LONDON, UK – 27 June 2007 – CantorCO2e Limited announced today the approval of a new and unique Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) methodology involving the use of biogas sourced from Methane Capture Projects in Chile. Having just been approved by the CDM Executive Board, the new methodology, known as ‘CDM methodology AM0053’, is the “injection of biogenic methane into a natural gas distribution grid.”
Specifically this involves the use of captured biogas, perhaps methane from existing landfill sites or coal mines, and injecting that biogas into existing natural gas distribution grids whilst at the same time displacing more harmful fossil fuels that would normally be used within these grids. This new methodology was developed by CantorCO2e, which researched, advised upon and established the methodology for and on behalf of Metrogas S.A., the largest natural gas distributor in Chile.
The biogas used in the implementation of this methodology may be sourced from registered or non-registered methane capture CDM projects and so also enhances the scope of other CDM methodologies already in use. The methodology could help reduce the current natural gas crisis that Chile faces. Currently Chile produces very little of the natural gas that it currently consumes with all imports coming from Argentina. However, availability of imported natural gas from Argentina is limited.
According to the Chilean Natural Gas Association, the country has faced several shutdowns due to interruptions in the supply of natural gas from Argentina which impacts heavily on the Chilean people. Now that the methodology has been approved, it is expected that most landfill sites in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago, the capital of Chile, will supply its biogas to the natural gas distribution grid as an alternative to current electricity generation methods.
In addition to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the implementation of this methodology in developing economies is of great sustainable benefit since it will result in a reduction in the dependence of other countries on the importation of fossil fuels and will instead enable them to become more self sufficient.
