To evaluate the GHG emissions of implementing renewable energy and energy efficiency activities, the Clean Development Mechanism Executive Board (CDM-EB) developed a tool to determine the grid emission factor (GEF) and the procedure to develop a standardized baseline (SB).

On June 16 and 18, 2021, RCC St. Georges, CARICOM, and CCREEE co-organized the “Standardized Baseline & Grid Emissions Factor Calculation Training Workshop.” The purpose of the meeting was to familiarize the Designed National Authority (DNA) and relevant entities in the Caribbean with the development of SB and GEF.

The workshop introduced the general principles and methodological procedures on SBLs development, information required for calculating SB parameters and how to solve problems occurring during the SB development process.

The webinar was well attended by 40 participants, representing UNFCCC Designated National Authorities (DNAs) and relevant entities (e.g., Minister of Economic Growth and Job Creation, National government officers and specialists in climate change and energy) from 16 countries of the Caribbean region. The sessions were moderated by JongHo Suh, Associate Climate Specialist of RCC St. George’s.

In welcoming remarks, Gerald Lindo, Sustainable Energy Expert of CCREEE, noted the consequences of climate change in the Caribbean, and the importance of the quantities of results in the energy transition. He highlighted that the workshop would allow quantifying the amount of pollution associated with kw/Hour, the energy produced, focusing on the importance of every ton produced.

Vintura Silva, Regional Lead of UNFCCC RCC St. George’s, explained the support of RCC St. Georges to the Caribbean countries in the development of standard baseline, the support to the DNA Authority for CDM (Clean Development Mechanism), and collection of data, in the context of NAMAS, and National Determined Contribution. 

Eduardo Cardoso Filho, Associate programme officer for the Mitigation Division, explained the importance of standardizing baseline and data collection procedures in the context of CDM methodologies. Through the two-day workshop, he explained a step-by-step calculation of the grid emission factor for the energy sector based on the “grid tool” and the different equations and options available to apply simplified approaches when the required data is not readily available, and participants had the opportunity to test their understanding of the grid tool to calculate the emission factor of a hypothetical electric grid through a hands-on exercise. He also shared other opportunities where GEF can be utilized, e.g. for setting a baseline of projects applying to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), result-based finance and/or Green Bonds. 

During an interactive Q&A session, participants discussed emission calculations across the sector, the difference between the electricity sector and the oil & gas sector, default values for fuel properties, and the SB validation period.

In closing remarks, Vintura Silva mentioned RCC St. George’s would remain open for supporting GEF SB development working in collaboration with the governments and CARICOM energy unit.

For more information about the Standardized Baseline & Grid Emissions Factor Calculation, please contact rccstgeorgese@unfccc.int.