A regional scheme for renewable energy guarantees of origin could help drive the energy transition

As invited by the Ministerial Council, the Energy Community Secretariat presented its Discussion Paper  on the implementation of the guarantees of origin system at yesterday’s second regional meeting. The discussion was joined by 60 stakeholders from issuing bodies, ministries and other relevant institutions. 

Guarantees of origin certify the production of energy from renewable sources and could serve as an important tool to boost renewables investment and drive the energy transition. The Contracting Parties are currently lagging behind in the establishment of the electronic system needed to issue and trade guarantees of origin, despite being mandatory under the Renewable Energy Directive.

The ultimate purpose of the Discussion Paper is to show options for the establishment of an efficient regional renewable energy certification system, allowing guarantees of origin to be issued and then traded among the Contracting Parties. Participation in the regional system will allow for the effective issuance of national guarantees of origin by default, and may constitute the first step towards integration with the European market. 

The Secretariat will support the establishment of the regional scheme and invited the issuing bodies to confirm their interest in writing no later than 11 April 2021.

The Discussion Paper also points to potential restrictions in the recognition of guarantees of origin between the EU Member States and the Contracting Parties, which should be addressed in the ongoing revision of the Renewable Energy Directive in the European Union.