Verra releases new cookstoves methodology

Quantum Commodity Intelligence – US-based carbon registry Verra has released a new cleaner cookstoves methodology to replace existing cookstoves methodologies in use under its Verified Carbon Standard (VCS).

Version one of the Energy Efficiency and Fuel-Switch Measures in Cookstoves  methodology (VM0050) replaces the earlier VMR0006, v1.2 and VMR0011, v1.0 methodologies, Verra said in a statement.

"VM0050 updates existing methodologies to include the latest best practices as well as the most recent science and technology in project design and implementation of cookstoves," it said.

Cleaner cookstoves projects have been under increased scrutiny in recent times with academic papers alleging considerable over-crediting of projects, resulting in prices dropping in the segment since early 2023.

Alignment

Verra said its new methodology aligns with proposals suggested in the consultation draft of the Comprehensive Lowered Emissions Assessment and Reporting (Clear) methodology that is being developed by the Clean Cooking Association-led Clean Cooking and Climate Consortium.

"Verra is planning to review the final Clear methodology for further alignment opportunities once it is released," it said.

The standard will also review and consider incorporation of other approaches including the Modeling fuelwood savings scenarios (MoFuSS) model for determining the fraction of non-renewable biomass (fNRB) for project-specific use.

The fNRB is a key metric used in determining the volume of credits generated by a project.

Verra said the new methodology has been submitted to the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market meta-standard for appraisal for its Core Carbon Principles (CCPs) quality stamp.

CCPs are intended to restore confidence in the project-based carbon market and credits which qualify for the labels are expected to secure higher prices.

New projects and developments renewing their crediting period that complete validation after May 31, 2025, will need to validate using VM0050, said Verra.

The methodology also includes streamlined monitoring, such as direct measurement techniques – stove use monitors, fuel weight sensors, electricity meters, the standard said.

The development of VM00050 was led by Colombia-based carbon advisors Atmosphere Alternative, it added.