#Renewable Energy Certificates

[notwiselybuttoowell]

When they were invented in the ’90s, renewable energy certificates were meant to stimulate the green energy market. Back then, building wind and solar farms was way more expensive than it is today. The idea was that renewable energy producers could sell certificates that represented the “greenness” of the energy they made. Anyone buying those certificates, or RECs, could claim that green power and also claim they were helping the environment.

For years, corporations have bought RECs as a low-commitment way to claim they’re “going green” – all while using the same old fossil fuel-powered electricity.

So how exactly do RECs help the climate crisis? This week, Reveal investigates RECs and finds that the federal government uses them to pad its environmental stats.

[interopera9]

Empowering the Green Revolution: The Significance of Renewable Energy Certificates

As the global community shifts towards sustainability, the demand for renewable energy has skyrocketed. But how can businesses and individuals actively contribute to this green revolution, even if they can't directly access renewable energy sources? The answer lies in Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). These certificates play a crucial role in promoting clean energy, allowing consumers to support renewable energy generation and reduce their carbon footprint. In this article, we'll explore what Renewable Energy Certificates are, how they work, and their importance in driving the transition to a sustainable energy future.

What is a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC)?

A Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) is a market-based instrument that certifies the generation of one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity from a renewable energy source, such as wind, solar, or hydropower. RECs represent the environmental benefits of this clean energy production and can be bought, sold, or traded independently of the physical electricity. Essentially, RECs allow consumers to claim a share in renewable energy generation, even if the electricity they use comes from non-renewable sources.

How Do Renewable Energy Certificates Work?

The process of issuing and trading RECs can be broken down into the following steps:

Generation: When a renewable energy facility produces electricity, it is fed into the power grid, and an equivalent amount of RECs is generated and certified by an independent body.

Certification and Issuance: These RECs are issued to the producer and can be sold or traded in the market. Each REC carries a unique identification number, ensuring transparency and traceability.

Purchase and Retirement: Consumers, whether businesses or individuals, can purchase RECs to offset their energy consumption and reduce their carbon footprint. Once a REC is used to make a claim, it is retired, meaning it cannot be sold again.

The Importance of Renewable Energy Certificates

Promoting Renewable Energy Growth: By purchasing RECs, consumers provide financial support to renewable energy producers, encouraging the development of more clean energy projects. This helps increase the overall share of renewable energy in the power grid.

Meeting Sustainability Goals: For companies, RECs offer a straightforward way to meet sustainability targets and reduce their Scope 2 emissions (indirect emissions from purchased electricity). This is especially valuable for businesses that operate in areas where direct access to renewable energy is limited.

Flexibility in Energy Consumption: RECs allow consumers to support renewable energy without having to install their own renewable energy systems. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for urban dwellers or businesses in locations where renewable energy infrastructure is not feasible.

Enhancing Corporate Reputation: Businesses that invest in RECs can bolster their brand image by demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility, which can attract eco-conscious customers and investors.

Challenges and Considerations with RECs

While RECs offer a viable solution for promoting renewable energy, there are some considerations to keep in mind:

Additionality: Critics argue that not all RECs contribute to new renewable energy development, especially if they are purchased from already existing projects. It's important to assess whether the purchase of RECs is truly adding to the growth of renewable energy capacity.

Market Variability: The price and availability of RECs can fluctuate based on market demand and regional policies. Businesses need to be prepared for potential changes in cost when integrating RECs into their sustainability strategies.

Regulatory Differences: The recognition and value of RECs can vary across regions and countries, making it essential to understand local regulations and standards when purchasing RECs.

The Future of Renewable Energy Certificates

As the world accelerates its transition to renewable energy, the role of RECs is expected to grow. Innovations like blockchain technology are being explored to enhance the transparency and security of REC transactions, ensuring that buyers can trust the legitimacy of their certificates. Moreover, as more countries and companies set ambitious renewable energy targets, the demand for RECs will likely increase, further driving the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure globally.

