Renewable Energy Deployment Initiative

The Renewable Energy Deployment Initiative (REDI) was announced in December 1997, and came into effect on April 1, 1998 as a 3-year, $12 million program. It was then extended into a second three year cycle, from 2001 to 2004, with $14 million in additional funding including $2 million of REDI funding targeting industry specifically. In 2004, REDI was extended again into a third three year cycle, from 2004 to 2007, with another $25 million in funding. Overall, REDI represents a 9-year, $51 million program investment by the Government of Canada. REDI´s funding was directed towards three main pillars: market stimulation, industry infrastructure support, and market development. Under market stimulation, nearly 50% of REDI´s funding was allocated to provide financial incentives for the adoption of renewable heating systems, including active solar air and water thermal systems, and high-efficiency/low-emission biomass combustion systems. Businesses were eligible for a refund of 25% of the purchase and installation costs of active solar and large biomass combustion systems up to a maximum refund of CAD80,000 per project or CAD250,000 per corporate entity, for multiple installations. Remote communities, business, institutions and other organisations were eligible for a refund of 40% of the purchase and installation costs of a qualifying system to a maximum refund of CAD 80,000. Ground source heat pumps, or geothermal heat pumps, were not eligible for direct financial incentives under REDI but were supporte d under large multi-year contribution agreements. In addition to direct financial support for market stimulation, REDI provided training standards, and certification activities and market activities in support of the industry infrastructure and market development. REDI targeted public awareness through participation in industry trade fairs, funding of studies to identify target markets, publication of information pieces and communication products such as buyers´ guides and promotional materials. Moreover, REDI actively collaborated with partners from renewable energy industry associations and Canadian municipalities. The Program ended on March 31, 2007.