Legal framework for JI projects approval and implementation in Russia has been set

The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Russia (MEDT) has accomplished elaboration of legal framework for JI projects approval and implementation in Russia. On 28 May 2007 the Russian Government issued a Decree containing procedures for JI approval. At the end of November MEDT elaborated additional regulations, including an order setting GHGs emission reductions limits and an order creating commission in charge of consideration of JI project documentation.

The first order sets the limit of GHGs emission reductions and/or absorption due to realisation of JI projects in Russia in 2008-2012 (300 million t CO2-equivalent or about 10% of the Russian cap), and its sectoral distribution. As it was expected, the major part of emission reduction units (approximately 70%) goes to energy sector. Although, there exists a possibility of redistribution of allowances between sectors in case of absence or lack of emission reductions in one or several of them.

A commission in charge of consideration of JI project documentation chaired by the Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade Kirill Androsov was created by the second order. Members of commission will include representatives of all involved federal Ministries and Agencies in a rank not lower than deputy director of Department. The first session should take place in 10 days after final approval of its list of members.

The commission is in charge of:
- consideration of JI project documentation;
- selection of independent expert entities;
- nomination of an authorized body (relevant federal body of executive power) for each project;
- consideration of sectoral distribution of GHGs emission reductions/abruption limit.

29 January 2008 all necessary orders of MEDT were finally registered in the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation. First JI project proposals are expected in February 2008.