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The first ERF auction delivered $660m to 107 projects – are you ready for the next one?

The second Emissions Reduction Fund auction has been announced for the 4th and 5th of November 2015. This means that industry and local government have another opportunity to register their (new) projects under the ERF and to obtain funding for their abatement efforts.

In the first auction, 43 participants secured 107 contracts worth $660m at an average price of $13.95/ACCU. This means that there is still $1.89 billion in ERF funding available.

Don’t miss your chance to secure your share of the ERF!

All applications to register new projects under the ERF must be submitted to the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) by 18 September 2015 in order to be eligible to participate in the second auction.

Under this scheme, the Federal Government (through the CER) will purchase lowest cost abatement in the form of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) from project proponents using a ‘reverse auction’ process. Successful bidders enter into a carbon abatement contract with the Government for the delivery of abatement over the following 7 years guaranteeing a steady income stream over that time period.

What projects can receive funding?

The Department of Environment continues to release more and more methods through which project proponents can earn carbon credits. A wide range of industries and project types can now participate including:

  • Landfill gas capture (new and upgrades)
  • Alternative waste treatment (mixed waste)
  • Source separated organics diversion (soon to be released)
  • Biofilters (soon to be released)
  • Land (and sea) transport
  • Soil carbon (modelled or measured)
  • Commercial and public lighting
  • Industrial electricity and fuel efficiency
  • Wastewater treatment
  • Aggregated small energy users
  • Commercial buildings
  • Reforestation and afforestation
  • Avoided deforestation
  • Various agricultural methods (piggeries, dairy, cattle and irrigated cotton)

Many more methods, such as the ‘Facilities’ or the ‘Energy from Waste’ methods are currently in the works. Watch this space.

How to participate

For a project to be eligible under the Emissions Reduction Fund it must be:

  • New (newness requirement) – the project must not have ‘begun’ before it has been registered with the CER;
  • Beyond regulatory requirements (EPA requirements, planning, etc.); and
  • Unlikely to proceed thanks to other designated government programs.

Activities which do not breach the Newness Requirement include conducting feasibility studies, obtaining regulatory approvals and consent, and conducting negotiations.

MRA strongly recommends that if you are planning to carry out any of the projects listed above within the next 5 years that you seek professional advice and register your project with the CER now to avoid the risk of breaching the newness requirement and participate in the next ERF auction.

For further information on the types of projects that can receive funding and the participation process, please contact Jordon Wong (jordon@mraconsulting.com.au) or Julien Gastaldi (julien@mraconsulting.com.au).

About MRA Consulting

MRA Consulting is Australia’s best small consultancy in recycling, waste and carbon (Inside Waste 2013, 14 and 15). MRA provides services to large and small business and all levels of government. The MRA team includes engineers, planners, economists, lawyers and scientists.

MRA:

  • Is a national leader in carbon reporting, compliance and project development.
  • Develops strategies for technology providers, Councils and businesses.
  • Delivers tailored commercial advice including economic modelling, market studies and market entry.
  • Provides comprehensive education and consultation services.
  • Has a comprehensive audit and waste assessment program.

MRA is based at Drummoyne in the inner west of Sydney and has an office in the Melbourne CBD.

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