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− | [[File:GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium small.png|left|831px|GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium|alt=GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium small.png|link=GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium]]<br/>[[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Basics about Cooking Energy|Basics]] | [[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Policy Advice on Cooking Energy|Policy Advice]] | [[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Planning Improved Cook Stove .28ICS.29 Interventions|Planning]] | [[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Designing and Implementing Improved Cookstoves .28ICS.29 Supply Interventions|Designing and Implementing (ICS Supply)]]| [[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Cooking Energy Technologies and Practices|Technologies and Practices]] | [[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Designing and Implementing Woodfuel Supply Interventions|Designing and Implementing (Woodfuel Supply)]]| '''[[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Climate Change Related Issues|Climate Change]]''' | + | [[File:GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium small.png|left|831px|GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium|alt=GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium small.png|link=GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium]]<br/><br/><!-- |
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| + | -->{{#ifeq: {{#show: {{PAGENAME}} |?Hera category}} | Cooking Energy System |'''[[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Cooking Energy Technologies and Practices|Cooking Energy System]]''' {{!}} | [[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Cooking Energy Technologies and Practices|Cooking Energy System]] {{!}} | }} <!-- |
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| + | -->{{#ifeq: {{#show: {{PAGENAME}} |?Hera category}} | Basics |'''[[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Basics about Cooking Energy|Basics]]''' {{!}} | [[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Basics about Cooking Energy|Basics]] {{!}} | }} <!-- |
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− | = Carbon Funding =
| + | -->{{#ifeq: {{#show: {{PAGENAME}} |?Hera category}} | Policy Advice |'''[[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Policy Advice on Cooking Energy|Policy Advice]]''' {{!}} | [[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Policy Advice on Cooking Energy|Policy Advice]] {{!}} | }} <!-- |
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− | In order to support market introduction of improved cookstoves, adequate funding over a fairly long term is needed. Projects often face difficulties in getting enough money for their activities. In December 2007, stove projects were accepted under the '''Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)''' of the Kyoto Protocol, opening new funding possibilities. Financial payments for reducing the emissions from stoves can be a source of funding for stove projects. However, the carbon funding is complex and the requirements for applying are substantial in terms of time and investment. Even though s<span lang="en-us" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><font face="arial">tove projects still account for a negligible share of the global carbon fund markets, the number of improved stove projects has been growing rapidly ever since. New stakeholders and project approaches have entered the stove business.</font></span>
| + | -->{{#ifeq: {{#show: {{PAGENAME}} |?Hera category}} | Planning |'''[[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Planning Cooking Energy Interventions|Planning]]''' {{!}} | [[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Planning Cooking Energy Interventions|Planning]] {{!}} | }} <!-- |
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− | <br/><u>Carbon finance can be accessed by implementing a stove project under the requirements of either:</u>
| + | -->{{#ifeq: {{#show: {{PAGENAME}} |?Hera category}} | ICS Supply |'''[[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Designing and Implementing Improved Cookstoves .28ICS.29 Supply Interventions|Designing and Implementing ICS Supply]]''' {{!}} | [[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Designing and Implementing Improved Cookstoves .28ICS.29 Supply Interventions|Designing and Implementing ICS Supply]] {{!}} | }} <!-- |
− | *the '''Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)''' of the Kyoto Protocol or
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− | *the '''Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM)'''
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− | <br/>
| + | -->{{#ifeq: {{#show: {{PAGENAME}} |?Hera category}} | Woodfuel Supply |'''[[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Designing and Implementing Woodfuel Supply Interventions|Designing and Implementing Woodfuel Supply]]''' {{!}} | [[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Designing and Implementing Woodfuel Supply Interventions|Designing and Implementing Woodfuel Supply]] {{!}} | }} <!-- |
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− | This chapter focuses on the possibilities and challenges of successful carbon finance for stove projects. For more detailed information please refer to HERA's Guidebook [http://www2.gtz.de/dokumente/bib-2010/gtz2010-0202en-stove-carbon-market.pdf Carbon Markets for Improved Cooking Stoves - A GTZ Guide for Project Operators.]
| + | -->{{#ifeq: {{#show: {{PAGENAME}} |?Hera category}} | Climate Change |'''[[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Climate Change Related Issues|Climate Change]]''' | [[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Climate Change Related Issues|Climate Change]] {{!}} | }} <!-- |
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| + | -->{{#ifeq: {{#show: {{PAGENAME}} |?Hera category}} | Extra |'''[[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Climate Change Related Issues|Extra]]''' | [[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium#Climate Change Related Issues|Extra]] }} |
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| <br/> | | <br/> |
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| + | = Carbon Finance for Cookstoves - Overview = |
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| + | In order to support market introduction of improved cookstoves, adequate funding over a fairly long term is needed. Projects often face difficulties in getting enough money for their activities. Here, carbon finance has created opportunities for stakeholders who are developing sustainable energy projects. |
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| + | Carbon finance (or carbon funding) is a general term applied to resources provided to projects that are generating or are expected to generate greenhouse gas (<span data-scaytid="1" data-scayt_word="GHG">GHG</span>) emission reductions in the form of the purchase of such emission reductions which are tradable on the carbon market. |
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| + | As compared to traditional stoves, improved cookstoves generate less emissions and this reduced emissions is calculated as the '''''product of the amount of woody biomass saved, the fraction that is considered non-renewable biomass, the net calorific value of the biomass, and an emission factor for the fuel used'''''<ref name="https://www.sei-international.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/Climate/sei-pb-2013-cdm-cookstoves.pdf">https://www.sei-international.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/Climate/sei-pb-2013-cdm-cookstoves.pdf</ref>. The reduced emissions can further be converted into carbon credits and sold under international programs such as '''[[Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)|Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)]] '''of the Kyoto Protocol (Kyoto Protocol), the '''Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM)''', the '''Gold Standard''' or the American Carbon Registry (ACR). The revenue generated by selling the carbon credits (carbon finance) is then used to finance the cookstove projects. |