Conclusion

Renewable Energy Certificates are a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. By enabling consumers to support renewable energy production, RECs help bridge the gap between conventional energy use and a greener future. Whether you're a business aiming to meet sustainability goals or an individual committed to reducing your carbon footprint, investing in RECs is a meaningful way to contribute to the growth of renewable energy. As we move towards a more sustainable world, RECs will play an increasingly important role in empowering the green revolution.

[icmioneline]

Driving Sustainability in the Energy Sector: The Power of Renewable Energy Certificates

by International Carbon Markets Institute

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) function as an effective instrument to promote the generation and utilization of renewable energy. Each REC represents the environmental attributes of one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity produced from a renewable energy source.

RECs effectively separate the production of renewable energy from the consumption of renewable energy. As such, they enable electricity providers and consumers who are not directly connected to a renewable energy source to support renewable energy generation. By purchasing RECs, these actors can claim the environmental benefits of the renewable electricity represented by the REC, even if they consume electricity produced from non-renewable sources.

The mechanics of RECs are relatively straightforward. Renewable energy generators produce RECs for every MWh of electricity they generate. These RECs can then be sold on an open market, independently from the physical electricity. The purchaser of the REC, which can be a utility, business, or individual, can then claim to have consumed renewable electricity.

RECs play a pivotal role in green power procurement strategies for businesses and governments. For organizations that aim to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or achieve renewable energy targets, purchasing RECs offers a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solution.

Furthermore, the revenues from the sale of RECs provide an additional income stream for renewable energy projects, enhancing their financial viability and stimulating the development of additional renewable energy capacity.

Nonetheless, the effectiveness of RECs as a tool for promoting renewable energy depends on several factors. One of these is the transparency and robustness of the REC tracking systems. These systems must reliably track the generation, sale, and retirement of RECs to prevent double counting and ensure the credibility of the RECs.

Another factor is the regulatory environment within which the REC market operates. For example, Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) that require utilities to obtain a certain percentage of their power from renewable sources can significantly boost the demand for RECs and therefore stimulate renewable energy development.

The use of RECs also raises several methodological questions, particularly related to the additionality of the renewable energy projects and the accurate accounting of the GHG emission reductions associated with the RECs.

In conclusion, RECs can play a significant role in driving sustainability in the energy sector. By creating a market for the environmental attributes of renewable electricity, they provide a flexible mechanism for supporting renewable energy, achieving emission reduction targets, and facilitating the transition towards a more sustainable energy sector. As renewable energy continues to grow in importance, the understanding and utilization of RECs will undoubtedly remain a crucial element of the renewable energy landscape.

Read more at International Carbon Markets Institute.

[zipsolar]

Confused about solar & STCs? We break it down! Discover how STCs make solar panels more affordable in Australia. A guide with everything you need to know.

[srecapplications]

SREC Applications make it easy to get solar certificates in Massachusetts. Our process will help you obtain Solar Renewable Energy Certificates effortlessly.

[univdatosmarket]

The Renewable Energy Certificate Market is expected to grow at a strong CAGR of around 26.39 % during the forecast period(2023-2030).

[1-2-3-4-4498-0]

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) validate the production of clean energy, such as solar and wind power, enabling companies to meet sustainability goals. These certificates, issued for each megawatt-hour of renewable energy generated, promote environmental responsibility and support the transition to a greener energy landscape.

[project-management-vision]

Here are our upcoming December courses for all students and electricians​

UEE42620 Certificate IV in Hazardous Areas: Electrical ​

1) Perth & Adelaide : 11th December 2023 – 16th December 2023 ​​

RENEWABLE ENERGY SHORT COURSES ​

1) Perth : 12th December 2023 – 15th December 2023 ​​

For additional information about the classes - ​https://www.pmv.net.au/

RTO 51178 | RTO 52698

[ecovantage]

The Role Of Large Scale Generation Certificates

A few years ago, the government introduced a new system of Large Scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) to replace the Renewable Energy Target (RET). The Large Scale Renewable Energy Certificates is designed to support large-scale renewable energy projects by providing an incentive for electricity retailers and other buyers to purchase electricity from eligible renewable generators.

How do LGCs operate?

