The Argentine Garbage Boom: Two Successful Cases of Technology Transfer in the Clean Development Mechanism

Abstract

Technology Transfer,The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is the world’s most extensive carbon market. It was constructed as part of the Kyoto Protocol to help lower greenhouse gas emissions while stimulating developing nations, partly through the transfer of ‘green’ technology. This study measures the technology transfer achieved in Argentina during its participation in the CDM and identifies two successful cases of technology transfer in the landfill gas sector. The decomposition of urban solid waste produces methane and creates socioeconomic and environmental problems that are widely acknowledged but often ignored in Argentina. Twelve projects applied to the CDM from Argentina seeking to generate income from the sale of the MDL carbon credits (ERC) generated by the use and elimination of gas in landfills. Each of the 12 landfill projects claimed to stimulate TT. Only two TT cases can be considered successful, representing two different strategies for stimulating sustainable development and renewable energy. Analyzing these cases will enable any developing nation to learn and improve its future participation in international carbon markets.