The Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee (ERAC) have released for comment a draft methodology variation under the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) on Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative-Source Separated Organic Waste) Methodology Determination Variation 2022.
The ERAC are also seeking comment on the proposed amendments to the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Rule 2015 (the CFI Rule) to support the method variation. These amendments would ensure an extended accounting period only applies to relevant project types.
The proposed changes:
The draft variation proposes to make biomethane activities eligible under the source separated organic waste (SSOW) method. Including biomethane activities will allow projects to earn Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) for reducing emissions when:
- biogas from the breakdown of source separated organic waste is captured, refined into biomethane and combusted
- biomethane is used in place of natural gas.
This would provide more opportunities for the waste sector to deliver abatement through the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF).
Eligible projects under the existing method will be able to transfer to the varied method if they choose to.
Some issues for your consideration:
The Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy considers a range of factors when deciding whether to vary a method. This includes whether the method’s activity could have any adverse social, environmental or economic impacts. ERAC is seeking your feedback on whether these types of impacts could arise from the draft method variation.
Comment is sought by 19 July 2022. For enquiries please email methoddevelopment@cer.gov.au or call 1300 553 542.
