The ACCU Scheme (formerly known as the Emissions Reduction Fund) provides incentives for emissions reduction activities across the Australian economy.
There are 4 steps to participate in the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme.
Four steps to participate in the ACCU Scheme
Step 1 – Apply
You can participate in the ACCU Scheme as individuals, sole traders, companies, local, state and territory government bodies and trusts.
To participate you will need to:
- apply to become an ACCU Scheme participant
- register your project to receive ACCUs.
If you are unsure of your eligibility to participate in the ACCU Scheme, use the
interactive questionnaire to find out if your project meets the scheme’s requirements.
Step 2 – Contracts and auctions
Responsibility for Australian Government purchasing of ACCUs
As part of the
implementation of the Independent Review of ACCUs, the Australian Government will consult with stakeholders on the purpose and role of the Australian Government purchasing of ACCUs. This will help inform who is the best-placed entity to host the ACCU purchasing function (recommendation 3.3). Read more about the
Independent Review of ACCUs on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s website.
ACCU Scheme participants with a registered project may bid for a contract to sell their ACCUs to the Clean Energy Regulator (CER). The CER will run auctions to select bidders according to price.
More information on Step 2 – Contracts and auctions
Step 3 – Reporting and auditing
To receive ACCUs you will need to submit reports on your registered projects, including reporting on your emissions reductions. You will also need to have your project audited on a regular schedule.
More information on Step 3 – Reporting and auditing
Step 4 – Contract management, delivery and payment
Participants who have a contract with the CER will deliver ACCUs according to the schedule in their contract, and will then be paid at the price bid at auction and set out in the contract.
More information on Step 4 – Contract management, delivery and payment
To check if your project may be eligible under the ACCU Scheme, see the scheme’s
overview schematic, or the
interactive questionnaire.