Energy Attributed Certificates (EACs)

Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) provide a prompt and convenient solution to meet the demand for renewable energy. These systems of certification ensure the reliability and transparency of renewable electricity generation.

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Energy Attribute Certificate (EAC) is a market-based instrument representing renewable energy attributes generated from renewable sources.

EAC plays a significant role in verifying and tracking the green attributes of energy production, enabling businesses and individuals to support and claim the use of renewable energy even if it is not directly connected to renewable power sources. Also, EACs play a crucial role in meeting the prerequisites of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and enhancing corporate sustainability evaluations, aligning with the goals of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and RE100 objectives.

Global Trading Systems Map

As of August 2023

EAC option by region

Depending on geographic region and regulatory frameworks, EACs are known by various names. Our market proficiency and extensive partner network have enabled us to broaden our global product selection. This encompasses offerings like the International Renewable Energy Certificate (I-REC), United States Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), European Guarantees of Origin (GOs), and other National EACs such as Taiwan T-REC, China GEC, Japan GEC, and Australia LGC. Mt.Stonegate also offer EACs with EKOenergy and Green-e labels.

International Renewable Energy Certificate

The International Renewable Energy Certificate (I-REC) is a universally accepted EAC offering businesses and entities the opportunity to acquire EACs even in regions lacking regulated national renewable electricity systems.

All I-REC operations are overseen by the International Tracking Standard Foundation (I-TRACK Standard). This nonprofit organization oversees all I-REC operations, ensuring global transparency, uniformity, and credibility in tracking and certifying renewable energy. While the I-TRACK Standard doesn't partake in EAC trading itself, it facilitates trade between various stakeholders, including national governments and industry players. Mt. Stonegate’s managing director is distinguished as a founding member and a board member of the I-REC Standard.

As of November 2023

Purpose

Provide energy attribute tracking for voluntary purposes.

Regulatory

Framework

I-REC does not have a centralized regulatory body and is administered by local certification bodies in each participating country.
These bodies must adhere to common principles and guidelines to ensure consistency in issuing and tracking I-REC, which differs across countries.
Consume I-RECs from the country where consumption occurs.

Use

I-REC can be used to demonstrate eligible renewable energy consumption towards RE100 goals and SBTi targets.
CDP's climate change questionnaire allows companies to report renewable energy procurement through I-REC.

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Guarantees of Origin

EAC is known as Guarantees of Origin (GO/GOs) in Europe, all in a voluntary market. European Union (EU) approved a revised version of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED2) in 2018, declaring GOs as the sole instrument for renewable electricity claims and extending the scope to all renewable energy sources claims such as gas (including hydrogen) and heating and cooling. All the GOs operations, including the facilitation of cross-border transfers, are overseen by the European Energy Certificate System (EECS) and guided by the Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB).

As of November 2023

Purpose

Verify the renewable origin of electricity.

Regulatory

Framework

GOs are regulated by the EU directive, which requires all countries to have a GO registry.
GOs can be traded across national borders to other countries with grid connections.

Use

GOs can be used to demonstrate eligible renewable energy consumption towards RE100 goals and SBTi targets.
CDP's climate change questionnaire allows companies to report renewable energy procurement through GOs.

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Renewable Energy Certificate

Min

Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) is the primary EAC used for voluntary and compliance reporting in the United States and Canada. Within the United States, REC schemes are overseen at both federal and state levels, wherein retail electricity suppliers are mandated to ensure that a given portion of the energy they provide comes from renewable sources, following the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) guidelines. Currently, 10 registries across the region issue and retire certificates, ensuring transparency and preventing double counting.

As of November 2023

Purpose

Provide attribute tracking for both compliance and voluntary markets.

Regulatory

Framework

Decentralized at the state level, which can vary significantly from one state to another.
RECs can bought across the 10 regional electronic RECs tracking systems.

Use

REC can be used to demonstrate eligible renewable energy consumption towards RE100 goals and SBTi targets.
CDP's climate change questionnaire allows companies to report renewable energy procurement through I-REC.

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National EACs

EACs are an emerging market, with certain countries introducing their own domestic EAC programs that operate alongside the International Renewable Energy Certificate (I-REC) system. RE100, SBTi and CDP recognized the following national schemes:

China Green Electricity Certificate (GEC)

Launch in 2017, which is designed and maintained by the China Renewable Energy Engineering Institute (CREEI).

Taiwan Renewable Energy Certificate (T-REC)

National Renewable Energy Certification Center launched in 2017 to issue T-REC. It is established by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology, and Inspection (BSMI).

Japan J-Credits, Green Energy Certificate (GEC), & Non-Fossil Certificate (NFC)

J-Credits

In 2013, Japan J-credits integrated two schemes into one: The domestic credit scheme (or Japan's Domestic CDM), which is developed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and the other is the J-VER Scheme developed by the Ministry of Environment (MOE).

Green Energy Certficate (GEC)

Established in 2000 by Japan Natural Energy. Currently, the Japan Quality Assurance Organization (JQA) oversees the guidelines and certification.

Non-Fossil Certificate (NFC)

Launched in 2018 by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE), it has enabled the purchase of Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) supported renewable electricity.

Australia Large-Scale Generation Certificate (LGC)

The Australian Government introduced LGC under the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET), and Australia's Clean Energy Regulator handles the LGC program.

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Impactful Procurement Ecolabels

Mt. Stonegate also offers additional voluntary labels, such as EKOenergy and Green-e, associated with our EACs, providing our clients with further information about the environmental impact of their energy consumption. These labels serve to enhance the legitimacy of the claims made by our EACs.

EKOenergy®

EKOenergy® global ecolabel covered renewable energy sources like electricity, gas, heat, and cold and was initiated by the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation in 2013. It operates in collaboration with various environmental NGOs. It can be combined with diverse sourcing methods, including green tariffs, Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), EACs, and on-site installations.

Also, EKOenergy® generates funds for new renewable energy projects in developing countries. It is now available in more than 70 countries.

Green-e®

The Green-e® ecolabel certifies a wide range of renewable energy and carbon offset products, including electricity, renewable natural gas, and carbon offsets, primarily focusing on North American markets. It was established in 1997 by the Center for Resource Solutions based in California, United States.

Green-e® is recommended or required in leading environmental standards like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), The Climate Registry (TCR), B Corporation, Cradle to Cradle, Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council, and others.

One Label. Six goals

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How can Mt. Stonegate help you:

Market Expertise

Mt. Stonegate proposes suitable solutions based on our near to long-term insights into the renewable energy market and provides you with the latest market trends, industry regulations, and emerging opportunities. Whether you want to venture into renewable energy, expand your existing presence, or seek growth opportunities, Mt. Stonegate's market expertise can lead you to a better future.

Tailor-made Solutions

Mt. Stonegate specializes in creating tailor-made solutions that align with your specific challenges and goals. We guarantee both effective and efficient renewable solutions that can be modified for a single delivery or multiple deliveries.

Multinational Solutions

Mt. Stonegate offers diverse energy attribute certificate standards from all around the world. With years of experience, we partnered with project owners, off-takers, and businesses around the globe to offer competitive solutions and simplify multinational procurement of renewable energy.

One-stop Services

Mt. Stonegate provides a one-stop service that includes strategic sustainability consultancy, global sourcing of EACs, and carbon assets management.

Further information tailored to your needs, please contact us.

Energy Attributed Certificates (EACs)

Global Trading Systems Map

EAC option by region

International Renewable Energy Certificate

How can Mt. Stonegate help you:

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