Development of CDM/JI and VER projects

CDM training and capacity building

Consultancy on strategy and procurement of CER/ERU

Carbon due diligence and analysis of CO2 reduction potentials

Consultancy and engineering services for all CCS technologies

Development of CDM/JI and VER Projects:

Investigation of VER potential with project documentation for a windfarm, Turkey

Verified Emission Reductions (VERs) are CO2 certificates that do not fall under the UN Framework Climate Convention on CDM/JI or the European emissions trading system. These may be generated in a wide variety of CO2 reduction projects. Fichtner investigated the suitability of a 60 MW windfarm in Turkey for VER certification under the various voluntary CO2 compensation standards, for example the Gold Standard, Voluntary Carbon Standard and VER+ Standard. Based on the outcome of this investigation, Fichtner drew up the project design document and supported the scheme through the validation and registration process.

Development of a new CDM methodology and two divergences from existing CDM methodologies in the solar energy sector

For buyers of emission certificates and investors in climate protection projects, the development of a methodology always represents a hindrance, but this is particularly the case for small and medium sized project types and potentials. Even if methodologies are already available, sometimes there are deficiencies when projects are realized in practice that frequently come to light during project monitoring. In view of this, the aim of the project is to contribute to the development of CDM methodologies in areas that have not yet been opened up to the carbon market, or not to a sufficient degree, but exhibit a high emission reduction potential, and could still find application during the first obligation period of the Kyoto Protocol within CDM host countries. Fichtner was entrusted with developing a new CDM methodology as well as two divergences from already existing methodologies in the solar energy sector. This development is based on two actual power plant projects: integration of a solar power plant into an existing combined cycle power plant as an independent solar combined cycle (ISCC) in Iran as well as a solar thermal power plant in Botswana.

CDM combined heat and power plant project, Pakistan

An industrial company is planning to optimize its power generation facilities at its plant in Multan. Construction of a CHP plant on the basis of a novel and high efficiency power generation concept is to be developed as a CDM project. The client received proposals from plant manufacturers for various concepts. Fichtner took on review and optimization of the power generation concepts and also drawing up the CDM project documentation. During the validation process, Fichtner is responsible for adapting the project documentation and supports the client during permit application and registration. Fichtner’s services also include emission monitoring and marketing of the certificates as soon as the project is registered and operational.

Hydropower project in Gia Lai Province, Vietnam 

Fichtner was selected by a private company in Vietnam to conduct the CDM cycle for a 9 MW hydropower project in Vietnam’s central uplands, for which the services were: baseline calculation for Vietnam’s power sector, development of the PDD, assistance in national permit procedures, as well as for validation and registration, and finally support for marketing the generated CERs.

CDM documentation for a hydropower plant, Peru

Fichtner took a hydropower project in Peru through the CDM cycle, covering preparation of the project design document (PDD) and a handling procedure for the attention of the World Commission on Dams, as well as assistance during validation, plus support during the permit procedure, project registration and marketing the generated CERs.

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CDM Training and Capacity Building

Baseline CDM study on the energy sector, Albania

To promote CDM schemes by cutting transaction costs and limiting investment risks for project developers, Fichtner was retained for calculating the baseline for Albania’s energy sector, performing the services: assistance in identifying a selection of candidate methods for calculating the emission factor for the Albanian power network and establishing a baseline; drafting a training manual on application of the network emission factor and its baseline for verifying new CDM projects; market analysis of CDM potentials in Albania with identification of potential CDM projects; drafting at least five Project Idea Notes (PINs); survey of ongoing and planned government, private and international investor programs for the areas of energy efficiency and renewable energies; and conducting a workshop for industrial representatives and national experts on CDM project development in the energy sector.

Technical Assistance to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Moldova with respect to their Global Climate Change Commitments, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova

The overall project objective is to assist Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Moldova in building institutional and technical capacity for participating in the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) and the Kyoto Protocol. For each country, potential CDM projects were identified and developed, including development of CDM action plan/handbook, recommendations for CDM infrastructure, technical capacity building on CDM, on-the-job training for CDM, and capacity building for GHG emission inventories. For 11 potential CDM projects, Project Design Documents (PDDs) were developed: 6x hydropower, 2x methane capture and biogas, 1x coal mine methane Project Idea Note (PIN), 1x sewer gas, 1x forestation. The project comprises also an exchange of experience among the four beneficiary countries and, additionally, with similar projects running in parallel for the Ukraine and Belarus as well as for the Central Asian countries.

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Consultancy on Strategy and Procurement of CER/ERU

CDM/JI hydropower projects

A European energy utility is planning to develop CDM and JI projects to generate CO2 certificates. Within the framework of an analysis of potential, Fichtner investigated in 17 countries the development prospects and potentials of hydropower projects for obtaining these certificates. In a further contract package, Fichtner was retained to evaluate, screen and shortlist concrete projects, with the aim of following these up as CDM/JI schemes.

CDM consultancy on behalf of an European Utility for India

With the aim of identifying Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects in India and procuring from these Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) for the 2008 to 2012 period, Fichtner checked on behalf of an European Utility various CDM sectors in India, including renewable energies, industrial plant efficiency, methane reduction and highefficiency combined cycle power plants. These projects were first reviewed on the basis of a set of criteria. Then Fichtner made preparations to negotiate Emission Reduction Purchase Agreements (ERPAs) for follow-up by the client. This work was directed from Fichtner’s Home Office and done jointly with FICHTNER INDIA and other local partners.

