Friederike Allolio, LL.M

This study examines key issues associated with the regulatory framework for the development of a hydrogen import from Australia to Germany via liquefied hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and liquid organic hydrogen carriers. It analyses the legal feasibility of the import with a focus on substance-related barriers.

After extensive negotiations, delegates at COP26 in Glasgow finally completed the rulebook for Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which establishes the rules for the operationalisation of international carbon market mechanisms. The details of the rulebook had remained unresolved since 2015, despite numerous rounds of negotiation.

This policy brief outlines the key outcomes and implications of COP26 negotiations for Art. 6 PA, and discusses potential consequences for the voluntary carbon market as well as REDD+.

Art. 6 of th Paris Agreement (PA) provides for various voluntary options for Parties to jointly implement their nationally determined contributions (NDCs).

The negotiations on Art. 6 PA, especially regarding the market-based provisions of Art. 6.2 PA and Art. 6.4 PA, are still highly contentious. So far, Parties have been unable to reach an agreement on several political and technical issues.

However, countries will not be the only stakeholders potentially participating in international carbon markets: Article 6.4 PA explicitly acknowledges the need to incentivise and facilitate the participation of private entities in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). This policy paper provides recommendations on how the rulebook for Art. 6.4 PA can be designed to best enable private sector engagement without putting environmental integrity at risk.