GO’s and other attribute tracking certificates are well established within European and U.S. electricity markets and are increasingly developing world wide. RECS International believes it is important to bring the focus to consumers adhering to best practice standards. For this reason RECS International is going to revive RECS Good Practice as a way to encourage transparency in product procurement.

Consumers must play a larger role in the energy transition but without the right tools in place the influence of the consumer is limited. Across Europe consumers are increasingly choosing renewable energy even though this is not reflected in national statistics. Reporting on both the production and consumption of renewable electricity will support consumer choice and action in the electricity market. A recently published article by the Secretary General of RECS International elaborates on this topic and can be read here. 

Earlier this year the Norwegian government, pressured by industry players, has considered abandoning the pan-European GO system in favour of a so-called “production-based tracking system”. These developments were placing a consumer-driven market for renewable electricity under threat. RECS International called on all stakeholders in Norway to protect consumer choice and begin a dialogue over these issues. 

The Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB) has published European residual mix figures for 2015. 

RECS International released their 2015 annual report.

In the Norwegian Aftenbladet newspaper local RECS International members have joined forces to combat recent statements from the Minister of Petroleum and Energy. This comes less than a week after the press release from RECS International on the same topic.

In preparation for 2020 DG Energy released a consultation for the second Renewable Energy Directive (REDII) late last year. The first results from the consultation document have been released and are available online for public review.

RECS International published a press release emphasizing the importance of the consumer-driven market for renewable electricity in Norway and around Europe. Recent developments in Norway have shown us that more information about these systems is needed and that stakeholders must increase dialogue over these issues both on national and international levels.

Those familiar with the recent Greenhouse Gas Protocol Scope 2 Guidance document will know that the creation of residual mix calculations are important for the integrity of emissions accounting and renewable electricity markets more generally.