The generation of an LGC occurs when renewable energy is produced from eligible projects in accordance with these requirements. They can be bought and sold in various markets throughout Australia, including:

wholesale electricity market;

spot market; or

retail electricity market

Who is eligible for an LGC?

Eligible customers are those who generate renewable energy, for example, a farmer with a solar array on his property or a company that generates electricity from wind turbines.

Eligible customers are also those who use renewable energy in their homes and businesses, such as homeowners with rooftop solar panels and tenants who rent apartments with on-site wind turbines.

Finally, eligible customers include anyone connected to the electricity grid--even if they don't use renewable power themselves!

How do I access an LGC?

The Clean Energy Regulator is responsible for issuing large-scale generation certificates. These certificates can be sold or traded, enabling you to support renewable energy projects by purchasing them from retailers or generators.

There are some situations in which you may be able to access a Large Scale Renewable Energy Certificates without having to pay for one:

If your electricity retailer offers its customers an option to buy clean energy products (such as solar panels), then they will likely have an arrangement with a generator that allows them access to these certificates at no cost as part of their service offering. 

In this case, there will be no additional cost incurred by either party when buying or selling these products; the only difference being that instead of paying upfront costs associated with installing solar panels on their roof space--which would normally include installation costs--you'll instead receive discounts based off how much power you use throughout each billing period.

Another way to get Large Scale Renewable Energy Certificates without paying for one is if your electricity retailer has a renewable energy option that's less expensive than their standard service offering. For example, some retailers offer customers the opportunity to pay an extra monthly fee in exchange for receiving 100% clean energy from their local grid.

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you understand the role of LGCs in renewable energy generation. If you're interested in using solar power at home or work, we recommend getting in touch with your local installer to find out more about their services and how they can help you get started !

[reasonsforhope]

"Cody Two Bears, a member of the Sioux tribe in North Dakota, founded Indigenized Energy, a native-led energy company with a unique mission — installing solar farms for tribal nations in the United States.

This initiative arises from the historical reliance of Native Americans on the U.S. government for power, a paradigm that is gradually shifting.

The spark for Two Bears' vision ignited during the Standing Rock protests in 2016, where he witnessed the arrest of a fellow protester during efforts to prevent the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline on sacred tribal land.

Disturbed by the status quo, Two Bears decided to channel his activism into action and create tangible change.

His company, Indigenized Energy, addresses a critical issue faced by many reservations: poverty and lack of access to basic power.

Reservations are among the poorest communities in the country, and in some, like the Navajo Nation, many homes lack electricity.

Even in regions where the land has been exploited for coal and uranium, residents face obstacles to accessing power.

Renewable energy, specifically solar power, is a beacon of hope for tribes seeking to overcome these challenges.

Not only does it present an environmentally sustainable option, but it has become the most cost-effective form of energy globally, thanks in part to incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

Tribal nations can receive tax subsidies of up to 30% for solar and wind farms, along with grants for electrification, climate resiliency, and energy generation.

And Indigenized Energy is not focused solely on installing solar farms — it also emphasizes community empowerment through education and skill development.

In collaboration with organizations like Red Cloud Renewable, efforts are underway to train Indigenous tribal members for jobs in the renewable energy sector.

The program provides free training to individuals, with a focus on solar installation skills.

Graduates, ranging from late teens to late 50s, receive pre-apprenticeship certification, and the organization is planning to launch additional programs to support graduates with career services such as resume building and interview coaching...

The adoption of solar power by Native communities signifies progress toward sustainable development, cultural preservation, and economic self-determination, contributing to a more equitable and environmentally conscious future.

These initiatives are part of a broader movement toward "energy sovereignty," wherein tribes strive to have control over their own power sources.

This movement represents not only an economic opportunity and a source of jobs for these communities but also a means of reclaiming control over their land and resources, signifying a departure from historical exploitation and an embrace of sustainable practices deeply rooted in Indigenous cultures."

