One of the core founding ideas of Point Carbon was combining the insight in policy processes with market modeling. Experts in Point Carbon Advisory Services and Perspectives have followed climate negotiations and –policy since the early 90s, and are still active following the political processes closely. This positions Point Carbon to be able to provide solid analysis of ongoing policy changes and –processes, both on an international and national level.

Our services in this field comprise everything from policy tracking to interpretation, impact assessment and scenario analysis. We have been, and are, working with both governments and companies to support decision processes. As analysts we take part as information providers, and do not take active part in negotiations or decisions.

In terms of more concrete projects, we have been investigating sectoral mechanisms, conducted assessments of the EU 20/20/20 targets, reduction potentials from REDD, and policy development and political acceptance of GIS schemes, to mention some areas. We have also been analyzing the various US climate bills to assess how this scheme will impact the carbon world.

We combine our insight in policy processes with our carbon and energy models, allowing us to deliver scenario analysis investigating likely evolution of carbon markets towards 2020.

Options to improve existing and to create new carbon market mechanisms in a post 2012 climate regime

In this project, we first mapped out the existing proposals for the various sector-based mechanisms and NAMAs that were proposed in the process towards Copenhagen. These proposals were then assessed in terms of how they might work and be implemented in a selection of the most significant sectors in 8 non-annex-1 countries. Finally, the project looked into the likely level of emissions reductions these might bring to the market. The project was commissioned by a European government.

Assessment of REDD potentials

The project consisted of assessing the level of reductions/removals obtainable by introducing a 3-step REDD scheme to 2020 by joint efforts between US (Waxman-Markey) and Europe. A deforestation model with opportunity cost and phase-in was established to help analyse the financial requirements needed. Project was commissioned by a European government.

Assessment of sector approaches for Non-Annex 1 countries

The project consisted of assessing how sector approaches could work in a post-2012 climate regime. First, the different types of sectoral approaches were analysed. Then, selected countries were analysed to assess appropriateness of the various sector approaches. Finally, reduction volumes to 2020 were assessed. Project was commissioned by a European government.

Greening Europe multi-client study

The project consisted of a study examining the European carbon market and carbon and energy policy towards 2020. The study provides CO2 and power prices and describes the interaction between GHG reduction, renewable deployment and energy efficiency policy in Europe. The project was done as a multi-client study. This multi-client was conducted for various European clients.

IET and GIS legal status in Latvia, Ukraine and Russia

Report on policy developments and legal background of IET in the three countries. The work included detailed explanations of legal status and institutional infrastructure for AAU trading. Project was commissioned by a government body.

Mapping of climate change policies in key countries

Quarterly reports on domestic climate change policies at national and regional level in USA, Canada, Australia, EU main countries, Russia, Ukraine and key CDM countries. Project was commissioned by the Government of Japan.

Clean energy investment analysis in the former Soviet Union

Analysis for clean energy policies and potential, clean energy project case studies in Ukraine and Kazakhstan. Project was commissioned by a Canadian non-profit organisation.