Towards a comprehensive Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) approach for biodiesel

It is believed that funding and backing of the clean development mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol could facilitate the biofuel industry to reach maturity and form a sustainable part of the world energy landscape. At present complete biofuels production systems are not eligible to receive financial support through the CDM. This is primarily due to the phenomenon of double counting, whereby more than one entity can claim credits for the same greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions. Historically, CDM projects for some of the embedded projects in biodiesel production were assessed, but a comprehensive approach was not followed. It is envisaged that overcoming double counting in biofuel projects will in time evolve to a credible auditing system. With the possibility of double counting minimized comprehensive biodiesel, and biofuels, registered CDM projects will certainly increase. Six typical embedded CDM projects were identified in the complete biodiesel production assessment. The methodological frameworks were investigated. Approved methodologies exist for some of these embedded projects to claim emission reductions as certified emission reductions (CERs). Other embedded projects need new methodologies or the current applicability methodologies must be broadened. A comprehensive CDM approach to biodiesel production is subsequently proposed. Thereby a broader consolidation of all methodologies applicable to the production of biofuel/biodiesel may be achieved. This broader consolidation will lead to more complete CDM eligible biodiesel projects.