Competent German CDM/JI Authorities

Competent German CDM/JI Authorities

The German Federal Environment Ministry (BMU) is the lead authority in matters regarding the project-based mechanisms. Other ministries whose mandate makes them key actors in the overall process include the German Foreign Office (AA), which uses German embassies in CDM/JI host countries as intermediaries. Bilateral cooperation overseen by Germany’s Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) and Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) can also be of benefit in promoting the CDM and JI mechanisms. The BMZ in particular fosters use of the CDM with capacity building activities coordinated by Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ).

Within the German Environment Ministry, the ministry shares CDM/JI responsibilities with its subordinate organisation, the Federal Environment Agency (UBA). The ministry acts at policy-making level, while the UBA is responsible for administrative issues. The BMU’s Joint Implementation Coordination Unit (JIKO) performs the policy-related functions, which largely involve further development of the international climate regime and cooperation with host countries. The BMU has also set up a new Environmental Technology Export and CDM Projects Office (Umwelttechnologieexport und CDM-Vorhaben) to support German businesses in the event they experience difficulties in host countries.

The administrative responsibilities involving the CDM/JI are assigned to the German Emissions Trading Authority (DEHSt). In line with the division of responsibilities set out in Germany’s Project-Based Mechanisms Act (ProMechG), BMU and DEHSt cooperate closely with one another when overseeing CDM and JI projects. Enforcement of the Act and matters involving project approval are discussed at regular meetings. Where necessary, they consult one another on specific projects. Actual decision making falls to DEHSt in its capacity as the competent German authority.

German Emissions Trading Authority

DEHSt’s main task as regards the CDM and JI mechanisms is to approve climate change projects. In doing so, it acts as the Designated National Authority (DNA) for CDM projects and as the Designated Focal Point (DFP) for JI projects. Approval of an overseas project makes Germany the investor country, while approval of JI projects in Germany makes it the host country. The responsibilities assigned to DEHSt in this context include verification and confirmation of verification reports for JI projects and submission of requests for reviews to the EB or the JISC in cases of uncertainty.

Project developers may submit different proposals depending on the stage the project is at. To accelerate host country approval, a Letter of Endorsement (LoE) may be requested. This involves providing an informative Project Idea Note (PIN) which outlines the project and enables a full assessment of its additionality.

When requesting a Letter of Approval (LoA), the following documents must be supplied:

Written request for approval

The Project Design Document (PDD)

The Validation Report (VR)

For CDM projects and JI projects implemented overseas, host country approval (if available).

Proposals and supporting documentation may be drawn up in German or English. The proposal must be submitted in writing, although the supporting documentation can be forwarded to DEHSt online or stored on a CD-ROM.

Once the project proposer has submitted all necessary documentation to DEHSt, approval of CDM and JI projects by Germany’s National Authority occurs within two months. If DEHSt requires additional paperwork, the project proposer is informed without delay.

DEHSt aims to provide a reliable service to businesses participating in climate change projects. This is achieved, for example, by means of the CDM and JI manuals, working tools and a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) published on the DEHSt website. An online project database (accessible via the website) provides an overview of the projects involving German businesses. DEHSt employees attend conferences and working groups to promote development of CDM and JI projects.