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What is an International Renewable Energy Certificate (I-REC)? - by Jash Shah

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The International Renewable Energy Certificate (I-REC) is a globally recognized standard that certifies the renewable origin of electricity. It operates across more than 45 countries, including regions in Asia, Oceania, Africa, South America, and Middle America. The I-REC serves as a voluntary market instrument, ensuring the credibility and sustainability of green electricity by certifying that one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity has been generated from renewable sources and injected into the grid. It mirrors similar systems like Guarantees of Origin in Europe or Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) in North America​​.


The I-REC Standard is managed by a non-profit organization and requires collaboration with local stakeholders and government authorities to ensure compliance with local and national regulations. It's recognized by major reporting frameworks such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP), CDP, and RE100, making it a reliable foundation for credible and auditable tracking of renewable energy production. The system emphasizes high-quality standards and best practices to prevent issues like double counting, double certificate issuance, and double attribute claims​​.


I-RECs represent a significant tool for companies aiming to reduce their carbon emissions and meet sustainability goals, especially when direct procurement of renewable energy is not feasible. Each I-REC is generated from a registered renewable energy asset and has a unique ID, enabling purchasers to verify the authenticity and quality of the renewable energy generation. This system supports the development of new renewable energy projects by allowing revenue from I-REC sales to finance future projects, thereby contributing to global carbon emission reduction efforts​​.


For companies committed to sustainability initiatives such as Race to Zero or RE100, or those looking to claim their products are manufactured using renewable energy, purchasing I-RECs offers a way to credibly back these claims. The I-REC mechanism thus plays a crucial role in advancing global sustainability goals by facilitating the transition to renewable energy.



Projects Eligible for I-REC’s:


Projects eligible for International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) include those generating renewable energy, such as solar, wind, biomass, hydropower, geothermal, and other renewable sources. To issue I-RECs, renewable energy production plants must register with the I-REC system and undergo an audit process to ensure compliance with the standards set by the I-REC Standard Foundation. This audit evaluates each plant's specific conditions and operations. Projects that meet these criteria can then issue and trade I-RECs for the energy they contribute to the grid, with some limitations depending on local regulations and the project's alignment with certain laws and standards​​​​​​​​.


For example, self-generation plants within specific frameworks, such as Argentina's law 27.424 on distributed generation, can issue certificates but are required to redeem them for their own use, rather than trading them. Renewable generation plants not recognized by specific local laws, or those that are but comply with I-REC Standard Foundation requirements, may issue and trade certificates more freely. It's crucial for project developers to understand both the I-REC system and local regulations to ensure eligibility and compliance​​.


The I-REC system is designed to provide a credible and transparent mechanism for claiming renewable energy use, recognized by various international frameworks and standards, including CDP and RE100. This system supports the global transition to renewable energy by ensuring that energy attributes can be reliably tracked and claimed, preventing issues like double counting and ensuring environmental integrity.




Monetary advantages gained by I-REC’s:


International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) offer several monetary advantages for renewable energy producers and businesses looking to improve their sustainability profiles.


For renewable energy producers, I-RECs represent an additional revenue stream. By issuing and trading these certificates on the open market, they can monetize the environmental attributes of the renewable electricity they generate. This trading activity not only provides extra income but also signals demand for low-carbon electricity, supports the growth of renewable energy production, and attracts further investments into the sector. The I-REC Standard is rapidly expanding globally, with a presence in over 30 countries, indicating a rising demand for sustainable products in emerging markets​​.


For businesses, purchasing I-RECs is a way to credibly document renewable energy consumption and report greenhouse gas emissions reductions. This can be particularly beneficial for multinational companies operating in regions outside of Europe and North America, where other renewable energy tracking schemes may not be available. I-RECs enable these companies to comply with corporate environmental standards and national regulations on renewable energy, thus improving their sustainability ratings. Furthermore, integrating renewable energy into a global sustainability strategy through I-RECs can make a business more attractive to investors, consumers, and talented employees by demonstrating environmental leadership and contributing to the energy transition​​.


