OSLO 19.11.2004: The UN has now formally registered the first climate change project in light of the Kyoto Protocol. Gas from a Brazilian waste plant will be used to produce electricity. Validated by DNV, the Brazilian project paves the way for an array of more energy projects coming up as a result of the Kyoto Protocol.
Facing the severe consequences of global warming, climate change has emerged as a major international concern. The so-called flexible mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol provide for transferable credits from greenhouse gas emission reduction projects.
One of these mechanisms is the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), where industrialised countries or companies can receive credits for financing emission-avoiding projects in developing countries. In this way developing countries gain a new source of financing their sustainable development, whereas companies in industrialised countries can supplement their commitments to reduce emissions at home.
Electricity from waste
The “Brazil NovaGerar Landfill Gas to Energy Project” consists of landfill gas that is captured to generate electricity. The project was developed by the consulting company EcoSecurities and the World Bank in partnership with a local landfill operating company in Brasil.
The Brazilian project is validated by DNV, meaning that DNV has assessed the project design. Validation is a requirement for all CDM projects, assessing whether the project is likely to fulfil the CDM requirements and thereby generate tradable credits. Validation is to be carried out by an accredited third party. DNV was the first company to be accredited by the UN Climate Change Panel to validate CDM projects.