|
|
|
|
|
|
Types of CDM projects |
|
|
|
|
|
The introduction to climate change above has
already indicated that Climate Change is accelerated by GHG
emissions and mitigated by sinks like forests.
These
facts create a useful paradigm for understanding the types of
CDM projects that are possible.
On the emission side
one primarily deals with energy, either demand side or supply
side. For example, a coal-fired power station will generate
substantial emissions of GHG. On the supply side, the
following are examples of possible CDM projects that will
decrease emissions:
- Changing the power plant
technology so as to use cleaner-burning coal;
- Switching
from coal to natural gas as a feed-stock for the plant;
-
Replacing the facility in its entirety with a renewable energy
source like a wind farm.
On the other hand, if the
people in the area use less energy then the plant will need to
produce less energy and will burn less coal, leading to lower
emissions. This will be a demand-side saving. Examples of
possible CDM projects will include:
- Changing
(retro-fitting) buildings so that they need less heating or
cooling;
- Changing light-bulbs in street lamps so that
they use less energy.
There are also projects that do
not directly involve the energy sector but that can diminish
emissions. An example will be capturing the methane gas
emitted by a landfill site and using it to generate
electricity.
Regarding sinks, CDM will become a
possibility if a new forest is being planted where none
existed before or an extinguished forest re--established as
this will create a new sink. This is known as Land Use Change
and Forestry and is the subject of much debate. The CDM rules
for this still need to be finalized but will be limited to
afforestation and reforestation.
Finally, there is the
distinction between normal CDM projects and small-scale CDM
projects. Small-scale CDM projects are exempted from some of
the formalities and requirements that apply to normal CDM
projects. The idea is not to smother small projects by
burdening them with high compliance costs that would make them
unviable. The basic characteristics however stay the same.
For more information on disqualifications to CDM
projects, kindly use the menu at the bottom left of the
page.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |