The International REC Standard (I-REC) is an international type of Energy Qualification Certificate created to certify renewable energy production and consumption in any country in the world. The I-REC Standard is a non-profit organization that provides a robust attribute tracking standard for worldwide use.
The International REC Certificate (I-REC) standard is recognized in many countries and regions, including Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia. Its usage is increasing every day by companies that want to achieve renewable energy targets and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The I-REC Standard has been recognized as a reliable and auditable monitoring tool by powerful reporting frameworks such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP), CDP and RE100.
The I-REC standard is recognized in many countries and regions, including Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia. Its usage is increasing every day by companies that want to achieve renewable energy targets and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The I-REC Standard has been recognized as a reliable and auditable monitoring tool by powerful reporting frameworks such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP), CDP and RE100.
How Does International REC Certificate (I-REC) Work?
Grid Connected Renewable Energy Systems send their power to the same electricity grid that is connected to traditional energy sources (for example natural gas operated power plants). When you use electricity from the grid (therefore, buy it), it is considered that energy is taken from all sources (not just renewable). REC is an independently monitored and verified tool for approving 1 MWh of renewable energy. Purchasing a REC allows you to “reallocate” renewable energy from other sources so you can claim for renewable energy use.
Thanks to the use of I-REC, end-users from all over the world can say, “My factory runs on 100% renewable energy.”, “Our products are produced with 100% wind energy.” and “Our global use of electricity causes zero emissions.” If energy certificates are not used, it is impossible to make these reliable claims because electricity is not a physical product that can be boxed and sent from the manufacturer to the consumer. However, these claims are possible with I-REC and similar energy certificates.
Energy Qualification Certificate Programs
These Programs promote the adoption of energy management systems (EMS) in buildings, industrial facilities and other organizations to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
They can accelerate a country’s energy transition by putting additional, marketable value in renewable energy production. Renewable energy producers can sell both the energy and the corresponding REC. The trade of RECs can reduce the dependence on national public renewable energy support programs for manufacturers who want to ensure the economic viability of projects with a complementary income stream. This means that any public money that is available to support renewable energy production can be provided to the projects that need it the most and/or distributed to more projects.
Impact
International REC Certificate (I-REC) is a market-based tool and effectively integrates renewable energy into a global sustainability strategy. Purchasing I-REC certification demonstrates your environmental leadership, your preference to consume renewable energy, and your commitment to changing energy behavior.
What Can We Do Together About International REC Certificate (I-REC)?
Metsims is a member of the I-REC Renewable Energy Turkey Platform, which aims to provide its customers with the most appropriate solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, achieve renewable energy consumption and energy transition goals. .
You can contact us to get information about our extensive portfolio consisting of Wind Energy, Hydroelectric Energy, and Geothermal Energy.
Meet our International REC Certificate (I-REC) Consultants
What is an International Renewable Energy Certificate (I-REC)?
An International Renewable Energy Certificate (I-REC) is a market-based instrument used to track and verify the production and consumption of renewable energy. It provides proof that electricity is generated from renewable sources, such as wind, solar, hydro, or biomass, enabling organizations and individuals to claim and demonstrate the environmental attributes of renewable energy.
How does the I-REC system work?
The I-REC system operates through a standard certification process that involves several key steps. Renewable energy producers generate electricity from eligible renewable sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines. For each megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable electricity generated, a corresponding I-REC certificate is issued by an authorized certification body. These certificates are electronically tracked and registered in a central registry, ensuring transparency and integrity in the certification process. Once issued, I-REC certificates can be bought, sold, or traded on the open market, allowing electricity consumers to purchase and claim the environmental attributes of renewable energy. When a consumer purchases renewable energy and claims the associated I-REC certificates, the certificates are retired, ensuring that the environmental benefits are not double-counted or overstated.
Why are I-RECs important?
I-RECs serve several important functions in the renewable energy market. They provide transparency and credibility in renewable energy transactions by verifying the origin and attributes of renewable electricity. Organizations and individuals can use I-RECs to support renewable energy procurement goals, demonstrate environmental leadership, and meet sustainability targets. Additionally, I-RECs enable accurate tracking and reporting of renewable energy consumption, facilitating compliance with renewable energy regulations, standards, and voluntary commitments. By creating a standardized system for tracking and trading renewable energy certificates internationally, I-RECs help stimulate demand for renewable energy investments and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.