SQ Consult, together with CE Delft and Cambridge Econometrics, is supporting the European Commission in assessing the feasibility of extending the EU emissions trading system to the transport sector and the built environment, as part of the debate on a long-term structural reform of the EU ETS, see: http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/ets/reform/index_en.htm

In cooperation with Climate Focus we have proposed alternatives to overcome barriers to the access to carbon finance for international power interconnections projects. Traditional CDM modalities, voluntary markets and post 2012 instruments such as NAMAs were evaluated and recommendations on future strategy was given to Energy Ministries in the Latin American Region in order to access international carbon finance to develop this kind of projects.

 

"A financial mechanism to facilitate access to credit for industrial energy projects in El Salvador was established. Activities involved the preparation of guidelines and procedures for energy efficiency financing, development of a calculation tool and capacity building activities carried out with the Salvadorian Industry Association, banks and project developers. The financial mechanism is part of the activities to establish a CDM program of activities on industrial energy efficiency in El Salvador. The project was worked together with Greenmax and Zeroemissions."
 

After the start of Phase III of the EU ETS, new applications for free allocation will be made by new entrants (new plants and capacity extensions). Similarly, existing plants may close or experience a (partial) cessation, with consequences for their allocation. SQ Consult, together with UBA (Austria) is supporting the European Commission in the development of the methodology to evaluate such applications in view of the harmonised allocation rules (similar to that done in the NIMs for incumbents) and to develop process and tools to guide and track such allocations vis-a-vis the size of the ner entrants reserve available.
 

Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein also participate in the EU ETS, and therefore must submit a NIMs (National Implementation Measures), outlining the free allocation provided to national industries in Phase III. The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) has the role to evaluate these plans for propoer application of the harmonised allocation rules. SQ Consult, together with DNV, is supporting this evaluation process, similar to that carried out for EU countries for the European Commission.
 

We supported Vattenfall in developing a storyline and roadmap for the creation of  Products and Solutions, an operating unit in charge of product management and delopment for the B2B, B2C and heat divisions of all core countries
 

SQ Consult was asked to support a team event for Nuon Sales Netherlands, aiming at aligning expectations and thoughts around the strategic planning 2013-2017.
 

In a consortium led by NERA consulting we supported the Dutch government in their design of the renewable energy support system in the Netherlands. The consortium developed a detailed energy model for the Netherlands and analysed various scenarios on the design of the future Dutch support system against criteria as formulated in the Dutch energy report 2011. The work concentrated on the various options for continuation of the SDE+ support mechanisms and the options for introducing a supply obligation and renewable energy certificate system for the Netherlands.
 

On request of the Belgian company Zero Emissions Solutions we reviewed and complemented their analysis on support mechanisms for renewable energy in the Netherlands, and led the discussions on this topic in an interactive stakeholder debate organised in the framework of the Interreg ECO2PROFIT-project.
 

We provided an in-house training to international experts from various offices of Typhoon Capital. The training focused on renewable energy and climate policy and market developments in Europe, and aimed to support the experts in their role as business developer renewable energy.
 

We supported the client in developing an in-depth understanding of current and upcoming energy and climate change policy in Europe, and in formulating a strategy for a selection of their service portfolio.
 

Selection of news and writing of the quarterly NPSB Information Bulletin from NL Agency. This publication summarizes the Dutch, European and global news related to sustainability of biomass.
 

Review of bioenergy policies papers from Argentina, Brazil, Kenya, Senegal and Thailand.

The first part of this study looks at the sustainability impacts of different private certification schemes in countries with different levels of risk.  The second part of this study aims to get a better understanding in the experiences in the implementation of the European Renewable Energy Directive, and its procedures for the recognition of voluntary schemes, in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.

Feasibility assessment for the production of heat and power from the waste water treatment plants in Lebanon. Work included the preparation of the technical specifications for the preparation of the bidding documents for the most promising selected sites.

Overview of the Peruvian energy sector  and attractiveness for Korean investments. Work included analysis of the Peruvian legal framework, analysis of the mining sector and the opportunities that it creates for the energy sector, state of the art of the renewable energies in Peru, analysis of private power purchase agreeements (PPPs), and electricity price forecast under different scenarios.

