Kyoto Protocol

Under the Kyoto Protocol, countries could fulfil some of their commitments through initiatives in other countries. For this purpose, two forms of collaboration emerged: the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI). CDM allows for developed nations to support projects in developing countries that generate emission reductions. These reductions could then be purchased and used to fulfil national commitments for the developed country. JI works in a similar manner but was used when both parties had national commitments.

The Swedish Energy Agency established Sweden's program for international climate initiatives in 2002, to support CDM and JI projects in other countries whilst contributing to Sweden’s mitigation targets under the Kyoto Protocol.

Emissions reductions from 2002-2025

From 2002, Sweden financed individual energy projects in developing countries with SEK 956 million. In addition, Sweden financed funds and programs that focused on developing and implementing climate and energy projects in developing countries with SEK 899 million. The projects are expected to achieve emission reductions corresponding to 34,5 million tonnes of verified CO2, from 2002-2025.

Half of the emission reduction units origin from renewable energy projects, such as wind, water and solar energy. About a quarter comes from energy efficiency projects, and the remaining quarter comes from projects relating to biogas production and reducing greenhouse gas leakage from landfills.

Collaborations under the Kyoto Protocol are currently being phased out, while new activities see the light of day under the Paris Agreement.