Identification of CDM and JI potential in the Iron and Steel industry in selected developing countries

Developing an overview of the iron- and steel sector in China, India, Ukraine and Brazil and assessment to what extent the CDM respectively JI could be used as drivers in those countries to stimulate the development of CDM/JI projects in the iron and steel industry in those countries.

Strategy for procuring CO2 certificates for the period 2008-2020, Germany

In preparation for strategic decisions prior to entering the primary market for CO2 reduction certificates, on behalf of an energy supply utility Fichtner investigated options for procuring these up to 2020. The framework of the European emission trading system for CERs/ERUs after 2012 was analyzed, the current business models for procuring certificates on the primary market evaluated, 78 different carbon funds assessed, and an appraisal made of competitors in the CO2 certificate purchasers market. Fichtner also investigated attractive technologies related to the utility’s core business with interesting target countries and identification of local partners, determined the requirements for staff and their qualifications for implementing the business model, and conducted a risk analysis.

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Carbon Due Diligence and Analysis of CO2 Reduction Potentials

Pre-Feasibility Assessment for a CDM biogas project, Macedonia

With the aim of registering a biogas plant in Macedonia as a CDM project with the UNFCCC, Fichtner established the baseline and worked out the monitoring concept. In a risk analysis, existing Project Identification Notes (PINs) were reviewed for their technical and financial feasibility and relevance. Fichtner also compiled further key data for drafting the PDD.

Technical / commercial due diligence for 21 hydropower CDM projects and one composting CDM project, The People's Republic of China

For a European Utility Fichtner analyzed 21 hydropower projects and 1 composting project in terms of various risks such as technical risks, commercial risks and CDM risks. Identified risks will likely have an impact on receiving national CDM project approval, project validation through a Designated Operational Entity (DOE) and finally on the probability of generating and delivering Certified Emission Reductions (CERs). Based on the risk analysis, Fichtner made recommendations to the client as to which of the analyzed project activities would be considered good CDM candidates, namely those with the lowest risks of CDM and CER delivery failure.

Investigation of CDM project potentials for a wastewater treatment plant, Managua, Nicaragua

Fichtner has been retained to investigate project approaches in the sectors of renewable energies and fertilizer production for their eligibility as CDM schemes. This concerns, firstly, CO2 reduction by firing digester gas for power generation and substituting mains electricity now primarily generated from fossil fuels and, secondly, avoidance of CO2 emissions during chemical fertilizer production by replacing this with sewage sludge. As part of the study, Fichtner investigated the framework conditions for CDM in Nicaragua, the baseline scenario and additionality, the applicability of the CDM baseline and monitoring methodologies, as well as the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions attained through these projects. A risk analysis was also conducted for project registration under the CDM scheme, with recommendations for the further procedure.

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Consultancy and Engineering Services for all CCS Technologies

Owner’s Enginer for a CO2 capture facility

Gassnova, a project company owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Oil and Energy is undertaking a project for the 420 MW combined cycle power plant at the Kårstø Gas Terminal, involving engineering and constructing a CO2 capture and compression (CCC) plant, a CO2 pipeline and underground CO2 storage. For amine scrubbing and compression of the CO2 gas, Fichtner has been appointed as Owner’s Engineer for drawing up tender documents for manufacturer-specific FEED studies, management and coordination of conceptual planning and layout engineering, and interface coordination. Fichtner has also been retained for drawing up the tender specifications for the general contractor agreement and conducting the contractual negotiations.

Study on the status of and framework conditions for CCS projects in Europe

On behalf of the Japanese government agency “New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)”, Fichtner is undertaking a study on projects for carbon capture and storage (CCS) in Europe. This covers new coal-fired power plant projects in ten selected European countries, for which a comprehensive overview of industrial activities under the aspect of CCS technologies in power generation is being drawn up. This requires an investigation of political initiatives and framework conditions in the EU and on national level.

Overview of status of technology and research  for reducing and capturing CO2 emissions in fossil-fired power plants, Germany

As part of engineering for a coal-fired power plant in Germany, Fichtner is investigating the present status of development of CCS for the applicability of this technology to the plant. An overview of current concepts for CO2 storage is compiled, setting forth for each process its status of development, pilot plants, time to market maturity, density and footprint, costs, impacts on overall power generation efficiency, and transportation concepts for liquefied CO2. Fichtner is also preparing an overview of current concepts for CO2 reduction and capture when firing coal and gas. Presented for this purpose are technologies for CO2 separation with their development status, suitability for backfitting, impacts on new power plant concepts, capture efficiency, pilot plants, time to market maturity, impacts on plant operating economy, and emission benchmarks.

CO2 sequestration in microalgae, Germany

In connection with planning services for an coal-fired power plant in Germany, Fichtner is investigating the status of development of CO2 sequestration in algae with its applicability for this plant. To characterize algae cultivation processes, systems and technologies, their CO2 conversion rates, area per sequestered tonne of CO2 and possibilities for energy recovery from the algae as well as their status of development and costs are presented. Regarding its suitability for the power plant, Fichtner describes its tie-in into the flue gas flow path, space requirement, quantity of algae biomass generated as well as capital and operating costs.

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