Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Skip to search

Queensland and NSW floods 2022

Visit recovery.gov.au to see what help is available.

Close
Home

Top navigation main

  • News & media
  • Jobs
  • Ministers
  • Contact us
Main menu

AWE Main

  • Climate change
    Climate change Driving climate action, science and innovation so we are ready for the future.
    • Climate science and adaptation
    • Australia's climate change strategies
    • Emissions reduction
    • Emissions reporting
    • International commitments
    • Climate Active
    • Climate change publications and data
    • Australian Greenhouse Emissions Information System (AGEIS)
    Stronger action on climate change

    Stronger action on climate change

    See how the Australian Government is committed to taking more ambitious action on climate change.

    Find out more

  • Energy
    Energy Building a secure and sustainable energy system for all Australians.
    • Energy policy in Australia
    • Energy ministers
    • Renewable energy
    • Energy publications
    • energy.gov.au
    • Energy Rating
    • Commercial Building Disclosure Program
    • Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS)
    • Your Home
    Save on your winter energy bills

    Save on your winter energy bills

    Making energy-smart choices can reduce winter’s impact on your wallet.

    Find out more

  • Environment
    Environment Improving stewardship and sustainable management of Australia’s environment.
    • Bushfire recovery
    • Climate change and the environment
    • Biodiversity
    • EPBC Act
    • Environmental information and data
    • International activities
    • Invasive species
    • Land
    • Marine
    • Partnerships
    • Protection
    • Report a breach of environment law
    • Threatened species & ecological communities
    • Waste and recycling
    • Wildlife trade
    Waste exports

    New waste plastic export regulations

    The Australian Government works to reduce waste plastics and turn that waste into valuable products.

    Find out more

  • Water
    Water Improving the sustainable management of Australia’s water supply for industry, the environment and communities.
    • Coal, Coal seam gas (CSG) and water
    • Commonwealth Environmental Water Office
    • Water policy and resources
    • Wetlands
    Water matters

    Water Matters

    Keep up with the latest news on the department's work in managing Australia's water resources.

    Read the latest edition here

  • Parks and heritage
    Parks and heritage Managing Australia’s iconic national parks, historic places and living landscapes.
    • Australian Marine Parks
    • Australian National Botanic Gardens
    • Booderee National Park
    • Kakadu National Park
    • Christmas Island National Park
    • National parks
    • Norfolk Island National Park
    • Heritage
    • Pulu Keeling National Park
    • The Great Barrier Reef
    • Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park
    The reef

    Great Barrier Reef

    Australia is protecting and conserving this World Heritage Area.

    Find out more

  • Science and research
    Science and research Undertaking research and collecting data to support informed decisions and policies.
    • Climate change
    • Australia's biological resources
    • National Environmental Science Program (NESP)
    • Our science strategy
    • Australian Biological Resource Study (ABRS)
    • State of the Environment (SoE) reporting
    • Bird and bat banding
    • Supervising Scientist
    Our climate is changing

    Our climate is changing

    Find out more about how climate science helps Australians with the impacts of climate change.

    Find out more

  • About us
    About us We lead Australia’s response to climate change and sustainable energy use, and protect our environment, heritage and water.
    • Accountability and reporting
    • Assistance, grants and tenders
    • Contact us
    • Fees and charges
    • News and media
    • Our commitment to you
    • People and jobs
    • Publications
    • What we do
    • Who we are
    Our department has changed

    Our department has changed

    Learn more about our roles and responsibilities.

    Find out more

  • Online services
    Online services We do business with you using online platforms. This makes it easier for you to meet your legal requirements.
Department of Climate Change, Energy, Enviroment and Water

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Climate change
  3. International climate change commitments
  4. Kyoto Protocol flexibility mechanisms

Sidebar first - EN - Climate change international commitments

  • Climate change
    • International commitments
      • Supporting climate action in the Indo-Pacific region
      • Supporting climate action in developing countries
      • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
      • Kyoto Protocol flexibility mechanisms
      • Office of the Special Adviser to the Australian Government on Low Emissions Technology

Kyoto Protocol flexibility mechanisms

 

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI) are two project-based flexibility mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol.

