Methodology
Generic Requirements - This is a methodology note, projects are certified under Riverse Standard Rules V6.1.
Overall Available Credits
352
tCO₂eq
Overall forecasted delivery
3796
tCO₂eq
Most used mechanism
Avoidance
Last Update
using this methodology
3
Projects
Battery production relies on critical materials like lithium and cobalt, which pose environmental risks. In the EU, recycling rates are low, and EV battery emissions could reach 8.1 GtCO₂eq by 2050 with growing demand. Secondary-life batteries reduce emissions by using reused materials and less energy-intensive manufacturing. Refurbishing restores used batteries through cleaning, repair, and testing, but challenges remain, including high costs and consumer trust.
Battery Refurbishing and Regeneration
Projects eligible under this methodology are the activities that carry out the technical aspects of refurbishment or regeneration of batteries. Activities that only collect used batteries (e.g. buyback schemes), serve as marketplaces for refurbishers or only recycles batteries are not eligible projects. Batteries eligible under this methodology include:
This methodology distinguishes between two types of processes:
Both refurbishing and regeneration activities are eligible for Riverse Carbon Credits (RCCs) under this methodology. The refurbished or regenerated batteries can be portable, automotive, or industrial.
This methodology distinguishes between three types of battery chemistry:
Project and baseline scenario for the battery refurbishing and regeneration methodology note.
The methodology quantifies carbon removals and GHG emissions avoided compared to baseline scenarios using the ISO 14064-2 standard. In this methodology, all projects must submit detailed life cycle assessments (LCAs) to quantify emissions accurately.
Battery second-life projects are multifunctional so the functional unit is twofold:
System Boundary
The baseline and project scenarios consist of two main functions: waste treatment of the battery after its first life and provisioning of a new battery. The baseline scenario considers the average market shares of waste battery treatment in the project's country, while the project scenario considers the project's data.
The baseline scenario is broken down into three life cycle stages:
The project scenario is broken down into two life cycle stages:
An average comparison of baseline and project scenario is presented in Figure 1, which rates vary according to the country and battery chemistry.
Because the carbon credits are of the type “avoidance” and not “removal” and issuance is done ex-post. The sequestration horizon for permanence does not need to be considered.
To demonstrate additionality, all projects must apply the regulatory surplus analysis, plus either investment or barrier analysis.
These may be financial, institutional, or technological barriers. Project Developers must demonstrate how revenue from carbon finance is necessary to allow projects to overcome these barriers. Examples of barriers include but are not limited to:
Projects must not cause substantial environmental and social damage. Environmental and social risks are managed through:
The environmental and social risks assessed for batteries refurbishing and regeneration are:
Carbon leakage refers to the displacement of project activities from the project scope to areas outside the project scope, resulting in an indirect transfer of GHG emissions rather than the absolute avoidance/removal of emissions. Types of carbon leakage that must be considered for RCC issuance include:
Key Impact Indicators (KII) are measured by the Project Developer and uploaded to the Impact Certification Platform at least once per year.
KIIs and their sources are reported in the Monitoring Report that is audited by an accredited VVB.
Credits are issued ex-post, with the status “verified” on the Riverse Registry, according to the actual project outcomes.
RCCs are on the Riverse Registry and can be transacted or retired.
We adhere to the ISO14064-2 standard to accurately quantify GHG emissions reductions and sequestration. Our approach ensures that all calculations are transparent, consistent, and reliable.
Every project undergoes rigorous validation and recurring verification/monitoring audits by accredited Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs). This process guarantees the credibility and accuracy of our projects' emissions reductions.
Overall Available Credits
352
tCO₂eq
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All projects must comply with the following eligibility criteria: Measurability, Reality, Additionality, Permanence (not applicable here, avoidance credits), No Double Counting, Co-benefits, Substitution, Environmental and Social Do No Harm, Leakage, Technology Readiness level, Target Alignments, and Minimum Impact.
Version management is handled through a system that ensures consistency and traceability of changes.
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