The current project based structure of the CDM is completely
flawed. While deciding whether a project delivers reductions when
measured against a baseline of a dirty coal plant, it is obvious
that a cleaner coal plant will improve upon the previous
environmental outcome and is dubiously awarded credits. Yet, if the
baseline were to be 100% clean energy plants - as it is rightly
meant to be - then the so called Clean Coal Technology (CCT)
wouldn't stand a chance. Similarly, CDM
credits are also awarded to projects which eliminate climate
destroying gases such as Hydro-fluoro-Carbons (HFCs), but why
permit the production of HFCs in the very first place, when there
are cleaner substitutes to HFCs?
The CDM methodology approved by the UN body on September 14 is
clearly based on proposals for new coal fired power plants in India
and China, the very countries that need to make the crucial shift
from coal to cleaner technologies to fight climate change.
With 67% of our electricity coming from coal and an additional
55000 MW of electricity to be generated from coal-fired power
plants by 2012 (11th Five year Plan), India is already on its way
to become the third largest CO2 emitter in the world. It is a real
concern now that with this new CDM for CCT methodology in place,
there is now absolutely no incentive for India to change its energy
policy and direction and embark on a de-carbonisation roadmap.
While coal can be made to burn at higher efficiencies, as in the
case of supercritical plants, it is far from "clean" since it
continues to produce chronic pollution, with detrimental effects on
the environment and to human health. Clean coal is a contradiction
in terms and CCT claims are nothing more than a desperate attempt
by the coal industry to remain relevant in the face of climate
change.
The need of the moment is to not only expand the CDM project but
also its complete revamp to make it meaningful - to make it
seriously address the issue of mitigating climate change which is
best addressed by sustained investments in clean production
technologies such as renewable energy and the aggressive promotion
of energy efficiency as a means of saving electricity rather than
making more efficient coal plants.
The CDM decision grants legitimacy to dubious technologies such
as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), which does nothing to prevent
generation of CO2, merely capturing it in one place, and moving it
to another location. This is waste storage, not a solution to the
climate crisis. CCS is also years away from being commercially
viable. Investing in this end of pipe dream diverts resources away
from clean renewable technologies, which are market tested and
ready to tackle the climate crisis.
Moreover, the day-to-day running costs of so-called "clean-coal"
are very expensive. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA)
estimates the capital costs of a typical "low-emission" coal power
station to be US$1,383/kW or $2,088/kW with CCS. In comparison a
typical wind farm costs just US$1,015/kW.
For further information, contact
K. Srinivas, Climate and Energy Expert, Greenpeace: Mobile: 0 9845112130
Ruchira Talukdar, Communications Manager, Greenpeace India Mobile: 0 9900264127