These mechanisms are based on the principle that the benefit to the climate of reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the same regardless of where they are reduced.

Clean Development Mechanism and Joint Implementation

The CDM allows countries with an emission reduction target under the Kyoto Protocol (Annex I Parties) to implement greenhouse gas reduction or removal projects in non-Annex I Parties in order to generate Certified Emission Reductions (CERs).

The JI provides for Annex I Parties to implement projects in the territory of other Annex I Parties to generate Emission Reduction Units (ERUs).

Like all Kyoto units, CERs and ERUs can be used by Annex I Parties to meet their Kyoto targets. They can also be traded on international carbon markets under the third flexibility mechanism: international emissions trading.

Australia's National Authority for the CDM and JI

The internationally agreed rules for the CDM and JI establish that Parties participating in the CDM and JI must establish a Designated National Authority (DNA) and Designated Focal Point (DFP) to approve private entities' participation in CDM and JI projects respectively.

Australia's DNA and DFP are grouped into a single body within our department called Australia's National Authority for the CDM and JI. Like all DNAs and DFPs, Australia's National Authority provides authorisation to private entities to participate in projects by issuing Letters of Approval.

Applying for approval to participate in CDM and JI projects

Under review

The Australian Designated National Authority is reviewing how it authorises CDM and JI participation against national policies. We are not currently accepting applications for Letters of Approval during this review process. For further information please email DNA@industry.gov.au.

Any entity that holds an account in the Australian National Registry of Emissions Units is eligible to apply for a CDM or JI Letter of Approval from Australia's National Authority. Find out how to apply for an account in the National Registry on the Clean Energy Regulator's website.

Application and approval procedures

The Australian Government, through the National Authority for the CDM and JI, may authorise private entities' participation in CDM and JI project activities at its discretion. The National Authority will not approve participation in:

  • projects involving the destruction of trifluoromethane, and nitrous oxide created as a result of producing adipic acid
  • projects for the production of nuclear energy
  • projects for the production of hydropower with a generating capacity of greater than 20MW, unless the project meets criteria adopted by the European Union (EU)

Issuance of letters of approval to participate in a CDM or JI activity in no way guarantees that any Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) or Emission Reduction Units (ERUs) may be used for compliance under Australian legislation.

Guidance materials

Australia’s Designated National Authority is currently reviewing the below guidance material for authorising participation in the CDM and JI against national policies. 

The internationally agreed rules for the CDM and JI require Parties participating in the CDM and JI to establish national guidelines and procedures for approving JI projects.

See the guidelines and procedures for each of the flexibility mechanisms:

  •  Australia's National Guidelines and Procedures for Approving Participation in Clean Development Mechanism Projects [1.41MB PDF]  [628.1KB DOCX]
  •  Australia's National Guidelines and Procedures for Approving Participation in Joint Implementation Projects [1.31 MB PDF]  [510.3KB DOCX]

These documents provide general guidance for entities wanting to:

  • invest in a CDM project or a JI project outside of Australia
  • transfer the resulting emission reduction units or certified emission reductions into the Australian National Registry of Emissions Units (ANREU)

They provide some background information on the mechanisms and set out the National Authority's application and approval procedures.

Entities wishing to establish or invest in a CDM or JI project should seek appropriate financial and legal advice.

These guidelines will be updated if the internationally agreed CDM or JI rules are amended or if the Government introduces new policies related to these mechanisms.

Any party with an interest in establishing a JI project in Australia should contact our department (via the National Authority) regarding requirements for establishing such a project.

Letter of approval

CDM letters of approval

See letters issued by Australia's National Authority for the CDM and JI (as at 7 December 2015).

