Canada's Clean-Tech Tax Credits for Future Growth
Key Ideas
- Canada introduced refundable clean economy investment tax credits to promote adoption of clean technologies and respond to U.S. incentives.
- Legislation for Clean Tech, CCUS, Clean Hydrogen, and Clean Technology Manufacturing ITCs received royal assent in June 2024.
- The ITCs cover a range of clean technologies, including carbon capture, hydrogen, and clean electricity, with varying rates and eligibility criteria.
- These tax credits aim to boost the clean technology sector in Canada and offer opportunities for businesses to invest in sustainable solutions.
Canada has implemented a series of refundable clean economy investment tax credits to encourage the early adoption of clean technologies. The Federal Government introduced tax credits like Clean Tech ITC, Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage ITC, Clean Hydrogen ITC, Clean Technology Manufacturing ITC, and Clean Electricity ITC over the period spanning Budgets 2022 to 2024. The enabling legislation for four of these tax credits received royal assent in June 2024, marking a significant step towards their enactment and potential impact on various Canadian industries. These tax credits cover a wide array of clean technology properties and investment scenarios, each with specific timing, eligibility criteria, and tax rates. For instance, the Clean Tech ITC offers a 30% credit for qualifying taxpayers on clean technology property situated in Canada and used exclusively in the country. Similarly, the CCUS ITC provides incentives for carbon capture projects, with varying rates based on the type of project and jurisdiction. The Clean Hydrogen ITC aims to promote investment in clean hydrogen projects by offering credits based on the carbon intensity of the equipment. These tax credits not only support the growth of the clean technology sector in Canada but also align with efforts to meet environmental goals and leverage opportunities arising from U.S. clean-tech incentives. The legislation underscores the government's commitment to fostering a sustainable and competitive economic environment while driving innovation and job creation in the clean energy space.