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| + | A carbon credit is the emission reduction of one tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2). |
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| + | In December 2007, stove projects were accepted under the '''Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)''' of the Kyoto Protocol. |
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| + | However, the carbon funding is complex and the requirements for applying are substantial in terms of time and investment. Even though stove projects still account for a negligible share of the global carbon fund markets, the number of improved stove projects has been growing rapidly ever since. New stakeholders and project approaches have entered the stove business.<br/>This chapter focuses on the possibilities and challenges of successful carbon finance for stove projects. |
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| + | For more detailed information please refer to HERA's Guidebook [http://eebea.org/sites/default/files/documents/s20404en.pdf Carbon Markets for Improved Cooking Stoves - A GTZ Guide for Project Operators.] |
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− | = The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) = | + | |
| + | = The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) for Clean Cookstove Projects = |
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| Carbon credits for certified emission reductions of '''greenhouse gases (GHGs)''' can be generated in developing countries through the CDM. The generated funds must be used to enable emission reductions, which would otherwise not be possible (additionality). | | Carbon credits for certified emission reductions of '''greenhouse gases (GHGs)''' can be generated in developing countries through the CDM. The generated funds must be used to enable emission reductions, which would otherwise not be possible (additionality). |
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| <u>The CDM has two primary goals:</u> | | <u>The CDM has two primary goals:</u> |
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| #to assist Annex I countries in achieving their reduction targets | | #to assist Annex I countries in achieving their reduction targets |
| #to contribute to sustainable development in the host countries | | #to contribute to sustainable development in the host countries |
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| <u>All countries that wish to participate in the CDM must:</u> | | <u>All countries that wish to participate in the CDM must:</u> |
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| #have ratified the Kyoto Protocol and | | #have ratified the Kyoto Protocol and |
| #designate a national CDM authority (the '''Designated National Authority (DNA)''') which evaluates and approves the projects and serves as a point of contact. | | #designate a national CDM authority (the '''Designated National Authority (DNA)''') which evaluates and approves the projects and serves as a point of contact. |
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| As each DNA can establish its own working procedures, the project developer should be well informed about the requirements of the national DNA. | | As each DNA can establish its own working procedures, the project developer should be well informed about the requirements of the national DNA. |
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− | In December 2007, stove projects were accepted under the '''Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)''' of the Kyoto Protocol. In February 2008, two small-scale methodologies for reduced use and displacement of non-renewable biomass were accepted by the CDM '''Executive Board (EB)''': "Switch from Non-Renewable Biomass for Thermal Applications by the User" (AMS-I.E) and "Energy Efficiency for Thermal Appliances by the user" (AMS-II.G). AMS I.E only applies to projects introducing 100% renewable energy and zero emission technologies such as solar or biogas cookers and therefore cannot be used by stove projects disseminating efficient biomass cooking stoves. It is AMS-II.G, “Energy Efficiency for Thermal Appliances by the user” that provides the opportunity for conducting efficient biomass stove projects under the CDM. | + | In December 2007, stove projects were accepted under the '''Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)''' of the Kyoto Protocol. In February 2008, two small-scale methodologies for reduced use and displacement of non-renewable biomass were accepted by the CDM '''Executive Board (EB)''': "[https://cdm.unfccc.int/methodologies/DB/XA6RFKB3QM9T8S6ELI0V4P8SY8RR2U Switch from Non-Renewable Biomass for Thermal Applications by the User]" (AMS-I.E) and "[https://cdm.unfccc.int/methodologies/DB/ZI2M2X5P7ZLRGFO37YBVDYOW62UHQP Energy Efficiency for Thermal Appliances by the user]" (AMS-II.G). |
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| + | AMS I.E only applies to projects introducing 100% renewable energy and zero emission technologies such as solar or biogas cookers and therefore cannot be used by stove projects disseminating efficient biomass cooking stoves. |
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| + | It is AMS-II.G, “[https://cdm.unfccc.int/methodologies/DB/ZI2M2X5P7ZLRGFO37YBVDYOW62UHQP Energy Efficiency for Thermal Appliances by the user]” that provides the opportunity for conducting efficient biomass stove projects under the CDM. |
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| + | <br/> |
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| + | The methodology assumes that in the absence of the project activity, a fossil fuel (kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas, etc.) would be used to satisfy local demand for cooking energy. Hence baseline emissions are calculated on the basis of the CO2 emission factors of the fossil fuel that is most likely to be used to replace non-renewable biomass for cooking purposes in the project area. <br/> |
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| + | For formula on calculting the emission reductions, please see [http://cdm.unfccc.int/methodologies/DB/KZ6FQOCEEHD1V02ARWTW1W2R9G45BX http://cdm.unfccc.int/methodologies/DB/KZ6FQOCEEHD1V02ARWTW1W2R9G45BX] |
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| + | <br/> |
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| <br/> | | <br/> |
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| The '''Project Design Document (PDD)''' is the central document in a CDM project. The PDD describes the technology used in the project activity, the relevant project participants and project location(s). It defines the methodology used to calculate emission reductions, including the baseline, project boundary´, leakages and monitoring plan. The life time of the CDM-project can be a fixed crediting period of ten years or a flexible crediting period of seven years which can, if desired, be renewed twice. It has to be validated by an independent operational entity ('''Designated Operational Entity (DOE)''') and is then submitted to the CDM-Executive Board for registration. The PDD is the key document that the host country, investors, stakeholders and DOEs will use to evaluate the project’s potential, and to judge its achievements - it's preparation follows UNFCCC requirements . | | The '''Project Design Document (PDD)''' is the central document in a CDM project. The PDD describes the technology used in the project activity, the relevant project participants and project location(s). It defines the methodology used to calculate emission reductions, including the baseline, project boundary´, leakages and monitoring plan. The life time of the CDM-project can be a fixed crediting period of ten years or a flexible crediting period of seven years which can, if desired, be renewed twice. It has to be validated by an independent operational entity ('''Designated Operational Entity (DOE)''') and is then submitted to the CDM-Executive Board for registration. The PDD is the key document that the host country, investors, stakeholders and DOEs will use to evaluate the project’s potential, and to judge its achievements - it's preparation follows UNFCCC requirements . |
