| Code | VMR0017 |
|---|---|
| Name | Grid-connected electricity generation from renewable sources (ACM0002 Revision) |
| Current version | VMR0017 v1.0, active since 23 April 2026; mandatory for new registrations from 1 January 2027 |
| CCP (ICVCM) | VMR0017 v1.0 approved by the ICVCM on 30 April 2026, with conditions on the baseline and additionality tools (VT0008, VT0009) and a CCP checklist at verification. The earlier CDM ACM0002 (versions 1 to 21 under VCS) was found not to meet the CCPs on 30 July 2024. Decision |
| Official page | Verra |
| Verified on | 12 October 2026 |
What it is
VMR0017 is Verra’s revision of the CDM methodology ACM0002. It covers solar PV, wind, geothermal, hydro, wave and tidal, with or without battery storage, counts embodied emissions as leakage and replaces CDM tools with Verra tools VT0008 to VT0011.
ACM0002 and AMS-I.D stop being standalone VCS methodologies on 1 January 2027. From then, new registrations must use VMR0017 and registered projects move to it at their next crediting period renewal.
Version and status
- VMR0017 v1.0 active since 23 April 2026. Its consultation ran from 26 June to 28 July 2025.
- ACM0002 can be used in the VCS until 31 December 2026, but only within the eligibility rules of the VCS Standard, which since 2019 have limited grid renewables mainly to least developed countries (per Verra).
- For VCS Version 5 projects that rely only on the new non-LDC eligibility, the registration deadline is the earlier of four years after the crediting period starts or 23 April 2028.
CCP status
VMR0017 v1.0 approved by the ICVCM on 30 April 2026, with conditions on the baseline and additionality tools (VT0008, VT0009) and a CCP checklist at verification. The earlier CDM ACM0002 (versions 1 to 21 under VCS) was found not to meet the CCPs on 30 July 2024. Source: ICVCM decision.
CORSIA status
ICAO's April 2026 document excludes credits from grid-connected renewable generation above 15 MW in the 2024-2026 and 2027-2029 phases. That cap applies to ACM0002 and VMR0017 projects alike. Source: ICAO, CORSIA Eligible Emissions Units (April 2026).
Why it matters for Brazil
- VMR0017’s eligibility table opens wind, solar PV and geothermal of any capacity to low, lower-middle and upper-middle income countries. Hydro stays limited to 15 MW or less and to least developed countries.
- The World Bank’s current classification lists Brazil as upper-middle income (World Bank). So Brazilian wind and solar fall within VMR0017’s geographic scope, while Brazilian hydro does not. Projects must still pass additionality.
- Most utility-scale Brazilian wind and solar parks are larger than 15 MW, so their credits would not be CORSIA-eligible under the April 2026 ICAO rules.
FAQ
Does VMR0017 reopen Verra to Brazilian wind and solar?
On geography, yes: wind, solar PV and geothermal are eligible in upper-middle income countries, and the World Bank classifies Brazil as one. Projects must still prove additionality, and hydro stays limited to least developed countries.
Can a Brazilian wind farm still register under ACM0002 with Verra?
Generally no. Until 31 December 2026 ACM0002 is limited by the VCS eligibility rules (mainly least developed countries), and from 1 January 2027 the route is VMR0017.
Are grid renewable credits CORSIA-eligible?
Not above 15 MW. ICAO excludes grid-connected renewables above that size in 2024-2029.
Sources
- Verra, VMR0017 v1.0 page
- Verra, ACM0002 page
- ICVCM, VMR0017 decision
- ICVCM, ACM0002 decision (does not meet)
- World Bank, country income classification
- ICAO, CORSIA Eligible Emissions Units, April 2026
Editorial summary in our own words, checked on 12 October 2026. The binding text is the methodology document published by Verra; we do not reproduce Verra tables or text. This is not investment or legal advice. Spotted an error? See our Editorial Policy and Corrections log.