agriculture Energy Research Sub-Program

1.1    Agriculture Energy Systems Pilot Program-Technology Adoption

The Prince Edward Island (PEI) Agriculture Energy Systems Pilot Program supports the adoption of clean technologies and implementation of on-farm projects that improve energy efficiency, generate renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase farm resilience to energy costs. This program is a collaboration between the PEI Department of Agriculture and efficiencyPEI. 

Who is eligible?

The following includes a summary of program and funding eligibility. Before completing the application form, please review program and funding criteria in the PEI Agriculture Energy Systems Pilot Program Guidelines.

Eligible Recipients

• Bona-fide agricultural producers; 
• Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups conducting farming activities; and
• Other agri-businesses may be considered at the discretion of the program review committee.

What activities are funded?

The program supports farmers to undertake energy projects in the following categories:

ENERGY AUDITS AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES

• Conduct energy assessment/audit, feasibility study of the farm.    

HIGH EFFICIENCY UPGRADES TO BUILDINGS

• Upgrade building heating, ventilation, controls, and energy systems.

IMPROVED EFFICIENCY GRAIN DRYERS

• Retrofit existing grain dryers or purchase and install upgrade components on new grain dryers.

FARM EQUIPMENT AND PROCESS EFFICIENCY  

• Switch processes and equipment from fossil fuels to electricity and/or biofuels and undertake activities to optimize equipment energy use efficiency.

SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) INSTALLATION

• Installation of solar PV systems on farm.

Proposals for other innovative, effective and resilient energy projects may be considered at the discretion of the Agriculture Energy Systems Pilot Program review committee.

What expenses are eligible?

Direct project costs to adopt approved energy efficiency projects, including:

• Specialized commercial grade equipment (including used equipment that has not been previously funded through government programs);
• Contracted labour, consultants, and professional fees for project design and implementation;
• Materials, supplies, and rentals;
• Modifications to existing equipment or technology; 
• One-time purchase of specialized software systems related to upgrading and acquiring new equipment and technology; and
• Other costs as specifically approved by the Agriculture Energy Systems Pilot Program review committee.

How do I Apply?

1. Complete, sign and submit the application form and supporting documents (written quotes, equipment specifications, previous energy assessments) prior to the intake deadline of  February 9th, 2026, 8:00 am.
2. Department staff will review your application for completeness and follow up if any additional project information is needed to inform project assessment.
    

Eligible project expenses will be recognized within the Project Activity Period stated above. Expenses incurred prior to April 1st, 2026, will be ineligible for program support. Following application intake deadline, the program review committee will assess, and rank project applications based on the information and supporting documentation provided. Funding will be allocated on a competitive basis to projects with the greatest merit.  Those projects that achieve the most cost-effective reduction of greenhouse gas emissions will be prioritized for approval.

1.2    Agriculture Energy Research Sub-Program

The Agriculture Energy Research Sub-Program is designed to support energy related research that will benefit the PEI agriculture industry.

Who is eligible?

The following includes a summary of program and funding eligibility. Before completing the application form, please review program and funding criteria in the Agriculture Energy Research Sub-Program Guidelines.

Eligible Recipients

• Bona fide agricultural producers;
• Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups conducting farming activities;
• Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations;
• Municipal and provincial governments; and
• Others may be considered at the discretion of the program review committee.

What activities are funded?

The sub-program supports:

• Research focused on agriculture energy efficiency technologies and on-farm energy efficiency upgrades.
• Research that examines interaction between agriculture energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Feasibility studies on innovative and leading-edge projects including but not limited to bioenergy or renewable energy that has impact on wider agriculture sector.  
• Adapting existing technologies to PEI’s agriculture industry in a novel way to increase energy efficiency. 
• Research, analysis and/or technical studies that address agriculture sector-wide energy challenges or opportunities and provide evidence to inform industry, regulatory or policy decision making. 

What expenses are eligible?

• Contracted labour, consultants, and professional fees for project research;
• Salaries for project activities;
• Materials, supplies;
• Project-related travel;
• Administration costs to a maximum of 10% of project value;
• Other activities and expenses as approved by the Agriculture Energy Program Review Committee

How do I Apply?

1. Complete, sign and submit the application form and supporting documents. Supporting documents include quotes (where applicable) and a project proposal that includes project objectives, project activities and timelines, expected results, budget, evaluation.
2. Department staff will review your application for completeness and follow up if any additional project information is needed to inform project assessment.

Eligible project expenses will be recognized within the Project Activity Period. Expenses incurred prior to date of application will be ineligible for program support. The program review committee will assess the applications based on the information and supporting documentation provided. Applied Energy Research projects will be assessed based on first come first serve and for merit and impact.  
 

For more information contact:

Ankita Shrestha, Agriculture Energy Systems Specialist 

PEI Department of Agriculture 
11 Kent Street
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown PE C1A 7N8
Phone: 782-772-6414
Email: agenergy@gov.pe.ca