24 MW Perla Mini Hydel Project, Karnataka, India

Audit Analysis

A straightforward CDM mini-hydro project in Karnataka with a well-documented additionality assessment (combined test, VVB-confirmed by DNV) and a reasonable grid-displacement baseline. The project shows no reversal risk, a justified zero-leakage claim, and all validation findings were resolved without outstanding corrective actions. Key gaps include the absence of a verified ERR figure, an unquantified FNRB, and a grid emission factor locked to 2006 data, which limits confidence in long-term baseline accuracy.

Project Description

Red Flags

• ⚠Grid emission factor is based on 2006 data (854.7 gCO₂/kWh) and has not been updated; under CDM rules this is locked at registration, but it represents a 17+ year-old baseline reference for a project operating through 2019.
• ⚠Verified ERR figure is not stated in the extracted record; only the claimed figure (452,390 tCO₂e) from the monitoring report is available, making independent over-crediting assessment impossible.
• ⚠FPIC was not conducted and no grievance mechanism is documented, though these are less critical under CDM than under VCS.
• ⚠Baseline method is characterised as 'jurisdictional' in the 2024 monitoring report but 'project' in the 2009 validation report, creating ambiguity about the exact baseline construction.

Credit Vintages