This paper aims to enhance the understanding of the concept of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). It discusses the technical and policy-related aspects of preparing, consulting, and communicating these contributions. It focuses on the question of what a contribution could include, and how this content can be determined.

The paper predicts that advanced countries, including all current Annex I countries, can be expected to focus their INDCs on precisely defined, economy wide, multi-year targets until 2025 and/or 2030, as well as the source, use and value of intended support. Other countries could concentrate on national energy efficiency or renewable targets, climate related governance structures and highlight policies and projects with their intended impacts. Countries with low capabilities could provide a selection of a few, yet ambitious policies and/or projects in their INDCs.