The Coal mine waste gas method expired on 31 March 2025 and the Australian Government has decided that the method will not be remade.
This decision was announced on 10 April 2026. Read the joint media release.
New projects cannot be registered under the method. Projects that were already registered and had started their crediting period on or before the expiry date can continue to operate until the end of the project’s crediting period.
If you want more information about how expiry affects a registered project, please contact the Clean Energy Regulator at enquiries@cer.gov.au.
Method overview
This methodology determination (method) provides the rules for crediting emission reductions from projects that destroy the methane component of coal mine waste gas as part of the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme.
Emission reductions achieved by using flares, electricity production devices, or flameless oxidation devices to convert methane to carbon dioxide can receive ACCUs. If a project produces electricity from the conversion and displaces a more carbon-intensive source of electricity (such as from the grid) it can also receive ACCUs.
Read the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative—Coal Mine Waste Gas) Methodology Determination 2015.
Periodic review 2025
A periodic review was triggered by a request under s255AA of the Act to review the CMWG method, particularly as the method was expiring on 31 March 2025.
Download
The ERAC undertook the periodic review in 2024/25.
If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for assistance.
Previous method updates and consultation
Read the Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee’s (ERAC’s) advice to the Minister on:
- making the method in 2015 (PDF 869 KB)
- varying the method in 2016 (PDF 302 KB)
- varying the method in 2021 (PDF 808 KB)
See the public consultations and method drafts on our Consultation hub.
A minor variation to the method was made in 2019. ERAC advice is not required on minor variations.