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− | The process from project idea until registration as CDM project and final issuance of credits takes 6 month at a minimum; in fact the procedures normally take much longer, possibly up to two years. The CDM project cycle (see Table below) is complex, regulations are strict and developers are always at risk that their project activity will not create any credits at the end. The development of a CDM project documentation and the involvement of different institutions throughout the project cycle generate substantial costs. | + | The process from project idea until registration as CDM project and final issuance of credits takes 6 month at a minimum; in fact the procedures normally take much longer, possibly up to two years. The CDM project cycle (see Table below) is complex, regulations are strict and developers are always at risk that their project activity will not create any credits at the end. The development of a CDM project documentation and the involvement of different institutions throughout the project cycle generate substantial costs. See also [https://cdm.unfccc.int/Projects/diagram.html https://cdm.unfccc.int/Projects/diagram.html.] |
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| <br/> | | <br/> |
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− | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" style="width: 100%" | + | {| style="width: 100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" |
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− | ! scope="col" style="text-align: left" | Project Cycle<br/> | + | ! style="text-align: left; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" scope="col" | Project Cycle<br/> |
− | ! scope="col" style="text-align: left" | Description<br/> | + | ! style="text-align: left; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" scope="col" | Description<br/> |
− | ! scope="col" style="text-align: left" | Estimated Costs | + | ! style="text-align: left; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" scope="col" | Estimated Costs |
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| ! scope="row" | | | ! scope="row" | |
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| | Consultant: 30-40 person days, plus travel costs | | | Consultant: 30-40 person days, plus travel costs |
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− | ! scope="row" style="text-align: left" | Getting DNA-approval from each party involved | + | ! style="text-align: left" scope="row" | Getting DNA-approval from each party involved |
| | The written approval of the host country must include the confirmation that the project activity assists in achieving sustainable development<br/> | | | The written approval of the host country must include the confirmation that the project activity assists in achieving sustainable development<br/> |
| | Depends on DNA regulation | | | Depends on DNA regulation |
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− | ! scope="row" style="text-align: left" | Validation | + | ! style="text-align: left" scope="row" | Validation |
| | Validation by the DOE is the independent evaluation of a project activity against the requirement of the CDM on basis of the PDD. | | | Validation by the DOE is the independent evaluation of a project activity against the requirement of the CDM on basis of the PDD. |
| | 20.000 - 45.000 € | | | 20.000 - 45.000 € |
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− | ! scope="row" style="text-align: left" | Registration (to be deducted from the share of proceedes) | + | ! style="text-align: left" scope="row" | Registration (to be deducted from the share of proceedes) |
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| The registration by the CDM EB is the formal acceptance of the validated project as a CDM project activity. | | The registration by the CDM EB is the formal acceptance of the validated project as a CDM project activity. |
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− | ! scope="row" style="text-align: left" | Monitoring a CDM project activity | + | ! style="text-align: left" scope="row" | Monitoring a CDM project activity |
| | Project participants collect all relevant data necessary for calculating emission reductions by the CDM project activity. | | | Project participants collect all relevant data necessary for calculating emission reductions by the CDM project activity. |
| | 10.000 -20.000 € (excluding equipment) | | | 10.000 -20.000 € (excluding equipment) |
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− | ! scope="row" style="text-align: left" | Verification and certification | + | ! style="text-align: left" scope="row" | Verification and certification |
| | Verification is a periodic independent review and ''ex post ''determination of the monitored emission reductions and results in the certification of the emission reductions. It is carried out by a second DOE that is different from the one having validated the project. | | | Verification is a periodic independent review and ''ex post ''determination of the monitored emission reductions and results in the certification of the emission reductions. It is carried out by a second DOE that is different from the one having validated the project. |
| | 15.000 - 45.000 € | | | 15.000 - 45.000 € |
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− | ! scope="row" style="text-align: left" | Issuance of CERs | + | ! style="text-align: left" scope="row" | Issuance of CERs |
| | The EB will issue certified emission reductions equal to the verfied amount. | | | The EB will issue certified emission reductions equal to the verfied amount. |
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− | ! scope="row" style="text-align: left" | Distribution of CERs | + | ! style="text-align: left" scope="row" | Distribution of CERs |
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| A consultant works out agreements of CER distribution among project participants. | | A consultant works out agreements of CER distribution among project participants. |
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| <u>There are two options concerning the size of project:</u> | | <u>There are two options concerning the size of project:</u> |
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| *Small Scale Projects and | | *Small Scale Projects and |
| *Programme of Activities. | | *Programme of Activities. |
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− | <br/><u>'''Small Scale CDM Projects '''are projects comprising the following characteristics:</u> | + | <br/><u>'''Small Scale CDM Projects '''are projects comprising the following characteristics:<ref name="https://cdm.unfccc.int/Reference/Guidclarif/glos_CDM.pdf">https://cdm.unfccc.int/Reference/Guidclarif/glos_CDM.pdf</ref></u> |
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| *Renewable energy project activities with a maximum output capacity equivalent of up to 15 megawatts (or an appropriate equivalent) | | *Renewable energy project activities with a maximum output capacity equivalent of up to 15 megawatts (or an appropriate equivalent) |
| *Energy efficiency improvement project activities which reduce energy consumption by up to the equivalent of 60 gigawatt hours per year; and | | *Energy efficiency improvement project activities which reduce energy consumption by up to the equivalent of 60 gigawatt hours per year; and |
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| <br/> | | <br/> |