The market for I-RECs is developing and becoming more dynamic, with prices in 2022 showing an upward trend. While the future of the market and prices can be hard to predict due to factors like national regulations, policy changes, and geopolitical events, the growing demand and expanding market availability in countries like China, Brazil, and Turkey indicate that #I-RECs will continue to be a valuable tool for businesses aiming to enhance their renewable energy procurement and #sustainability efforts.




Advantages gained by I-REC’s (to the business):


The integration of International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) into a business's operations can positively influence its growth in several ways:


  1. Enhanced Corporate Image and Brand Value: Companies purchasing I-RECs can credibly claim the use of renewable energy, thereby improving their sustainability profile. This can enhance the company's brand value and reputation among consumers, investors, and other stakeholders who increasingly prefer to engage with environmentally responsible businesses​​.

  2. Market Differentiation: By documenting renewable energy consumption through I-RECs, businesses can differentiate themselves in competitive markets. This can lead to a competitive advantage, as consumers and clients are more inclined towards companies with a strong commitment to sustainability​​.

  3. Compliance and Reporting: I-RECs provide a recognized tool for businesses to report greenhouse gas emissions reductions and comply with corporate environmental standards, such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. This can help businesses meet regulatory requirements and voluntary sustainability commitments more effectively​​.

  4. Attracting Investments: Demonstrating a commitment to renewable energy through I-RECs can make a business more attractive to investors who are increasingly looking for sustainable investment opportunities. This can facilitate access to new capital and financial markets​​.

  5. Employee Attraction and Retention: A strong commitment to sustainability, evidenced by the procurement of I-RECs, can make a company more attractive to potential employees and help retain current ones. Many professionals seek employment with companies that share their values, including environmental responsibility​​.

  6. Cost Management: While the primary purpose of I-RECs is to document renewable energy consumption rather than provide direct financial savings, the strategic use of I-RECs can contribute to a company's long-term cost management strategies by hedging against future energy price volatility and potential regulatory changes favoring renewable energy.


Contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): I-RECs allow companies to contribute towards achieving the SDGs, particularly those related to clean energy, climate action, and sustainable cities and communities. This alignment with global sustainability goals can further enhance a company's reputation and stakeholder relationships​​.

By integrating I-RECs into their sustainability strategies, businesses not only contribute to the global transition to renewable energy but also leverage these benefits to support their own growth and long-term viability.



Advantages to the Environment :


The adoption of International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) offers several environmental benefits:


  1. Promotes Renewable Energy: I-RECs incentivize the production and use of renewable energy by providing a financial mechanism to reward energy producers. By monetizing the environmental attributes of renewable electricity, I-RECs encourage further investments in renewable energy projects, contributing to an increase in clean energy generation capacity.

  2. Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions: By certifying that energy has been generated from renewable sources, I-RECs help displace energy that would otherwise be produced from fossil fuels, leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This contributes to global efforts to combat climate change and reduce the carbon footprint of energy consumption.

  3. Supports Energy Transition: The I-REC system facilitates the global energy transition by enabling companies in regions without established renewable energy tracking systems to participate in the renewable energy market. This global reach extends the environmental benefits of renewable energy to a wider audience, promoting a more sustainable energy landscape worldwide.

  4. Encourages Corporate Sustainability: Companies purchasing I-RECs can credibly claim the use of renewable energy, supporting their sustainability goals and commitments to reduce environmental impact. This corporate demand for I-RECs drives further growth in the renewable energy sector and signals to the market the importance of sustainability.

  5. Contributes to Sustainable Development: The use of I-RECs aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), climate action (SDG 13), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17). By facilitating access to renewable energy and promoting environmental stewardship, I-RECs contribute to broader sustainable development objectives.


In summary, I-RECs play a crucial role in promoting renewable energy, reducing emissions, supporting the global energy transition, encouraging corporate sustainability, and contributing to sustainable development goals, thus offering significant benefits for the environment.



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