Energy attribute certificate

What does an EAC represent?

Each EAC represents 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generated from a verified renewable source. It records essential details about the energy produced, including the technology type (e.g. wind, solar, hydro, biomass), the producing facility, the country of origin, and the production date, known as the vintage.

What types of energy attribute certificates exist?

There are many different types of EACs in existence around the world, including Guarantees of Origin (GoO) in Europe, Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) in the UK, Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) in the US, J-Credits in Japan, and International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC) globally.

How is an EAC different from a carbon credit?

An EAC certifies actual renewable electricity generation in MWh, whereas a carbon credit certifies a reduction, avoidance, or removal of greenhouse gas emissions, measured in tonnes of CO₂. Carbon credits are typically used by companies to offset some or all of the GHG emissions they emit through activities they own or control (Scope 1, Scope 2, and/or Scope 3).

EACs and carbon credits are traded in different markets and are subject to different standards, meaning they should not be seen as interchangeable instruments.

Who issues and controls EACs?

EACs are issued by the authorized registry operator in each market. When a renewable generator produces 1 MWh of verified electricity, the registry issues one EAC and credits it to the generator's registry account. From there it can be transferred to or traded with other counterparties, or cancelled to cover the EAC holders' own consumption.

What happens to an EAC after it is used?

Once an EAC is used to back a renewable energy claim, it is cancelled in the registry and a cancellation statement is issued. A cancelled EAC cannot be transferred or resold.