[1] This single standardized instrument makes it possible to track unique ownership, verify claims and ensure that Guarantees of Origin are only sold once.
[2] Guarantees of Origin are issued electronically for a quantity of energy generation (1 GO per MWh), traded and redeemed (i.e. used) by suppliers as evidence for their customers of the source of the delivered electricity.
[3] The GO is standardized through the European Energy Certificate System (EECS) provided by the Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB).
The REDII introduces the option for EU member states to issue Guarantees of Origin from smaller production periods, to hourly or quarter-hour time intervals.
The use of electricity certification systems like guarantees of origin entails a risk of double counting of renewable energy if not embedded in adequate regulations or usage practice.
At the same time, energy intensive companies within Iceland that do not receive guarantees of origin claim to produce with 100% renewable electricity.
[5] After media reports, the Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB) has suspended certificate exports from Iceland in April 2023.