Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs)  

 

In the grid, renewable electricity is mixed with nuclear and fossil power. Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) allow businesses to track the origin of electricity, prove the consumption of renewables, and meet clean energy targets. 

How EACs work

When green power plants generate a unit of electricity – typically 1 MWh – and inject it into the grid, an EAC is issued. The certificate contains information like the production date, location, and technology. Consumers can then buy the certificate to claim unique ownership of the environmental benefits of renewable electricity, reducing their carbon footprint. 

Why should companies buy EACs?

EACs document that your business consumes electricity from renewable sources. They allow you to reduce your environmental impact in a way that fits your business strategy and to support clean energy without the need to change your physical power provider. 

Moreover, EACs are the primary tool to comply with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and improve corporate sustainability ratings in line with the Science Based Targets initiative and RE100 goals. 

Types of EACs

Based on geographic location, there are several kinds of EACs. Each category is bound by a combination of national borders, trade agreements, or grid connections.   


Map September 2022 with legend

 

Guarantees of Origin (GOs) in Europe

The Guarantees of Origin (GOs) system is purely voluntary and is used by businesses, public institutions, and households. The EU Renewable Energy Directive (REDIIrequires electricity suppliers and consumers to use Guarantees of Origin to document and report renewable electricity claims in Europe.  

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) in North America

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are issued in the United States and Canada. In the US, RECs are used both for compliance reporting and voluntary consumption. 

International REC Standard (I-RECs) in a growing number of countries

I-REC is a newer global standard introduced in countries where no market mechanism was in place, building on best practices from the North American and European systems. Currently, I-RECs are available in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.  

National Systems
Countries such as the UK, Poland, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand have national EAC systems. In some cases, national certificates can be used to document consumption across borders.

Purchasing EACs

At Ecohz, we simplify how companies procure clean electricity and provide them with the best energy mix according to their needs. 

  1. Based on your location and volume of consumption, we discuss how we can help you reach your renewable energy ambitions.
  2. You receive an offer with a specific rate and expiry date. Upon acceptance, we secure the quoted price.
  3. Once the offer has been accepted, we deliver a standardised contract.
  4. We provide you with an invoice and documentation for reporting.

WEBINAR: Changes in the global renewable energy market

In November 2022 we held a 30 minutes webinar discussing what has been driving the market last months, and how can companies be prepared for future shifts. 

Request the webinar recording

Are you a corporate business or an electricity supplier in search for EACs? Leave your request below or schedule a chat.

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Book a meeting

Are you a power generator selling EACs? Reach out to our Global Markets Team.

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Upcoming webinar – The art of hedging: understanding Power Purchase Agreement (PPAs)

On January 31st, this 40-minute webinar will clarify how PPAs work and explain what to look for when considering one for your organisation in the current energy climate.

Register now

Ecohz products

Ecohz offers a range of products that multiply the positive effects of EACs. Our products guarantee renewable energy production follows strict environmental guidelines and channel investments into added renewable capacity. 

Ecohz products

ECOHZ BLUE POWER

Meets latest environmental EU standards – protects rivers, flora and fauna.

ECOHZ INVESTMENT GUARANTEE

The electricity comes from a producer with current capital investments in new capacity.

RENEWABLE ENERGY MATCHING

The renewable energy consumption is matched with the production from the same period.

Ecolabels

Consume renewable electricity that meets rigorous environmental regulations. International organisations award these badges to power plants that respect ecosystems and raise funds for new renewable energy projects. 

EKOENERGY

International ecolabel for renewable electricity

BRA MILJÖVAL

Swedish ecolabel with strict environmental criteria

OK POWER

German ecolabel for renewable electricity

TÜV NORD A75

A German ecolabel promoting energy from new power plants

NATUREMADE STAR

Swiss ecolabel with strict environmental criteria

GREEN-E® ENERGY

North American certification for renewable energy

TÜV SÜD – EE01

German ecolabel for electricity from new power plants