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− | Small-scale projects contribute clearly to the sustainable development aspect of the CDM; small-scale projects can use simplified baseline and monitoring methodologies. Transaction costs associated with developing small-scale projects are still high relative to the emissions benefits that may be available. Transaction costs are particularly problematic when the volume of CERs being offered is relatively low. As a rule of thumb, it can be stated that an individual project activity should generate at least 10,000 CERs to cover the costs for CDM preparation safely. Due to the combination of perceived risk factors and lack of economies of scale, small-scale projects are challenging to transact in the market. | + | Small-scale projects contribute clearly to the sustainable development aspect of the CDM; small-scale projects can use simplified baseline and monitoring methodologies as well as simplified procedures in order to lower transaction costs.<ref name="https://cdm.unfccc.int/Projects/pac/pac_ssc.html">https://cdm.unfccc.int/Projects/pac/pac_ssc.html</ref> Transaction costs associated with developing small-scale projects are still high relative to the emissions benefits that may be available. Transaction costs are particularly problematic when the volume of CERs being offered is relatively low. As a rule of thumb, it can be stated that an individual project activity should generate at least 10,000 CERs to cover the costs for CDM preparation safely. Due to the combination of perceived risk factors and lack of economies of scale, small-scale projects are challenging to transact in the market. |
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| As emission reductions of small-scale projects such as projects disseminating efficient cookstove are often too small to justify the efforts of implementing a stand-alone CDM project, several small-scale projects can become '''CDM programme activities (CPA)''' under a '''Programme of Activities (PoA)''' in order to reduce the high transaction costs. | | As emission reductions of small-scale projects such as projects disseminating efficient cookstove are often too small to justify the efforts of implementing a stand-alone CDM project, several small-scale projects can become '''CDM programme activities (CPA)''' under a '''Programme of Activities (PoA)''' in order to reduce the high transaction costs. |
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− | With the PoA approach the project approval process for many individual activities that are distributed over space and time are brought together. | + | With the PoA approach the project approval process for many individual activities that are distributed over space and time are brought together.<ref name="https://cdm.unfccc.int/ProgrammeOfActivities/index.html">https://cdm.unfccc.int/ProgrammeOfActivities/index.html</ref> |
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| The program is coordinated or managed by a coordinating entity, which can be private or public, and does not necessarily achieve the reductions but promotes others to do so. The coordinating entity is responsible for the CERs distribution and communication with the EB. | | The program is coordinated or managed by a coordinating entity, which can be private or public, and does not necessarily achieve the reductions but promotes others to do so. The coordinating entity is responsible for the CERs distribution and communication with the EB. |
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− | <br/>
| + | === Features of PoA === |
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− | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" style="width: 635px; width: 100%" | + | {| style="width: 635px; width: 100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" |
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| | '''Multiplicity of activities to reduce GHG distributed in time and space''' | | | '''Multiplicity of activities to reduce GHG distributed in time and space''' |
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| <br/> | | <br/> |
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− | <br/> | + | For more information on PoA , see [https://cdm.unfccc.int/ProgrammeOfActivities/index.html https://cdm.unfccc.int/ProgrammeOfActivities/index.html]<br/> |
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| + | For a list of registered PoA, see: [https://cdm.unfccc.int/ProgrammeOfActivities/registered.html https://cdm.unfccc.int/ProgrammeOfActivities/registered.html] |
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| <br/> | | <br/> |
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| Higher efficiencies as well as higher fractions of '''non-renewable biomass (NRB)''' earn higher emission reductions. An increase in the number of stoves will reduced emissions linearly. | | Higher efficiencies as well as higher fractions of '''non-renewable biomass (NRB)''' earn higher emission reductions. An increase in the number of stoves will reduced emissions linearly. |
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− | For the determination of the emission reductions that are relevant for the carbon market, please refer to the calculation method for “Emission reduction (ER<sub>y</sub>)” in [http://www2.gtz.de/dokumente/bib-2010/gtz2010-0202en-stove-carbon-market.pdf Carbon Markets for Improved Cooking Stoves - A GTZ Guide for Project Operators.] | + | For the determination of the emission reductions that are relevant for the carbon market, please refer to the calculation method for “Emission reduction (ER<sub>y</sub>)” in [http://eebea.org/sites/default/files/documents/s20404en.pdf Carbon Markets for Improved Cooking Stoves - A GTZ Guide for Project Operators.] |
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| The project activity’s impact outside the project boundary must also be assessed. If the savings of non-renewable biomass within the project area result in an increase in non-renewable biomass consumption in neighbouring regions outside the project area, its value must be adjusted to account for this leakage.<br/>Leakage assessment poses a general problem. AMS II.G requires ex-post surveys of users and biomass collection areas to gather data on leakage emissions. Illegal harvesting of wood fuel is difficult to detect. If people from outside the project boundary use non-renewable biomass that is claimed to be saved due to the project activity, exact values for leakage are difficult to define. | | The project activity’s impact outside the project boundary must also be assessed. If the savings of non-renewable biomass within the project area result in an increase in non-renewable biomass consumption in neighbouring regions outside the project area, its value must be adjusted to account for this leakage.<br/>Leakage assessment poses a general problem. AMS II.G requires ex-post surveys of users and biomass collection areas to gather data on leakage emissions. Illegal harvesting of wood fuel is difficult to detect. If people from outside the project boundary use non-renewable biomass that is claimed to be saved due to the project activity, exact values for leakage are difficult to define. |
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| + | One approach could be to define an adjustment factor of 0.95 to account for leakage . This is however, only possible under the CDM's AMS-III.G methodology and the Gold Standard’s ‘Simplified methodology for Efficient Cookstoves.<ref name="http://carbonfinanceforcookstoves.org/implementation/certification-process/monitoring-and-evaluation/">http://carbonfinanceforcookstoves.org/implementation/certification-process/monitoring-and-evaluation/</ref><br/> |
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| + | For more information about calculating leakages, please see [https://cdm.unfccc.int/methodologies/PAmethodologies/tools/am-tool-16-v2.pdf https://cdm.unfccc.int/methodologies/PAmethodologies/tools/am-tool-16-v2.pdf] |
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| <br/> | | <br/> |
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| == Monitoring == | | == Monitoring == |
