Written By: Albert SUTANTO
Verified By: George KIONGSON
Image by user6702303 on Freepik
In recent years, China has increasingly focused on strengthening the supervision and management of its green energy certificate market. This focus culminated with the release of the official "Renewable Energy Green Power Certificate Issuance and Trading Rules" on September 5, 2024. These rules mark a significant shift in the way green certificates, or "绿证," are issued and traded in China. The most notable development is the allowance for authorized agencies to participate in the issuance and trading process, expanding market activity. Additionally, the rules extend the validity of certificates for electricity generated before January 1, 2024, through to the end of 2025, which is expected to stimulate market participation further.
However, these regulatory changes have also resulted in significant impacts on international players in the market, particularly the I-REC Foundation. On September 13, 2024, the I-REC Foundation, which has been the primary international standard for issuing renewable energy certificates in many countries, announced its official withdrawal from the Chinese market. This withdrawal means that no new power generation facilities in China will be allowed to register as I-REC projects moving forward. Existing projects can only issue certificates for energy generated during the 2024 calendar year, and all issuances must be completed by March 31, 2025.
The exit of I-REC from China has raised concerns among international companies, especially those aligned with initiatives such as RE100, which require businesses to commit to sourcing 100% of their energy from renewable sources. The question now arises: when will RE100 fully recognize China’s green certificate system? Historically, there have been issues with the potential for double counting and the validity of Chinese green certificates in international sustainability commitments. RE100 has advised its members to exercise caution when using Chinese certificates due to these potential complications.
Adding to the complexity, on September 11, 2024, the National Energy Administration and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment issued a joint notice aimed at aligning China's green certificates with the voluntary carbon market (CCER). The new policy clarifies that entities cannot apply for both CCER and green certificates for the same project, effectively eliminating the risk of double-counting environmental benefits. The notice, which goes into effect on October 1, 2024, allows project owners, particularly in the offshore wind and solar thermal sectors, to choose between applying for green certificates or CCER but prohibits participation in both systems simultaneously.
This policy aims to enhance transparency and resolve lingering concerns about double counting, which could pave the way for full recognition of Chinese green certificates by RE100 and other global sustainability standards. The cooperation between the two regulatory bodies is expected to streamline the market and build trust among international observers, potentially increasing the credibility and acceptance of Chinese green certificates in global energy and sustainability commitments.
The exit of I-REC from China represents a major shift for both domestic and international stakeholders in the renewable energy sector. Multinational corporations that have relied on I-REC for compliance with their renewable energy sourcing commitments will now need to adapt to China’s evolving green certificate market and monitor further developments to ensure that their energy sourcing strategies align with both local regulations and international standards.
As China continues to refine its renewable energy policies, companies will need to stay informed about changes in the green certificate market, particularly in how these developments impact global sustainability initiatives like RE100. With I-REC’s departure, China’s green certificates may become the dominant mechanism for demonstrating renewable energy use in the country, but the road to full international recognition is still being paved. At Mt. Stonegate, we deliver tailored solutions to help companies achieve their renewable energy ambitions while safeguarding long-term business success. Enhance your clean energy strategy with our expertise in Southeast Asia and China. Reach out today to discover how we can support your renewable energy journey in these dynamic markets.
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