The Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty that sets binding obligations on industrialised countries to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. The Protocol was adopted by Parties to the UNFCCC in 1997, and entered into force in 2005. As part of the Kyoto Protocol, many developed countries have agreed to legally binding limitations/reductions in their emissions of greenhouse gases in two commitments periods. The second commitment period applies to emissions between 2013-2020.
Developing countries do not have binding targets under the Kyoto Protocol, but are still committed under the treaty to reduce their emissions. Actions taken by developed and developing countries to reduce emissions include support for renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and reducing deforestation. Under the Protocol, emissions of developing countries are allowed to grow in accordance with their development needs. In this connection JK State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) intends to notify nine upcoming hydropower projects in the State for registering under Kyoto Protocol. In simple words it means that these nine hydropower projects will be subjected to Clean Development Mechanism of the UNFCCC and if they are reported to be producing emissions below the stipulated level during generation of energy, then they will be entitled to benefits of checking emission. For this purpose the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation has engaged Delhi-based company-ITP Synergy as consultant through formal bidding for carrying out necessary exercise for registration of power projects for Clean Development Mechanism benefits under the United National Framework Convention on Climate Change. No hydropower project in J&K has been registered so far with the protocol. The reason is that all existing power-generating units were established prior to the implementation of Kyoto Protocol. In second commitment, which will be operative from 2013 to 2020, the proposed nine projects will be brought under the protocol.
It is yet premature to make any definite comment on the plan of the JKSPDC of invoking Kyoto Protocol. There are many ifs and buts in the process. First step is that of creating the wherewithal for establishing the nine stated hydropower projects. Who are among the stakeholders in these projects and are they agreed to the plan of registration for CDM. The process has to be conducted through the agency of the Government of India since it is an international protocol. Have the views of the Government of India been invited for a proposal under consideration? And lastly, what will be the financial support that would accrue to the JKSPDC once the contemplated projects get registered? These questions will have to be considered if the process is adopted. We agree fully with the concept that hydropower generation reduces greenhouse gases and we would certainly like that our state is foremost in the country that has a record of reducing the emission of gases. We have water and we have realized that it is much useful to have smaller and local hydropower generating units than to go in for mega power stations.
The fact is that our State is having sufficient water to produce electricity, which will not only meet our needs but can also be exported to other states. But we fail in proper utilization of our water resource. And if there is international protocol as the one under discussion, why should not we try to derive benefit from it. We hope that the company hired by the JKSPDC will complete the entire process of registration within a month and then the next step will be taken up for proper inspection of the projects by the team appointed by the concerned body of United Nations Framework Convention on Climatic Change. At the end of the exercise, Certified Emission Reduction has to be obtained which entitles the State for financial grants.
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