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| Monitoring is an important step in the CDM-project cycle to ensure that constant savings of non-renewable biomass are achieved. The parameters that have to be monitored are given in the methodology and the monitoring plan laid down in the PDD: annual checks on the efficiency of all appliances, or a representative sample, data on the amount of biomass saved under the project that is used by non-project households/users. | | Monitoring is an important step in the CDM-project cycle to ensure that constant savings of non-renewable biomass are achieved. The parameters that have to be monitored are given in the methodology and the monitoring plan laid down in the PDD: annual checks on the efficiency of all appliances, or a representative sample, data on the amount of biomass saved under the project that is used by non-project households/users. |
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− | <br/> | + | For credibility of the carbon credits, the emission reductions have to be monitored periodically to ensure that the reduction level is achieved. the following factors are monitored :<br/> |
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| + | *'''Biomass Fuel saving''': To estimate how much of the biomass (wood, dung cakes) have been saved by introducing the cookstoves, there are different tests such as Kitchen Performance Test (KPT), the Water Boiling Test (WBT)as well as Controlled Cooking Test (CCT) |
| + | *'''Stove Usage''': Using in a cookstove program, there is an assumption that the new improved stove will completely replace the old stoves. However this might not be the case, therefore the stoves have to be monitored periodically depending on the carbon method every two years for CDM to assure the stove efficiency has not decreased. |
| + | *'''Reduction in non-renewable biomass usage''': the improved cookstoves are expected to increase efficiency and reduce the use of non-renewable biomass. The CDM has developed guidelines for quantifying the fraction of non-renewable biomass (fNRB). |
| + | *'''Fossil fuel emissions''': One of the key factor under CDM is the the reduction of the fossil-fuel emission from substituted fuels.<ref name="https://www.sei-international.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/Climate/sei-pb-2013-cdm-cookstoves.pdf">https://www.sei-international.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/Climate/sei-pb-2013-cdm-cookstoves.pdf</ref> |
| + | |
| + | A carbon credit is the emission reduction of one tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) |
| + | |
| | | |
| = The Voluntary Market<br/> = | | = The Voluntary Market<br/> = |
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| <br/> | | <br/> |
| | | |
− | The '''Gold Standard (GS)''' Foundation offers a quality label to CDM/JI and voluntary offset projects, fetching premium prices. Only renewable energy and energy efficiency projects with sustainable development benefits are eligible. Under [http://www.cdmgoldstandard.org/ www.cdmgoldstandard.org] the relevant guidance and the PDD formats for the generation of Gold Standard CERs and VERs can be found. The GS has accepted a ‘Methodology for improved Cook-stoves and Kitchen Regimes’. The methodology differs from the CDM-requirements as it allows the use of multiple fuels, includes methane reductions in the calculation of emission reductions, and is eligible for large scale projects. Despite its complexity, the GS methodology leaves room for new and innovative project outlines and for mixing fuels and technologies within one project. However, mixing stove and fuel types leads to extremely complex monitoring procedures. Prior to implementation, a project planner must care-fully assess whether mixing fuel and stove types is a feasible option. The advantage of using the GS methodology for a project’s emission reduction calculations lies in its all-inclusive approach. It not only accounts for CO<sub>2</sub> emission reductions during the cooking process, but also takes into account other GHG emission reductions, i.e. methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N<sub>2</sub>O), as well as emissions produced during fuel production. Although combustion of wood and charcoal does not give rise to high emissions of methane and nitrous oxide, even small amounts of these emissions constitute considerable CO<sub>2</sub> equivalents due to their strong '''global warming potentials (GWP)''' | + | = Gold Standard = |
| + | |
| + | The Gold Standard (GS) Foundation offers a quality label to CDM/JI and voluntary offset projects, fetching premium prices. It was established in 2003 under WWF and UN's CDM. Only renewable energy and energy efficiency projects with sustainable development benefits are eligible. Under [http://www.cdmgoldstandard.org/ www.cdmgoldstandard.org] the relevant guidance and the PDD formats for the generation of Gold Standard CERs and VERs can be found.<br/> |
| + | |
| + | The GS has accepted a ‘[https://www.goldstandard.org/sites/default/files/v02_08-02-10_gs_cook-stove_methodology.pdf Methodology for improved Cook-stoves and Kitchen Regimes]’. The methodology differs from the CDM-requirements as it allows the use of multiple fuels, includes methane reductions in the calculation of emission reductions, and is eligible for large scale projects. Despite its complexity, the GS methodology leaves room for new and innovative project outlines and for mixing fuels and technologies within one project. However, mixing stove and fuel types leads to extremely complex monitoring procedures. Prior to implementation, a project planner must care-fully assess whether mixing fuel and stove types is a feasible option. The advantage of using the GS methodology for a project’s emission reduction calculations lies in its all-inclusive approach. It not only accounts for CO<sub>2</sub> emission reductions during the cooking process, but also takes into account other GHG emission reductions, i.e. methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N<sub>2</sub>O), as well as emissions produced during fuel production. Although combustion of wood and charcoal does not give rise to high emissions of methane and nitrous oxide, even small amounts of these emissions constitute considerable CO<sub>2</sub> equivalents due to their strong global warming potentials (GWP). |
| | | |
| <br/> | | <br/> |
| + | |
| + | Black Carbon Quantification Methodology (2015):This is a pioneering development in the improved cookstove sector. This methodology will provide the tool for quantifying and monitoring the emissions from black carbon and other short-lived climate pollutants.<ref name="http://www.goldstandard.org/blog-item/process-behind-developing-our-new-black-carbon-methodology">http://www.goldstandard.org/blog-item/process-behind-developing-our-new-black-carbon-methodology</ref> It then provides a verified outcome that can be used in a "results based finance" funding scheme.<br/> |
| + | |
| + | For more information about the methodology, see [http://www.goldstandard.org/articles/black-carbon-and-other-short-lived-climate-pollutants http://www.goldstandard.org/articles/black-carbon-and-other-short-lived-climate-pollutants]. |
| + | |
| + | <br/> |
| + | |
| + | By mid 2017, GS launched the new [https://www.goldstandard.org/project-developers/standard-documents Gold Standard for the Global Goals] which encompasses quantification of all projects working towards the Sustainable Develoment Goals. |
| + | |
| + | <br/> |
| + | |
| + | In April 2020, the GS accepted a new "Simplified Methodology for Efficient Cookstoves"<ref name="https://globalgoals.goldstandard.org/408-ee-ics-simplified-methodology-for-efficient-cookstoves/">https://globalgoals.goldstandard.org/408-ee-ics-simplified-methodology-for-efficient-cookstoves/</ref> that is applicable |
| + | |
| + | *If the baseline fuel is only fire wood; |
| + | *If the baseline stove is a three stone fire, or a conventional device without a grate or a chimney i.e., with no improved combustion air supply or flue gas ventilation: |
