EKOenergy
Definition
EKOenergy is an international non-profit Ecolabel for energy (applicable towards renewable electricity and renewable gas). It is an initiative of the EKOenergy Network, a group of more than 40 environmental organizations from 30 countries. Its secretariat is based in Helsinki.
In addition to the renewability attribute, energy sold with the EKOenergy label must fulfills additional Sustainability criteria. The program finances, in addition, projects that combat Energy Poverty. For each MWh of hydropower sold as EKOenergy, minimum EUR 0.10 is paid into the EKOenergy Environmental Fund to finance river restoration projects, building fish passages, and restoring spawning grounds. For each MWh of EKOenergy sold, a minimum of 10 eurocents is paid into the EKOenergy Climate Fund, used to finance new renewable energy projects in developing countries.
The EKOenergy ecolabel brings Additionality to renewable energy certificates such as Guarantees of Origin (GOs), RECs and I-RECs.
Overview of Certification Requirements
- Renewable energy from hydropower, wind power, solar power, bioenergy, or geothermal energy
- Sustainable and nature-friendly energy: Strict sustainability requirements to power production. Non-European biomass is excluded, and hydropower can only be sold as EKOenergy after consultation with local environmental organisations.
