Renewable Energy Certificate

From Open Risk Manual

Definition

Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) is a type of Energy Attribute Certificate, used in the U.S. and Australia.

In the U.S., a REC is defined as representing the property rights to the generation, environmental, social, and other non-power attributes of renewable electricity generation. RECs are issued when one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity is generated and delivered to the electricity grid from a renewable energy resource.

REC Data Attributes

A non-exhaustive list of certificate attributes:

  • Certificate data
  • Certificate type
  • Tracking system ID
  • Renewable fuel type
  • Renewable facility location
  • Nameplate capacity of project
  • Project name
  • Project vintage (build date)
  • Certificate (generation) vintage
  • Certificate unique identification number
  • Utility to which project is interconnected
  • Eligibility for certification or renewable portfolio standard (RPS)
  • Emissions rate of the renewable resource

References

  • GHG Protocol Scope 2 Guidance (2015)