| + | *If the project stove is single pot or multi pot portable or in-situ cook stoves with specified efficiency of at least 20%. |
| + | |
| + | <br/> |
| + | |
| + | |
| | | |
| = Advantages, Disadvantages and Risks for the Cooking Energy Sector<br/> = | | = Advantages, Disadvantages and Risks for the Cooking Energy Sector<br/> = |
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| *Bringing stoves to the market supported with Carbon finance needs high up-front costs for project development and for introducing the stoves. Not many investors are ready for this up-front payment. | | *Bringing stoves to the market supported with Carbon finance needs high up-front costs for project development and for introducing the stoves. Not many investors are ready for this up-front payment. |
| *Many project developers and implementers don’t have experience in the cookstove market. Only with time will they realize how difficult it is to change consumer habits and cooking behavior, There is the risk that these projects will stop on the way and leave a high number of stoves unused. This again might lead to the impression that stoves don’t work. | | *Many project developers and implementers don’t have experience in the cookstove market. Only with time will they realize how difficult it is to change consumer habits and cooking behavior, There is the risk that these projects will stop on the way and leave a high number of stoves unused. This again might lead to the impression that stoves don’t work. |
| + | *There is no one size fits all approach, therefore a producer needs a variety of stoves to meet the local demand. |
| *There is evidence that some carbon funded projects give away (or distribute) stoves for free or with high subsidies. If this happens in countries with an established stove market where stoves are sold without or with low direct subsidies, these projects will disturb the existing market and commercial stove producers will lose their jobs. Once the subsidies stop, the stove market and the reputation of stove projects is down to zero. | | *There is evidence that some carbon funded projects give away (or distribute) stoves for free or with high subsidies. If this happens in countries with an established stove market where stoves are sold without or with low direct subsidies, these projects will disturb the existing market and commercial stove producers will lose their jobs. Once the subsidies stop, the stove market and the reputation of stove projects is down to zero. |
| | | |
| <br/> | | <br/> |
| + | <br/> |
| + | |
| + | = Project Examples from Peru 2013<br/> = |
| + | |
| + | The Peruvian [[Amaray_Magazine_-_Energising_Development_Peru|Amaray Magazine]] No. 4, October 2013, presents two carbon funding project examples from Peru. Read more about the Qori Q'oncha Program from Microsol and the SEMBRANDO program [[:File:Amaray No. 4 October 2013.pdf|here]]. |
| + | |
| + | *[http://www.microsol-int.com/ www.microsol-int.com]<br/> |
| + | *[http://www.ityf.org.pe/ www.ityf.org.pe]<br/> |
| + | *[http://www.sembrando.org.pe/ www.sembrando.org.pe] |
| + | |
| + | [[File:Clean Cookstove in Chiguata, Arequipa, PERU.JPG|center|500px|alt=Clean Cookstove in Chiguata, Arequipa, PERU.JPG]]<br/><br/><br/> |
| + | |
| | | |
| = Further Information<br/> = | | = Further Information<br/> = |
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| == Improved Cook Stoves and the Carbon Market<br/> == | | == Improved Cook Stoves and the Carbon Market<br/> == |
| | | |
− | *[http://www2.gtz.de/dokumente/bib-2010/gtz2010-0202en-stove-carbon-market.pdf Carbon Markets for Improved Cooking Stoves - A GTZ Guide for Project Operators] - HERA publication. Continously revised and updated. | + | *[http://eebea.org/sites/default/files/documents/s20404en.pdf Carbon Markets for Improved Cooking Stoves - A GTZ Guide for Project Operators] - HERA publication. Continously revised and updated.<br/> |
| *<font color="#40658a">[https://dms.gtz.de/livelink-ger/livelink.exe?func=ll&objaction=overview&objid=58763430 Emission Reductions Calculation Tool V. 1.3 (August 2010)]</font> - HERA Tool for calculating potential project emission reductions under the CDM AMS-II.G methodology; also available upon request from [mailto:hera@gtz.de HERA]. | | *<font color="#40658a">[https://dms.gtz.de/livelink-ger/livelink.exe?func=ll&objaction=overview&objid=58763430 Emission Reductions Calculation Tool V. 1.3 (August 2010)]</font> - HERA Tool for calculating potential project emission reductions under the CDM AMS-II.G methodology; also available upon request from [mailto:hera@gtz.de HERA]. |
| + | *[https://www.goldstandard.org/sites/default/files/documents/ics_methodology_guidebook.pdf Guidebook to Gold Standardand CDM Methodologies for Improved Cookstove Projects], Gold Standard Foundation 2016. |
| *[http://www.hedon.info/CarbonSIG Carbon special interest group (Carbon SIG)] | | *[http://www.hedon.info/CarbonSIG Carbon special interest group (Carbon SIG)] |
| *[http://www.gvepinternational.org/sites/default/files/carbon_finance_guide.pdf Carbon finance: a guide for sustainable energy enterprises and NGOs] from GVEP | | *[http://www.gvepinternational.org/sites/default/files/carbon_finance_guide.pdf Carbon finance: a guide for sustainable energy enterprises and NGOs] from GVEP |
− | *Webinar on Improved Heating Stoves for Air Pollution Reduction in Mogolia: [http://www.pciaonline.org/webinars http://www.pciaonline.org/webinars] | + | *Webinar on Improved Heating Stoves for Air Pollution Reduction in Mogolia: [http://www.pciaonline.org/webinars http://www.pciaonline.org/webinars]<br/> |
− | | + | *Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves (2014): [https://www.cleancookingalliance.org/binary-data/RESOURCE/file/000/000/381-1.pdf CLEAN COOKSTOVES AND FUELS: A Catalog of Carbon Offset Projects and Advisory Service Providers.]<br/> |
− | <br/> | + | *Stockholm Environment Institute, Project Report 2014-01: [https://mediamanager.sei.org/documents/Publications/Climate/SEI-PR-2014-01-Cookstoves-carbon-markets-India-Kenya.pdf|Can carbon revenues help transform household energy markets? A scoping study with cookstove programmes in India and Kenya] |
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− | <br/>
| + | == Further Information on energypedia == |
− | | + | |
− | = Project Examples = | + | |
− | | + | |
− | == Carbon Funding in Peru == | + | |
− | | + | |
− | Almost 15 years ago, in December of 1997, the industrialized countries committed themselves in the city of Kyoto, Japan, to execute a set of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These gases are emitted into the atmosphere, pollute the air, and generate global warming. Thus, the Kyoto Protocol actually realized the aim of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, reaching an international agreement that established clear measures to combat this reality.<br/>
| + | |
− | | + | |
− | <br/>According to the protocol, each country annually received a fixed number of emission allowances. However, actual emissions often exceeded these rights. Thus, if a country wanted to emit more gases, they could buy the rights from another country that had emitted less. Basically, the protocol was aimed at the three sectors that represent the majority of emissions worldwide: construction, transport, and industry.<br/>
| + | |
− | | + | |
− | <br/>“The official carbon market appeared along with the Kyoto Protocol and the buyers are highly polluting industries from industrialized countries, which are obligated to reduce their emissions. To do so, they can choose to buy carbon credits, for example, from a country like Peru, which balances out the emissions they have been unable to reduce,” says Paul Raguénès, founder of Microsol, a social enterprise which facilitates the certification process and transaction of carbon credits in Peru.<br/>
| + | |
− | | + | |
− | However, what happens if a country (or a company) doesn’t reach the reduction quota which it has committed to? If industries do not meet the quota, they receive fines for each ton of carbon that has not been reduced. Everything is specified in the protocol established in Kyoto.<br/>