Project name

Applicant

Host party

Date issued

Chengzigou Hydro Power Plant

Perenia Pty Ltd

People's Republic of China

7/12/2015

Perpetual 7.5 MW Non-conventional Renewable Sources Biomass Power Project in India

WeAct Pty Ltd

India

7/12/2015

Electricity generation by utilization of waste heat from calcined petroleum coke production process

WeAct Pty Ltd

India

23/10/2015

6.25 MW grid-connected Sattegala Mini Hydel Scheme at SLS Power Industries Ltd in Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka

WeAct Pty Ltd

India

23/10/2015

13 MW Grid Connected Dandela Mini Hydel Scheme, Karnataka State, India

WeAct Pty Ltd

India

23/10/2015

9 MW Neria Hydroelectric project, Karnataka, India

WeAct Pty Ltd

India

23/10/2015

4.5 MW grid-connected Sugur Mini Hydel Scheme at SLS Power Industries Ltd in Bellary District, Karnataka

WeAct Pty Ltd

India

23/10/2015

Chambal Power Limited's (proposed 7.5 MW biomass based power project at Rangpur, Kota district, Rajasthan

WeAct Pty Ltd

India

23/10/2015

Project for the catalytic reduction of N2O emissions with a secondary catalyst inside the ammonia reactor of the nitric acid plant at Dongbu Hannong Chemicals Ltd., Ulsan, Korea (Dongbu)

Thomas Winklehner

Republic of Korea

23/10/2015

Hubei Duhe Pankou Hydropower Plant

Perenia Pty Ltd

People's Republic of China

31/07/2015

Khe Bo Hydropower Project

Blue World Carbon SEA Pte Ltd

Viet Nam

13/04/2015

Energy Efficient Stoves Program

World Vision Australia

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

22/07/2013

Yunnan Diqing State Deqin County Shibahe Second Level Hydropower Project

Pure Carbon Capital Pty Ltd

People's Republic of China

17/12/2012

Dong Nai 4 Hydropower Project

CO2 Asia Pte Ltd

Viet Nam

13/12/2012

Guodian Wuqi zhouwan 1st 49.5MW Wind Power Project

Sinoda Carbon Capital Pty Ltd

People's Republic of China

04/12/12

Guodian Wuqi zhouwan 2nd 49.5MW Wind Power Project

Sinoda Carbon Capital Pty Ltd

People's Republic of China

04/12/12

Tram Tau Hydroelectric Power Plant

Blue World Carbon SEA Pte Ltd

Viet Nam

3/12/2012

Dak Mi 1-1A Hydroelectric Power Project

Blue World Carbon SEA Pte Ltd

Viet Nam

3/12/2012

Biogas recovery from wastewater treatment in Hargy Oil Palms Ltd, palm oil mill.

Perenia Pty Ltd

Papua New Guinea

7/11/2012

Biogas recovery from wastewater treatment in PT. Umbul Mas Wisesa Palm Oil Mill

Perenia Pty Ltd

Indonesia

7/11/2012

Xinjiang Hami Southeast Wind Zone Yandun Third Wind Farm Project

Macquarie Bank Limited

People's Republic of China

25/10/2012

Hebei Shangyi CGN Dongshan Wind Power Project

Macquarie Bank Limited

People's Republic of China

27/09/2012

Guangkong Huidong Dongshanhai Huangbu Wind Power Generation Project

Macquarie Bank Limited

People's Republic of China

27/09/2012

FELDA Biogas Plant (Methane Recovery and Utilisation) at FPISB Umas Palm Oil Mill, Malaysia

Perenia Pty Ltd

Malaysia

24/08/2012

FELDA Biogas Plant (Methane Recovery and Utilisation) at Sungai Tengi Palm Oil Mill, Malaysia

