Methane emissions and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)

Methane emissions from a variety of industrial processes contribute significantly to climate change. If these industrial processes are taking place in developing countries, a process of methane capture and burning off can take place, allowing the company that carries out the service to trade carbon credits with developed nations. This is the basic principle behind the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

Signatories to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) are divided into three groups:

• Annex I - Industrialised countries that agree to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases to targets that are mainly set below their 1990 levels.

• Annex II – A sub-set of Annex I countries that are obliged to provide technology and financial assistance to help developing countries reduce emissions.

• Developing countries – Countries that are not expected to de-carbonise their economy unless developed countries supply enough funding and technology.

At Trolex we have a thorough understanding of the CDM/JI flexible mechanism processes and the needs of companies who wish to register projects under the schemes. Our SENTRUM methane recovery monitoring systems fulfil the UNFCCC accuracy requirements and bring with them a host of benefits that help our clients make a success out of their CDM/JI project – including built-in system-efficiency and integrity routines and a worldwide network of support and service personnel.

Without accurate measurement and reporting, projects can fall foul of environmental inspectors and auditors, and encounter delays in gaining approvals or even suspension of production. SENTRUM from Trolex ensures that your project stays operational and profitable even under the most intense scrutiny.

Methane capture: Better for the planet, better for you

Protecting the environment and generating revenue creates a win-win situation for organisations with methane resources.

Trolex helps organisations make the most of methane-based CDM projects, whether working directly with the developer or in partnership with consultants and associates, and in so doing increasing profitability for clients and helping them meet their environmental commitments. Our understanding of the CDM processes, the reliability and accuracy of the SENTRUM methane recovery monitoring systems, and our ability to fully support them in countries around the world, makes us the world leader in the field.

And, with increasingly stringent UNFCCC requirements for monitoring coming into force, the unique methane recovery monitoring systems and support services offered by Trolex have never been more essential to CDM/JI projects.

What is the Clean Development Mechanism?

The first big step on the path to combating global warming was the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This treaty was subsequently augmented to include the Kyoto Protocol, which provided a legislative framework for the UNFCCC. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) forms part of the Kyoto Protocol and, by promoting methane capture in return for financial reward, encourages sustainable development through the adoption of cleaner energy sources and more efficient industrial processes. Since the beginning of 2006, the Clean Development Mechanism has already registered more than 1,500 projects.

Methane emissions and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)