| + | |
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− | In this sense, if a foreign company decides to buy credits in Peru, it can also finance a project that allows it to certify reductions which ultimately belong to them and can be used to reduce their own emissions.<br/>
| + | *[[Clean_Development_Mechanism_(CDM)|The Clean Development Mechanism]] |
| + | *[[Carbon_Markets_for_Energy_Access_Projects|Carbon Markets for Energy Access Projects]] |
| + | *see [[:Category:Carbon_Market|all carbon finance]] related article on energypedia<br/> |
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| <br/> | | <br/> |
| | | |
− | == While Kyoto is not renewed … the voluntary market<br/> ==
| |
− |
| |
− | While obligations in the 2008-2012 period have been met, the protocol has not been renewed, which completely paralyzed the official carbon credits market and put on hold expectations regarding new agreements to address global warming. However, the carbon market remains in effect through voluntary agreements from companies and countries with a strong environmental conscience, such as Australia or the European Union. This is the so-called voluntary carbon market, i.e. a market parallel to the official one, but which is handled independently and in which entities that buy credits have no obligations under the Kyoto Protocol.<br/>
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− |
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− | Thus, the buyer may be a company that decides voluntarily to reduce their emissions. An example would be a European industry that decides to buy carbon credits generated by an improved stoves project. These stoves reduce consumption (burning) of wood by families and thereby reduce the emission of polluting greenhouse gases, a process that can be certified to access carbon credits.<br/>
| |
− |
| |
− | In general, the organization of this market is very similar to the official one, using international auditors accredited by the United Nations (UN) that certify the projects. But the voluntary market is not regulated by quotas and obligations like the official one. In this sense, the voluntary carbon credits market often becomes a promoter of social projects and programs that work with technologies that can benefit low-income populations. For example, improved stoves projects have been implemented in different regions of Peru by various public or private organizations, which then have been able to certify the reductions to obtain credits, which, in turn, have been sold in the voluntary market, and, finally, this money has been used to sustain the projects, increase their impact, or even finance new social interventions.<br/>
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− |
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− | “In Microsol, our work is distinguished by promoting a social carbon, focusing on credits to generate social and environmental projects. We work with forestry projects and social infrastructure, for example, through our Qori Q'oncha project for improved stoves, we assess the certification and subsequent credit sale in the voluntary market, which is a process that demands a quality standard for stoves and the visit of international auditors,” says Nadia Wagner, manager of Microsol in South America.<br/>
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− |
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− | She remarks that the first certification process of credits, in 2008, was quite complicated. However, since 2010, they were generated more rapidly, and currently the number of projects that adhere to the system is still growing.<br/>
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− |
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− | “In Peru, the Qori Q'oncha program is very developed and may even be considered the most advanced in the world in regards to improved stoves. The basic idea is that an improved stove reduces the firewood consumption required by a traditional stove, i.e. it generates a certain percentage of savings. In this context, we measure the fuel savings made during the last year of improved stove usage in comparison to a traditional stove. Thus, we can certify a proportional reduction of emissions. This process can be repeated the following year to confirm another reduction and so, year after year, generate credits from the same stoves,” Raguénès adds.<br/>
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| = References<br/> = | | = References<br/> = |
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| [[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium|--> Back to Overview GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium]] | | [[GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium|--> Back to Overview GIZ HERA Cooking Energy Compendium]] |
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| + | {{#set: Hera category=Climate Change}} |
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| + | [[Category:Carbon_Market]] |
| + | [[Category:Financing_and_Funding]] |
| + | [[Category:Clean_Development_Mechanism_(CDM)]] |
| + | [[Category:Cooking_Energy]] |
| + | [[Category:Peru]] |
| [[Category:Cooking_Energy_Compendium_(GIZ_HERA)]] | | [[Category:Cooking_Energy_Compendium_(GIZ_HERA)]] |
− | [[Category:Peru]]
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− | [[Category:Cooking_Energy]]
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− | [[Category:Clean_Development_Mechanism_(CDM)]]
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− | [[Category:Financing_and_Funding]]
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− | [[Category:Carbon_Market]]
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In order to support market introduction of improved cookstoves, adequate funding over a fairly long term is needed. Projects often face difficulties in getting enough money for their activities. Here, carbon finance has created opportunities for stakeholders who are developing sustainable energy projects.
Carbon finance (or carbon funding) is a general term applied to resources provided to projects that are generating or are expected to generate greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions in the form of the purchase of such emission reductions which are tradable on the carbon market.
As compared to traditional stoves, improved cookstoves generate less emissions and this reduced emissions is calculated as the product of the amount of woody biomass saved, the fraction that is considered non-renewable biomass, the net calorific value of the biomass, and an emission factor for the fuel used[1]. The reduced emissions can further be converted into carbon credits and sold under international programs such as Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol (Kyoto Protocol), the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM), the Gold Standard or the American Carbon Registry (ACR). The revenue generated by selling the carbon credits (carbon finance) is then used to finance the cookstove projects.
A carbon credit is the emission reduction of one tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2).
However, the carbon funding is complex and the requirements for applying are substantial in terms of time and investment. Even though stove projects still account for a negligible share of the global carbon fund markets, the number of improved stove projects has been growing rapidly ever since. New stakeholders and project approaches have entered the stove business.
This chapter focuses on the possibilities and challenges of successful carbon finance for stove projects.
The CDM is one of the three flexible mechanisms to reduce GHG under the Kyoto Protocol; the others being Emissions Trading and Joint Implementation. Emissions reduction credits that have been achieved through the CDM in a project in a developing country can be sold to a country with commitments listed in Annex I of the Kyoto Protocol (Annex I Countries).
