CDM projects that recharge electric cars using renewable energy are eligible to receive CERs under new rules agreed this week by the scheme’s executive board.

The CDM-EB already incentivises initiatives that push drivers in developing nations to switch electric cars from fossil fuel-powered ones, but it hopes this plan will help the transportation sector, which accounts for 14% of CO2 from fuel combustion globally, to cut its carbon footprint.

The EB also improved a methodology for projects that create clean drinking water, the UNFCC said.

“This is part of the board’s efforts to make the CDM even better, to broaden its usefulness in the international response to climate change,” said EB chair Lambert Schneider.

Disappearing demand from governments has led to a collapse in CER prices, prompting the CDM’s executive to attempt to refurbish and refocus the scheme to help it be part of countries’ future emissions cutting plans.

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