An opportunity too good to waste
Waste operators are best place to participate in the first auction under the Emissions Reduction
Fund with the release of the Alternative Waste Treatment and Landfill Gas methods, targeted at
reducing emissions from waste. With the first auction date set for the 15 and 16 April 2015, now is
the time for waste operators to consider their project opportunities.
In addition to the methods that were operating under the Carbon Farming Initiative these two new
waste methods expand the opportunities available for eligible projects under the Emissions
Reduction Fund.
The alternative waste treatment (AWT) method increases the scope of opportunities to implement
and monitor waste projects that avoid emissions by diverting waste from landfill to alternative
waste treatment facilities. AWT activities process mixed solid waste into alternative waste products
such as compost, fuel or biogas. The method also covers the increased recovery of resources
including plastics, glass and metals.
The new AWT method provides incentives to develop new facilities, or expand existing facilities, to
increase the capacity of waste that can be processed. Existing AWT projects under the Carbon
Farming Initiative can transition to the new method, and continue to generate emissions reductions
for processing waste that would have otherwise gone to landfill.
The new landfill gas method expands the scope to capture greenhouse gas emissions from landfill
gas by reducing the amount of methane entering the atmosphere. The method provides an
incentive to install a new landfill gas collection system, upgrade an existing system or recommence
operation of a system at a site where one has existed before but not operated for some time.
Are you a waste operator? By having already considered the business benefits of an emissions
reducing project, you have a competitive advantage to participate in early auctions. This is an ideal
opportunity if you are transitioning from the Carbon Farming Initiative or have an eligible project in
the pipeline.
Participating in the Emissions Reduction Fund may provide your business with additional revenue
stream, reduced operating costs or improve the productivity of your assets while giving you the
market advantage for environmentally conscious customers.
GPO Box 621 Canberra ACT 2601
1300 553 542
enquiries@cleanenergyregulator.gov.au
www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au
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The next step will be to consider how you will participate in the auction, known as a bidding
strategy. If your auction bid is successful, you will automatically enter into a contract with the Clean
Energy Regulator and will be paid the bid price for each tonne of abatement your project creates.
Projects must meet some basic qualification tests and be registered with the Clean Energy
Regulator to be eligible to participate in the auction. For more details about the Emissions
Reduction Fund visit www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au
GPO Box 621 Canberra ACT 2601
1300 553 542
enquiries@cleanenergyregulator.gov.au
www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au
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