The CDM encompasses renewable energy, energy efficiency, and avoidance of GHG sources projects. Relevant GHGs are Carbon dioxide (C02), which also serves as reference value, Methane (CH4), Nitrous oxide (N20), Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). Certified Emissions Reductions (CERs) of a project are measured in tCO2 euqivalents compared to emissions of the baseline scenario.
As each DNA can establish its own working procedures, the project developer should be well informed about the requirements of the national DNA.
AMS I.E only applies to projects introducing 100% renewable energy and zero emission technologies such as solar or biogas cookers and therefore cannot be used by stove projects disseminating efficient biomass cooking stoves.
The methodology assumes that in the absence of the project activity, a fossil fuel (kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas, etc.) would be used to satisfy local demand for cooking energy. Hence baseline emissions are calculated on the basis of the CO2 emission factors of the fossil fuel that is most likely to be used to replace non-renewable biomass for cooking purposes in the project area.
The process from project idea until registration as CDM project and final issuance of credits takes 6 month at a minimum; in fact the procedures normally take much longer, possibly up to two years. The CDM project cycle (see Table below) is complex, regulations are strict and developers are always at risk that their project activity will not create any credits at the end. The development of a CDM project documentation and the involvement of different institutions throughout the project cycle generate substantial costs. See also https://cdm.unfccc.int/Projects/diagram.html.
Small-scale projects contribute clearly to the sustainable development aspect of the CDM; small-scale projects can use simplified baseline and monitoring methodologies as well as simplified procedures in order to lower transaction costs.[3] Transaction costs associated with developing small-scale projects are still high relative to the emissions benefits that may be available. Transaction costs are particularly problematic when the volume of CERs being offered is relatively low. As a rule of thumb, it can be stated that an individual project activity should generate at least 10,000 CERs to cover the costs for CDM preparation safely. Due to the combination of perceived risk factors and lack of economies of scale, small-scale projects are challenging to transact in the market.
As emission reductions of small-scale projects such as projects disseminating efficient cookstove are often too small to justify the efforts of implementing a stand-alone CDM project, several small-scale projects can become CDM programme activities (CPA) under a Programme of Activities (PoA) in order to reduce the high transaction costs.
With the PoA approach the project approval process for many individual activities that are distributed over space and time are brought together.[4]
The program is coordinated or managed by a coordinating entity, which can be private or public, and does not necessarily achieve the reductions but promotes others to do so. The coordinating entity is responsible for the CERs distribution and communication with the EB.
The most challenging aspects of the PDD are dealing with establishing the baseline and assessing the project’s ‘additionality’. A project activity is ‘additional’ if GHG emissions are reduced below those that would have occurred in the absence of the registered CDM project activity. This is the central point of the CDM. It means that a CDM project activity is additional if GHG emissions are reduced below those that would have occurred in the absence of the registered CDM project activity. A CDM project must not be a project that would have been implemented under the business as usual scenario. The fulfilment of the additionality criteria is vital for the successful registration of a CDM project.
The project activity’s impact outside the project boundary must also be assessed. If the savings of non-renewable biomass within the project area result in an increase in non-renewable biomass consumption in neighbouring regions outside the project area, its value must be adjusted to account for this leakage.
Leakage assessment poses a general problem. AMS II.G requires ex-post surveys of users and biomass collection areas to gather data on leakage emissions. Illegal harvesting of wood fuel is difficult to detect. If people from outside the project boundary use non-renewable biomass that is claimed to be saved due to the project activity, exact values for leakage are difficult to define.
One approach could be to define an adjustment factor of 0.95 to account for leakage . This is however, only possible under the CDM's AMS-III.G methodology and the Gold Standard’s ‘Simplified methodology for Efficient Cookstoves.[5]
Monitoring is an important step in the CDM-project cycle to ensure that constant savings of non-renewable biomass are achieved. The parameters that have to be monitored are given in the methodology and the monitoring plan laid down in the PDD: annual checks on the efficiency of all appliances, or a representative sample, data on the amount of biomass saved under the project that is used by non-project households/users.
For credibility of the carbon credits, the emission reductions have to be monitored periodically to ensure that the reduction level is achieved. the following factors are monitored :
The compliance market regulated by the Kyoto Protocol is not the only option to financially benefit from emission reductions. Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs) are developing rapidly. They function outside of the compliance markets and enable companies and individuals to purchase carbon offsets on a voluntary basis.
Companies and individuals are increasingly concerned about their environmental impact. Some will neutralise activities they cannot avoid by “offsetting” their own emissions. Individuals may seek to offset their travel emissions and companies claim they are ‘carbon neutral’ by buying large quantities of carbon offsets to ‘neutralize’ their own carbon footprint or that of their products.
They see voluntary offsetting as part of their corporate responsibility and/or as part of their image strategy. Emission offsets in this category are usually verified by independent agents and are commonly referred to as Verified Emission Reductions (VERs).
The voluntary market comprises more different project types than the compliance market. Because the voluntary market is not subject to the same level of scrutiny, management, and regulation as the compliance market, project developers are more flexible to implement projects that might otherwise not be viable (e.g. projects that are too small or too disaggregated). This provides opportunities for innovation and experiment.
Although VER projects are not necessarily required to go through the project cycle, they should be developed and documented according to CDM rules and procedures, for example, by using the PDD format to develop the project.
To provide evidence of its effectiveness, it is recommended that the project is validated, particularly as the voluntary offset market has been criticised for its lack of transparency, quality assurance and third-party standards. To address these shortcomings, several Standards have been developed on the Voluntary Carbon Market to ensure reliable emission reductions. Each standard has a slightly different focus, and none has so far managed to establish itself as the industry standard.
The Gold Standard (GS) Foundation offers a quality label to CDM/JI and voluntary offset projects, fetching premium prices. It was established in 2003 under WWF and UN's CDM. Only renewable energy and energy efficiency projects with sustainable development benefits are eligible. Under www.cdmgoldstandard.org the relevant guidance and the PDD formats for the generation of Gold Standard CERs and VERs can be found.
Black Carbon Quantification Methodology (2015):This is a pioneering development in the improved cookstove sector. This methodology will provide the tool for quantifying and monitoring the emissions from black carbon and other short-lived climate pollutants.[6] It then provides a verified outcome that can be used in a "results based finance" funding scheme.
In April 2020, the GS accepted a new "Simplified Methodology for Efficient Cookstoves"[7] that is applicable