Evaluation of project proposals submitted under the Switch Asean Projects for sustainable consumption and production, and energy efficiency in Asian countries.

This project was divided in two phases. The first phase comprehended a full benchmark of national sustainability systems in the EU, considering aspects of CoC, auditability, level of assurance, verification mechanisms, special rules for proving compliance with the sustainability criteria on land and GHG emissions savings. The second phase consisted in the design of the Spanish national sustainability system; special focus was given to the mass balance rules, and the requirements for auditability of the system.

Development of a continental energy and climate change strategy for the African Development Bank . Main elements of this strategy includes energy access to conventional and sustainable energy services in all countries, regional integration and international trade of energy . This work also involved an analysis of the Bank’s procedures to approve loans and monitor projects, and an evaluation of the new financial instruments.

Techno-economic feasibility study for the construction of sustainable farms and medium sized jatropha biodiesel plants in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The study included a market study, sustainability analysis under US and EU sustainability obligations, technology selection, and CDM possibilities analysis.

Position paper regarding the role for gas to play in energy transition. We studied both the demand for gas in the current and future energy system as well as the policy changes needed to secure the production of Dutch gas towards 2030. This was done in collaboration with eRisk Group.

In cooperation with the eRisk Group, we developed an independent analysis of the impact of the introduction of a coal tax on the merit order and CO2 balance (including leakage). This analysis was presented by Eneco and Shell jointly to their stakeholders.

SQ Consult assisted N.V. Nuon with the writing of its yearly report, integrating financial and sustainability reporting. This resulted in a score of A+ from the GRI institute. Accent was put on issues such as new investments, fuel mix and integration with Vattenfall.

SQ Consult, together with Azure International, has won as assignment to help the European Commission support the development of local and regional ETS systems in China by providing information on experiences and lessons learned in the EU ETS regarding monitoring, reporting, verification and accreditation.

On request of the Belgian company Zero Emissions Solutions we reviewed and complemented their analysis on support mechanisms for renewable energy in the Netherlands, and led the discussions on this topic in an interactive stakeholder debate organised in the framework of the Interreg ECO2PROFIT-project.

This project assists NL Agency with the development of factsheets on a selection of promising countries and bioenergy crops. The factsheets provide an overview of the current role of a bioenergy crop or of a country in the stimulation of sustainable biomass for energy, fuel or for biobased materials. Information can be used by the market and other relevant parties to get a first understanding of market opportunities or possibilities for cooperation.

The objective for this project is to develop a transparent uniform method for assessing the environmental performance of energy saving, renewable energy and CO2 emission reduction measures that affect the supply of industrial production processes. A uniform calculation method must ensure that project alternatives for designing the energy infrastructure of an industrial productions site are comparable, and that stakeholders have a good understanding of their own ambition. Special focus in the project is on valuing the energy savings and CO2 emissions of imported and exported energy streams like electricity and (waste)-heat. 

Calculation of the RED (Directive 2009/28/EC) compliant Greenhouse Gas balance for a yet-to-be-built bioethanol facility in Poland.

The Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP) is represented by approx. 45 countries and 22 international organizations– as partners or observers. These include large economies as China, Brazil or the US.  GBEP has developed a set of 24 voluntary indicators for monitoring the sustainability of bioenergy on country level.

The objective of this project is to implement a pilot desk study on measuring the GBEP indicators in the Netherlands to gain insight into the practical applicability of the GBEP indicators in a Dutch context and the feasibility of using the GBEP indicators as monitoring tool.

SQ Consult is part of a consortium led by ICF winning a framework contract to provide the European Commission with support in climate policy evaluation over the next four years - one of only three consortia to qualify for this.       

This project for NL Agency provides a deeper understanding of the differences between voluntary certification systems for biofuels and biomass for other energy purposes; this in terms of their level of assurance, their scope, and their benefits and costs of certification. The outcomes provide all background information on these systems for market parties to be able to choose a specific one. It also provides the needed transparency to market parties and regulators on how to act on these differences.

The following certification systems are evaluated: Bonsucro, ISCC (EU version), NTA8080/81, REDcert (German version), Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB), Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Roundtable on Responsible Soy (RTRS) and 2BSvs.

