Verra has released an updated version (v1.2) of its methodology for energy efficiency and fuel switch measures in thermal applications within the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program. The revisions were made following a public consultation and are aimed at strengthening the integrity of the methodology.
The updated methodology, VMR0006 v1.2, now aligns with the underlying Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) methodology AMS-II.G., which focuses on energy efficiency measures in thermal applications of non-renewable biomass. This alignment includes updating default values and references to specific sections of the CDM methodology.
Several default values have been updated in the new version, including baseline device efficiency, average annual consumption of woody biomass, wood-to-charcoal conversion factor, and the non-CO2 emission factor for wood fuel. These updates ensure more accurate calculations and measurements.
In order to address the uncertainty surrounding the fraction of non-renewable biomass (fNRB), two options have been introduced in VMR0006 v1.2. These options include using the default value of 30% from the CDM TOOL33 or applying a discount factor if fNRB is calculated using CDM TOOL30. These additions help to account for the variable nature of non-renewable biomass and improve the accuracy of emissions calculations.
The updated methodology also includes provisions for fuel switch projects using renewable biomass. These provisions outline applicability conditions, monitoring requirements, and accounting procedures for project emissions and leakage. This ensures that projects using renewable biomass are properly accounted for within the VCS Program.
As a result of these updates, the previous methodology AMS-G.II. has been excluded from the VCS Program as a standalone methodology. Projects that have already requested listing on the Verra Registry before July 6, 2023, must complete validation using AMS-II.G. until January 5, 2024. New projects must request listing using VMR0006 v1.2.
Verra plans to replace the current VMR0006 methodology with a comprehensive VCS Consolidated Methodology for Improved Thermal Energy Generation Units in the near future. Projects using VMR0006 v1.2 or previous versions will have the option to transition to the new methodology once it is published.
Overall, the updates to the VMR0006 methodology enhance its accuracy and reliability in measuring and accounting for energy efficiency and fuel switch measures in thermal applications, further strengthening the VCS Program.
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