The aim of this study is to inform international debate on the design of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and its implications for energy use, the environment and poverty alleviation in Developing Countries. The study was a collaboration with Intermediate Technology.

In this study, the host countries examined were Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Nepal and Peru.  A range of existing development projects in the energy sector which also reduce greenhouse gases were assessed, in order to learn lessons for project selection, design and implementation under the CDM. The project types studied were micro- and mini-hydro plants, solar photo-voltaic systems, improved cooking stoves and biogas digesters.  Site visits were undertaken in Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in order to assist data collection.

The detailed aims of the project were:

• to collect technical data from suitable projects;
• to construct a country context in terms of the energy system structures, economic and environmental resource development;
• to make some assessment of local environmental and social impacts for specific case studies;
• to develop a basis for methodological guidance for the assessment of the emission reductions from CDM projects;
• to suggest ways in which such projects can help alleviate poverty, be sustainable and meet other development priorities;
• to develop the concept of appropriate technology for implementation in the CDM.

The Final Report is available to download in pdf format:

Executive Summary (15 pages)

Main Report (54 pages)

Annex 1 - Project Selection and Data Collection (18 pages)

Annex 2 - Country Contexts (25 pages)

Annex 3 - Estimating GHG Emissions Reduction and Costs (19 pages)

Annex 4 - Sustainable Development Aspects of Projects (86 pages)