SQ Consult led the team responsible for the recast of the Energy Service Directive and the CHP Directive. With partners ECN and Cambridge Econometrics we supported the Eureopan Commission, DG Energy in the official mid-term review of the two directives and to analyse potential changes in these directives.

SQ Consult supported the Kazakhstan government in drafting energy efficiency and renewable energy policy and legislation. The advice was based on an assessment of Dutch and international best practices. Topics included energy auditing and reporting, and voluntary agreements. Draft legislation was reviewed by SQ Consult.

The project provides an up-to-date overview of the current status and expectations of the transposition of the EU-RED in the selected national member states being Italy, Spain, France, UK and the Netherlands, and the possible implications for trading of biofuels.

Consensus-building process within a North-West European utility, evaluating the impact of the Electricity and Gas Act on its activities to prepare for feedback to the national Energy Regulator.

Portfolio analysis, analysis of financial instruments and their efficiency in achieving strategic pillars of the energy strategy of a multilateral Bank: Fostering cleaner energies and increasing access to modern energy services.

Elaboration and utilisation of methodological assessments to provide project developers with further guidance on the execution of a comprehensive sustainability evaluation of their projects

Study of the most suitable production methods for the local supply of jatropha oil to a 50kton/year biodiesel plant. The study includes a benchmark of contracting frameworks and financial incentives to local suppliers.

International benchmarking of financial regulatory elements. Identification of the regulatory measures suitable to Colombia via stakeholders consultations.

Support for the successful third periodic verification of the Jaremar CDM project. This CDM project consists on biogas capture from waste water from the processing of African palm. The biogas captured is used for the production of electricity and heat.

This project was divided in two phases. The first phase comprehended a full benchmark of national sustainability systems in the EU, considering aspects of CoC, auditability, level of assurance, verification mechanisms, special rules for proving compliance with the sustainability criteria on land and GHG emissions savings. The second phase consisted in the design of the Spanish national sustainability system; special focus was given to the mass balance rules, and the requirements for auditability of the system.

SQ Consult is, together with DNV, supporting the European Commission in evaluating the NIMS, the National Implementation Measures, which set out the free allocation each Member State allocates to EU ETS participants in Phase III (as of 2013) in line with the EU harmonised allocation rules.

SQ Consult provided expert judgment on whether a certification or vertification system, that has not been accepted yet by other EU member states and / or the European Commission,  complies with the Dutch Assessment Protocol and requirements for approval in the Netherlands.

Presentation and advice to the international experts and strategy group of a large European utility contributing to their elaboration of ideas for a roadmap towards a successful certification label and in the analysis including how this will could affect the group's integral bioenergy business strategy

Evaluation of the technical and economic  feasibility of renewable energy, energy efficiency and governance development concept notes projects presented to the second EU Energy Facility for the ACP region (African and Caribbean Countries, and Pacific Islands States). Projects aimed at improving affordable energy access and fighting poverty in rural and peri-urban areas. A total of eighty concept notes projects were evaluated in three continents.

Developing a National Bioenergy Strategy for Lebanon, which includes a sustainable bioenergy chains potential assessment (2030 horizon) and an impact assessment on regional level based on 2 sustainability levels under different bioenergy business scenarios. Work included barriers analysis and financial analysis of the implementation of several technical conversion options.

Supervision of the analysis performed by different international experts assigned to the project. Setting up a database of national energy resources and costs of potential projects. Organisation of programmatic activities between the Peruvian regulatory body and their peers in Spain and Germany.

Capacity assessment of the four regional African Power Pools (WAPP, EAPP, CAPP, SAPP) and the continental African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR). Formulation of the EU technical assistance for the promotion of sustainable energy production and the strengthening of regional trade markets and power integration.

SQ Consult supported a Dutch player in the energy sector to enhance its understanding on the current debate on proposed changes in the Dutch regulatory framework for renewable energy support. Ad-hoc support was provided to analyse impact of various proposals, organise internal brainstorm sessions and determining position in the debate.

SQ Consult was asked to make an inventory on current plans and activities for municipality-led initiatives to set up sustainable energy companies in the Netherlands. The work supported the client’s strategic positioning in this area. The work includes an internal brainstorm session at their headquarters, in-house and external interviews and a SWOT analysis for the client on risks and opportunities in this area.