-via Good Good Good, December 10, 2023

[interopera9]

Unlocking the Power of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs): A Comprehensive Guide

As the world transitions towards more sustainable energy sources, businesses and individuals alike are seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprints and support the growth of renewable energy. One effective tool that has emerged in this journey is the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC). Understanding what RECs are, how they work, and their impact on the renewable energy market is essential for anyone committed to environmental sustainability. This blog explores the concept of RECs, their benefits, and how they can play a pivotal role in the global shift towards clean energy.

What is a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC)?

A Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) represents the environmental benefits of one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generated from a renewable energy source, such as wind, solar, or hydro. When renewable energy is produced and fed into the power grid, a corresponding REC is issued, serving as proof that a certain amount of electricity was generated from a clean, renewable source. These certificates can be bought, sold, or traded, allowing businesses and individuals to support renewable energy initiatives even if they cannot directly use the energy themselves.

How Do RECs Work?

RECs are central to the renewable energy market, providing a flexible way to support green energy production. Here's how they function:

Generation and Certification: When a renewable energy facility generates electricity, it is verified and certified by an independent body. For every MWh produced, a REC is issued.

Buying and Selling: RECs can be purchased by companies or individuals who wish to claim the environmental benefits of using renewable energy. These certificates are often bought on the open market or through specific green energy programs.

Retirement of RECs: Once a REC is used to claim its environmental benefits, it is retired, meaning it can no longer be sold or transferred. This ensures that each REC is only used once, maintaining the integrity of the system.

The Benefits of Renewable Energy Certificates

Supporting Renewable Energy Growth: Purchasing RECs directly supports the development and expansion of renewable energy projects. This financial backing helps green energy producers compete with traditional fossil fuel sources.

Flexibility in Energy Use: RECs allow businesses and individuals to offset their carbon emissions by supporting renewable energy, even if they do not have direct access to green power in their location.

Meeting Sustainability Goals: For companies, buying RECs is a straightforward way to meet sustainability targets, comply with environmental regulations, and demonstrate a commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

Enhancing Brand Image: Companies that invest in RECs can enhance their brand reputation by showcasing their commitment to environmental responsibility, which can appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and investors.

RECs and Corporate Social Responsibility

Many companies are now incorporating RECs into their corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies. By purchasing RECs, businesses can credibly claim that a portion of their energy use comes from renewable sources, thereby aligning their operations with broader sustainability goals. This can be particularly important for companies looking to achieve carbon neutrality or improve their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings.

Challenges and Considerations in Using RECs

While RECs offer numerous benefits, there are some challenges to consider:

Market Volatility: The price of RECs can fluctuate based on market demand, which may impact the cost of maintaining a sustainability strategy.

Regulatory Differences: The value and recognition of RECs can vary between regions and countries, so it's important to understand the local regulations and standards.

Additionality Concerns: Some critics argue that purchasing RECs does not always lead to new renewable energy development, particularly if the RECs are sourced from existing projects rather than new ones.

The Future of RECs

As the global push towards renewable energy intensifies, the demand for RECs is likely to grow. Innovations in blockchain technology, for instance, are being explored to enhance the transparency and traceability of REC transactions, ensuring that buyers can be confident in the authenticity and impact of their purchases. Furthermore, as more countries set ambitious targets for renewable energy adoption, RECs will continue to play a crucial role in meeting these goals.

Conclusion

Renewable Energy Certificates are a powerful tool for supporting the transition to a sustainable energy future. By enabling businesses and individuals to financially back renewable energy projects, RECs help drive the global shift away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner, greener sources of power. Whether you're a company looking to enhance your sustainability strategy or an individual committed to reducing your carbon footprint, RECs offer a flexible and impactful way to contribute to the growth of renewable energy. As awareness and demand for renewable energy increase, the role of RECs in building a sustainable future will only become more significant.

[abandonedography]

A Well-Preserved Abandoned Time Capsule House

Along a scenic road lies this incredible time capsule house with everything left behind. This large home built in 1956 features interior design elements from the 70s including shag carpeting in the bedrooms, a carpeted wall in the primary bedroom, appliances from the same era, and even an Asian-themed tiki bar/room in the basement. There are several personal items left behind as well from clothing, to photos and even letters from the children to their father.