Perenia Pty Ltd

Malaysia

24/08/2012

CGN Jinta Hongliuwa 9 MW Grid-connected PV Power Generation Project

Macquarie Bank Limited

People's Republic of China

30/08/2012

CGN Dunhuang Phase II 9 MW Grid-connected PV Power Generation Project

Macquarie Bank Limited

People's Republic of China

30/08/2012

Dunhuang 9MW solar power project

Macquarie Bank Limited

People's Republic of China

15/08/2012

Youyu Yangqianhe Tieshanbao 49.5 MW Wind Power Project

Macquarie Bank Limited

People's Republic of China

15/08/2012

Nanba Associated Gas Processing Plant and the Auxiliary Engineering

Macquarie Bank Limited

People's Republic of China

15/08/2012

Guangdong Jiahu Wind Farm Project

Macquarie Bank Limited

People's Republic of China

15/08/2012

Xitieshan Phase III 60 MWp Grid-connected Solar PV Power Generation Project

Macquarie Bank Limited

People's Republic of China

1/08/2012

Birahi Ganga Hydro Electric Project

Perenia Pty Ltd

India

1/08/2012

Rishiganga Hydroelectric Project (RGHEP), India

Perenia Pty Ltd

India

1/08/2012

Nafra Hydroelectric Project, India

Perenia Pty Ltd

India

31/07/2012

Rongnichu Hydroelectric Project (RHEP), India

Perenia Pty Ltd

India

31/07/2012

Tawau Geothermal Power Project

Perenia Pty Ltd

Malaysia

23/07/2012

Methane Capture and Utilization Project at Asia Palm Oil Mill, Malaysia

Perenia Pty Ltd

Malaysia

23/07/2012

Methane Capture and Utilization Project at Melewar Palm Oil Mill, Malaysia

Perenia Pty Ltd

Malaysia

23/07/2012

Methane Capture and Utilization Project at Carotino Palm Oil Mill, Malaysia

Perenia Pty Ltd

Malaysia

23/07/2012

Miyar Hydroelectic Project

Perenia Pty Ltd

India

23/07/2012

Sorang Hydro Electric Project

SMEC International Pty Ltd

India

16/05/2012

Ulu Jelai Hydropower Plant Project

Perenia Pty Ltd

Malaysia

15/05/2012

Ting Ting Hydroelectric Project

Perenia Pty Ltd

India

15/05/2012

Tashiding Hydroelectric Project

Perenia Pty Ltd

India

15/05/2012

Suzhou Phase III Municipal Solid Waste Incineration for Power Generation Project

Macquarie Bank Limited

People's Republic of China

20/04/2012

Zhenjiang Municipal Solid Waste Incineration for Power Generation project

Macquarie Bank Limited

People's Republic of China

20/04/2012

Suqian Municipal Solid Waste Incineration for Power Generation Project

Macquarie Bank Limited

People's Republic of China

20/04/2012

Ta Loi 2 Hydro Power Project

Perenia Pty Ltd

Vietnam

10/04/2012

Srepok 4A Hydropower project, Vietnam

Perenia Pty Ltd

Vietnam

5/04/2012

Song Bung 2 Hydropower project, Vietnam

Perenia Pty Ltd

Vietnam

5/04/2012

Manglad Small Hydroelectric Project

Perenia Pty Ltd

India

8/03/2012

Fumin Mayingshan 40.5MW Wind Power Project

Macquarie Bank Limited

People's Republic of China

6/03/2012

Fumin Dafengyakou 33MW Wind Power Project

Macquarie Bank Limited

People's Republic of China

6/03/2012

CPF Minburi Wastewater Biogas Capture and Utilisation Project

Carbon Treasury International Pty Ltd

Thailand

6/03/2012

Suoi Choang Hydro Power Project

Perenia Pty Ltd

Vietnam

6/03/2012

Dong Chum 2 Hydro Power Project

Perenia Pty Ltd

Vietnam

6/03/2012

Nam Luc Hydro Power Project

Perenia Pty Ltd

Vietnam

6/03/2012

Trung Son Hydro Power Project

Perenia Pty Ltd

Vietnam

17/02/2012

Nam Mo 3 Hydro Power Project, Vietnam

Perenia Pty Limited

Vietnam

17/02/2012

Nam Toong Hydro Power Project

Perenia Pty Limited

Vietnam

16/11/2011

Nam Hoa 2 Hydro Power Project

