Hydro and wind in CDM

Hydropower and wind are both clean renewable sources of energy and are thus eligible for the UN Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

Hydropower

Hydropower plays a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Developing half of the world's economically feasible hydropower potential could reduce greenhouse gases emissions by about 13%, according to International Hydropower Association. In developing countries, much of the new hydropower capacity coming in has been partly financed through the CDM; as much as almost 40 000 MW since 2005, and over 13 000 MW last year. Hydropower represents almost 1/3 of the yearly added CDM projects, as measured by the planned emissions reductions, with over 80% of that in the form of “large hydro” (above 20MW).

Wind power

 

The other large contributor under the CDM currently is wind power. Especially last year, wind matched the accomplishment of hydropower to represent almost 1/3 of the added emissions reductions in new CDM registrations. With lower efficiency, the CDM has contributed to the financing of almost 45 000 MW of new installed wind power capacity in developing countries all over the world.