The Home was owned by a German man named Hans. He was born in 1923, and he married a woman named Emma at a relatively young age. Hans was a school teacher by profession, teaching at a nearby school. He was a hard worker and was always furthering his education, as seen in several certificates found throughout the home. I believe he also had a small business selling renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines which he operated out of a separate part of the home. In his spare time, he liked to build and maintain his elaborate model train display in the basement.

He and his wife Emma enjoyed travelling and did so often until finally deciding to settle down. They had two children, Adele and Michael. They led an idyllic life for a few years but as time went on cracks began to emerge in the marriage. Emma decided it was time to leave and she moved with their children a couple of hours away from Hans.

Hans moved on and met a woman named Ida. Michael would occasionally send letters to Hans and from what I read, they did not have the best relationship. Michael being very religious, was always optimistic they would see each other during the holidays but from the sounds of the letters, that likely didn't happen. He was also upset about the fact that his father did not call him regularly. In one of the letters Michael said that after a phone call with his father, he was scared to death of visiting him after speaking his mind. Emma did not get along well with her ex husband and this likely played a role in the ability for the children to visit with their father as well.

Life continued on for both families until Hans passed away in 1980, he was only 57. Ida lived in the home until at least 1983 as seen in a handwritten letter from Michael addressed to her. At some point after that, Ida moved to Pennsylvania since she likely had friends/family there. The house has sat abandoned ever since.

Emma passed away a few years ago but I have not been able to find out any information about Adele. Michael however spent a lot of time in school training to work in a religious-related field. He had inherited a strong work ethic from his father, reminiscing about how Saturdays were work days and how that impacted his life. He has since found a very rewarding and successful career in religion.

source - video of the house

[staticspaces]

Knight in Shining Armour

You can find the fresh new video here!!

Ket's start off this location with a bang by taking a look at the basement which including a tiki bar as well as an elaborate model train set up!!

Along a scenic road lies this incredible time capsule house with everything left behind. This large home built in 1956 features interior design elements from the 70s including shag carpeting in the bedrooms, a carpeted wall in the primary bedroom, appliances from the same era and even an Asian themed tiki bar/room in the basement. There are a number of personal items left behind as well from clothing, to photos and even letters from the children to their father.

The Home was owned by a German man named Hans. He was born in 1923, and he married a woman named Emma at a relatively young age. Hans was a school teacher by profession, teaching at a nearby school. He was a hard worker and was always furthering his education, as seen in a number of certificates found throughout the home. I believe he also had a small business selling renewable energy sources such as, solar panels and wind turbines which he operated out of a separate part of the home. In his spare time he liked to build and maintain his elaborate model train display in the basement.

He and his wife Emma enjoyed travelling and did so often until finally deciding to settle down. They had two children, Adele and Michael. They led an idyllic life for a few years but as time went on cracks began to emerge in the marriage. Emma decided it was time to leave and she moved with their children a couple of hours away from Hans.

Hans moved on and met a woman named Ida. Michael would occasionally send letters to Hans and from what I read, they did not have the best relationship. Michael being very religious, was always optimistic they would see each other during the holidays but from the sounds of the letters, that likely didn't happen. He was also upset about the fact that his father did not call him regularly. In one of the letters Michael said that after a phone call with his father, he was scared to death of visiting him after speaking his mind. Emma did not get along well with her ex husband and this likely played a role in the ability for the children to visit with their father as well.

Life continued on for both families until Hans passed away in 1980, he was only 57. Ida lived in the home until at least 1983 as seen in a handwritten letter from Michael addressed to her. At some point after that, Ida moved to Pennsylvania since she likely had friends/family there. The house has sat abandoned ever since.

Emma passed away a few years ago but I have not been able to find out any information about Adele. Michael however spent a lot of time in school training to work in a religious related field. He had inherited a strong work ethic from his father, reminiscing about how Saturdays were work days and how that impacted his life. He has since found a very rewarding and successful career in religion.

[srecapplications]

SREC Applications simplifies the process of obtaining solar certificates in Washington D.C. through our expert application assistance. Request a consultation today.