Guarantees of Origin (GoOs) or RECS certificates are handled
through an
electronic certificate system (European Energy Certificate System)
based
on EU renewable-energy directives issued from 2002 to 2009. Its
main objective is to increase the use of energy from renewable
sources, as a direct measure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
comply with the Kyoto Protocol.
Each Guarantees of Origin is 1 MWh or 1000 KWh and is issued with
a unique number that is registered in a central database. To
stimulate demand, the market for GoO is independent of the physical
electricity market.
The overall goal of the system is to stimulate investment in and
production
of new renewable energy and to enable consumers to make
well-founded
decisions when choosing source of energy and electricity
suppliers.
Socially responsible energy customers who wish to reduce
greenhouse-gas emissions can contribute by purchasing electricity
from renewable energy sources.
Guarantees of Origin document exactly where the energy is
produced, and whether it comes from hydroelectric, solar, wind or
biofuel sources. The Guarantees of Origin can be used in
organisations' emissions accounting.
ECOHZ ensures and documents that an equivalent amount of
renewable energy is supplied to the grid as is consumed by the
customer.
Choosing renewable energy supports increased investment in new
renewable energy production. This is a measure that is both
beneficial for the environment and, over time, financially
beneficial for organisations and private individuals.