Perenia Pty Limited

Vietnam

9/11/2011

Song Cho 2 Hydro Power Project

Perenia Pty Limited

Vietnam

9/11/2011

Nam Dong 4 Hydro Power Project

Perenia Pty Limited

Vietnam

27/09/2011

Southern Cross Carbon Rural Lighting Program for Bangladesh

Southern Cross Carbon

Bangladesh

14/09/2011

Wellbeing Green CFL Program for Pakistan

Southern Cross Carbon

Pakistan

14/09/2011

VKG Steels & Energy Private Limited - 8 MW WHR Based Captive Power Project

Emit Securities Limited

India

9/08/2011

Shanghai Lingang natural gas based power generation project

Macquarie Bank Limited

People's Republic of China

20/07/2011

Bagasse based Cogeneration Project at Pudukkottai Tamil Nadu, India

Emit Securities Limited

India

19/07/2011

Guangxi Dahua Hydropower Project

Macquarie Bank Limited

People's Republic of China

15/04/2011

Chu Linh and Coc San Hydropower Project

Perenia Pty Limited

Vietnam

5/04/2011

6 MW Rice Husk based cogeneration plant at Bhageshwari Papers Private Limited

Emit Securities Limited

India

28/01/2011

2.25 MW Rice Husk based cogeneration plant at Siddeshwari Industries Pvt Ltd

Emit Securities Limited

India

28/01/2011

Rice Husk based cogeneration plant

Emit Securities Limited

India

28/01/2011

RDF Power Projects Ltd. - Integrated Solid Waste Management Project

Emit Securities Limited

India

28/01/2011

2.5 MW Rice husk based cogeneration plant at Hanuman Agro Industries Limited

Emit Securities Limited

India

18/01/2011

10 MW Biomass based renewable energy generation for the grid at Varam Bio Energy (P) Limited in Bhandara District, Maharashtra

Emit Securities Limited

India

18/01/2011

Sesa - Waste Heat Recovery based power generation

Emit Securities Limited

India

8/12/2010

14.85 MW grid connected wind farm project, at various locations in Tamil Nadu

Emit Securities Limited

India

17/11/2010

Secondary Catalytic Reduction of N2O emissions at ONPI Nitric Acid Plant in Bacong, the Philippines

Orica Finance Limited

The Philippines

22/06/2010

Yunnan Lixianjiang Shimenkan Hydropower Project

Macquarie Bank Limited

People's Republic of China

18/01/2010

JL letters of approval

See letters issued by Australia's National Authority for the CDM and JI (as at 7 December 2015).

Project name

Applicant

Host party

Date issued or refused

Reduction of agricultural emissions by partial replacement of nitrogen fertilizer and soil tillage change

EMIT Securities Limited

Hungary

Issuance: 25/02/2013

Landfill gas mitigation project on seven Hungarian landfills (HU1000051)

Emit Securities Limited

Hungary

Issuance: 09/04/2010

Read more

Read more about Clean Development Mechanisms:

  • UNFCCC CDM
  • Designated national authorities
  • Designated operational entities
  • CDM Rulebook

Read more about Joint Implementation:

  • UNFCCC JI
  • Designated focal points
  • Accredited independent entities
  • JI Rulebook

See also

Read how Australia meets international climate change commitments

Thanks for your feedback.
Thanks! Your feedback has been submitted.

We aren't able to respond to your individual comments or questions.
To contact us directly phone us or submit an online inquiry

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Please verify that you are not a robot.

Skip

Footer

  • Contact us
  • Accessibility
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • FOI
Last updated: 29 July 2022

© Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.