UNFCCC opens consultation on clear cookstove methodology – implications for the biogas sector

 

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has opened a public consultation, closing July 6, on a proposed methodology to support the use of improved cookstoves in cutting carbon emissions and air pollution. The methodology, known as CLEAR (Comprehensive Lowered Emission Assessment and Reporting), has been developed under the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM, Article 6.4) – a framework that allows countries and projects to earn carbon credits for verified emission reductions. 

CLEAR has been submitted by the Clean Cooking and Climate Consortium (4C), led by the Clean Cooking Alliance, and is currently under review by the UNFCCC’s Methodologies Expert Panel, ahead of its next meeting on 7–11 July. 

What’s new about the CLEAR methodology? 

The CLEAR methodology details how carbon reductions from clean cooking projects – including those using biogas stoves and biodigesters – are measured and reported. Key features include: 

• Stricter measurement standards
  CLEAR emphasises robust monitoring and introduces mandatory metered data collection for applicable projects. Where metering is not feasible, it outlines strict fallback protocols. 

• Updated baselines and additionality tests
  Baselines are the starting point for calculating carbon savings (i.e. what emissions would be without the project). The revised CLEAR methodology incorporates the latest sectoral data and includes new guidance on conservative baseline-setting, leakage mitigation, and additionality. 

• Dual applicability
  CLEAR supports both metered and non-metered clean cooking technologies, making it relevant to a wide range of biogas cookstove initiatives. 

Why it matters for biogas projects 

For the biogas industry – particularly for biodigester and biogas cookstove programs – the CLEAR methodology represents a potential shift in eligibility and credit generation: 

• Opportunity for credibility and access to carbon finance
  Projects that align with CLEAR standards may gain improved access to carbon markets and recognition under PACM, enhancing funding opportunities. 

• More rigorous monitoring expectations
  Implementers will need to invest in data systems and robust methodologies to comply with the new guardrails, potentially increasing short-term operational costs. 

• Carbon credit alignment across standards
  CLEAR is being reviewed not only by the UNFCCC, but also by other major carbon standards such as Verra and the Gold Standard. If accepted across these bodies, it could streamline compliance and lower administrative burdens for projects operating under multiple schemes. 

Next steps for the consultation process 

To ensure the methodology works well for biogas cookstove projects, the following actions are recommended:  

• Engage in the consultation
  Stakeholders – especially project developers and country representatives – should provide feedback to make sure the CLEAR methodology reflects real-world challenges, such as fluctuating fuel quality and access issues in rural areas. 

• Submit comments by 6 July
  Feedback can be sent to: A6.4mechanism-meth@unfccc.int  

• Track outcomes after the 7–11 July panel meeting
  Keep an eye on decisions made by the Article 6.4 Supervisory Body, which will determine whether CLEAR is approved and how it can be used moving forward. 

• Invest in monitoring and capacity-building
  Governments, climate funds and donors can help build the technical capacity needed to meet the new requirements – including training and support for implementing monitoring systems.  

• Start aligning national MRV systems
  Countries planning to trade or authorise international carbon credits (known as Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes or ITMOs) should begin aligning their Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems with methodologies like CLEAR to stay eligible.  

Learn more at the World Biogas Summit 2025 

To learn more about the role of biogas in clean cooking, join us at the World Biogas Summit 2025, taking place on 9–10 July. The session Biogas for Clean Cooking (16:35–17:30, Day 1) will explore how biogas is being scaled to reduce indoor air pollution, cut greenhouse gas emissions, empower women, and save lives. The discussion will also highlight how clean cooking solutions contribute to sustainable waste management and deliver agricultural co-benefits such as organic fertiliser and improved soil health.