Guideline on legal requirements best fitting the client’s business model for its ambitions in France.

Short position paper using the inspiration of the US renewables market and the level of integration of regional power pools to draw tentative solutions for the use of cooperation mechanisms of the RES Directive between EU Member States.

Analyzing the growth of the biomass market in the Netherlands with associated impact on the merit order  in order to understand how the Dutch renewable ambitions could form a basis for the business case of large scale electricity storage.

The objective of this project was recognizing the opportunities to use biogas technology in dairy farms in Gipuzkoa as energy and environmental solution. If favorable, promote and facilitate its implementation, now or in the coming future.

International best case examples of how to overcome the barriers in the implementation of Renewable Energies in the Basque Region. 9 international cases were studied.

With support of the current local administration, SQ Consult designed a full new energy supply for the small rural town: Beizama. Solid biomass (pellet for heating) were considered along with biogas from farms, geothermal, wind and solar energy. The result does not only yield techno- economical results, but also dives into  social acceptance, the management and local authority position, investment attractiveness, etc.

Knowledge development on renewable energies in the Basque Country for building an opinion about future Regional Energy Plan. The project includes among others: identification of potentials 2020 - 2050, technology and cost outlook, barrier analysis and analysis of learning curves. Several scenarios and solutions developed for decision makers.

SQ Consult advises the Regional Government of Gipuzkoa on the development of a Sustainable Energy Plan for the province, including the diagnosis and development of the first actions for 2015 – 2020. In this  stage SQ develops 1) the Energy diagnosis of the province 2) the Renewable energy and energy efficiency potentials (including SWOT analysis and socio-economical impacts of them) and 3) sets the first actions included in the future Sustainable Energy Plan of Gipuzkoa.

Advice on the potential impact of national and EU policies with respect to energy savings and self-delivery. Interviews with management, writing of position papers and knowledge sharing through workshops.

In 2010 SQ Consult supported IIP in the evaluation of industrial energy efficiency and GHG emission reduction policies of 6 countries. Countries include the Netherlands, UK, US, Japan, China and India. The project uses the “policy pyramid” framework to assess the completeness and the consistency of a country’s policy package; and to identify best practice policies to further the sharing of best practices and lessons learned across countries. In 2011 we started supporting IIP with analyzing the policies for 6 additional countries: Australia, Canada, South-Africa, Germany, Thailand and Russia. IIP is part of the ClimateWorks Foundation.

Azure, Shandong Energy Conservation Office (SECO), the Chinese Energy Research Institute (ERI) and LBNL are working on a sectoral mechanism for reducing GHG emissions from the cement sector in Shandong Province in China, including research on possibilities for crediting and trading of GHG emission reductions. SQ Consult provides support on allocation and MRV mechanisms that are applied internationally to similar sector-wide industrial energy efficiency and emissions trading programs, including the EU ETS.

Support to WWF European Policy office in the development of a second generation Climate Savers Agreement with a large industrial company for greenhouse gas target setting beyond 2010. Work includes analysis of current performance compared to competitors, assessment of proposals and strategic advice on type and level of targets and broader performance indicators related to sustainable construction and climate change policy positions.

For a real estate investment company SQ Consult identified upcoming climate change policies and the likely risks and opportunities for their portfolio.

Project/process management as well as stakeholder management for a large industrial company applying for NER 300 subsidy. Project/process management for a team of internal and external consultants as well as partners involved, stakeholder management on governmental level, writing part of the documents, overall quality control of documents and ensuring timely and correct handover of necessary documents.

On request of UNDP SQ Consult prepared the project fiche for an €8 million project under the EU-UNDP climate change programme. This specific project will support developing countries in their identification of mitigation project and will provide a capacity building program for MRV, NAMAs and LEDS. Moreover it will provide a training facility to support the private sector in selected developing countries in increasing its access to the international carbon market.

Support during the validation and registration of a CDM project for biogas recovery project, with production of heat and electricity generation from effluents ponds at a palm oil mill in Honduras. Review and update of the Project Design Document, the project calculations and the support documentation was done based on the requests of the Designated Operational Entity and the UNFCCC Secretariat.