Alberta, Canada - The Climate Change Innovation and Technology Framework (CCITF) program is announcing the launch of three networks in Alberta to help reduce greenhouse gasses and provide unique opportunities for Albertans.The Clean Technology Networks (CTN) program is the first of five programs within CCITF to grant funding. The CTN program, managed by Alberta Innovates, is designed to inspire and evolve Alberta's support systems by providing strategic funds to entities that can provide networks, partnerships or collaboration in the CCITF priority sectors. The program is intended to create new or support existing clean technology partnerships, and is open to not-for-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions and industry associations.The CTN funding competition closed in April of 2018. Over 20 applications were received and from that pool, three applicants were selected as successful networks based on the strength of their applications. Each network will receive $200 thousand per year for the next three years, for a total of $1.8 million.The successful networks are the Biomass Energy Network, led by Dr. David Bressler from the University of Alberta, the Energy Futures Lab, led by Chad Park from The Natural Step Canada, and the Methane Emissions Reduction Network (MERN), led by Dr. Soheil Asgarpour from the Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada.Alberta Innovates is pleased with the caliber of the applications for the Clean Technology Network program. We are an invested partner with each of these networks. We believe their innovation will lead to opportunity in Alberta and a cleaner environment.Rollie Dykstra, Alberta Innovates Vice President Investments, Entrepreneurial InvestmentsWhen Alberta innovators can share their new products and processes for reducing emissions - it provides more protection for our environment and helps businesses save more money in efficiencies. Creating Clean Technology Networks will help Alberta innovators and entrepreneurs connect to the resources and technologies they need to be competitive and create jobs in Alberta as we work together to build an economy for the future.Deron Bilous, Minister, Economic Development & TradeMedia inquiries may be directed to:Dwayne BrunnerMedia Relations ManagerAlberta Innovates (780)-423-5727 Ext. 224Dwayne.Brunner[at]albertainnovates.caBACKGROUNDThe CCITF is a strategic initiative of the Government of Alberta as part of its Climate Leadership Plan. Economic Development and Trade (EDT), Emissions Reductions Alberta (ERA) and Alberta Innovates (AI), are working together as delivery agents to administer a suite of programs under the framework.All the CCITF funded programs, projects, and networks can be found on the CCITF website.Biomass Energy Network is led by Dr. David Bressler at the University of Alberta. Alberta is established as a global leader in the oil and gas industry, providing a tremendous opportunity for the Province to attract investment and implement clean biofuel technology platforms that can help reduce the environmental impact of the petrochemical industry. The primary objective of the Biomass Energy Network (BEN) will be to help facilitate these efforts by bringing together and leveraging Alberta's biomass-to-biofuels community, providing profile and linkage to national and international partners.The Energy Futures Lab (EFL) is led by Chad Park from The Natural Step Canada. This network enables multi-stakeholder collaboration to identify, develop and pressure-test innovative solutions to energy challenges and strengthens the capacity of institutional actors to adopt and support innovative solutions. The network helps align a growing community of leaders and their organizations behind a bold and transformative vision for the future of energy in Alberta and beyond. It also inspires and shares compelling stories and narratives to help depolarize the public conversation about energy in Canada.Methane Emissions Reduction Network (MERN) is led by Dr. Soheil Asgarpour from the Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC). MERN will contribute to methane and GHG emissions reduction in the Alberta oil and gas sector in a manner that is collaborative, transparent, and aligned with the goals of the Alberta government and compliant with regulations of the Alberta Energy Regulator. MERN will unlock opportunities for Alberta innovators, academic researchers, and SMEs to connect with and learn from end-users, and local and international competitors.Alberta Innovates is a provincially funded corporation with a mandate to deliver 21st-century solutions for the most compelling challenges facing Albertans. We do this by building on our province's research and technology development strengths in the core sectors of health, environment, energy, and food and fibre, and platforms such as clean technology, digital technology for business transformation, data-enabled innovation, and innovative production and distribution. We are working with our partners to diversify the provincial economy, improve environmental performance and enhance Albertans' well-being through research and innovation. albertainnovates.ca