Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
RECs are the audited proof of renewable generation attributes. One certificate = 1 MWh of verified renewable electricity delivered to a grid. They’re used for disclosure, claims, compliance, and procurement strategy—across the U.S., parts of LATAM, APAC, and globally via I-REC‑based systems.
What a REC really represents
A REC is a market‑based instrument representing the non‑power attributes of renewable generation: technology, location, vintage, emissions profile, and verification trail. Buying and retiring (cancelling) a REC transfers the exclusive right to claim the underlying renewable attribute. In North America, RECs support voluntary claims and multiple state compliance programs; internationally, the I-REC(E) framework serves many markets beyond Europe/North America.
Only the owner of a retired REC may claim its renewable use.
Standard monthly creation; hourly/timestamped pilots now exist in some registries.
REC landscape: systems and registries
- PJM‑GATS (Mid‑Atlantic); REC creation & transfers
- M‑RETS (Midwest, multi‑program hub); Imports/exports with other registries
- WREGIS (WECC‑wide West); Independent tracking
- Plus: NAR, NEPOOL GIS, MIRECS, NC‑RETS, ERCOT, NYSERDA…
- I‑TRACK Foundation’s I‑REC(E): internationally used standard for EAC issuance and retirement outside EU/NA.
- APX TIGR: multi‑country registry supporting REC issuance & retirement in non‑NA markets.
- Local/Regional schemes may interoperate or run in parallel with I‑REC/TIGR depending on policy.
Several registries now support timestamped (hourly) certificates or hourly generation views—enabling closer matching of consumption and generation for 24/7 strategies.
- PJM‑EIS / GATS: Hourly, time‑stamped functionality available for registered generators (retroactive to Jan 2022 data view).
- Pilots elsewhere are emerging; watch for timestamped issuance and corporate 24/7 programs as standards evolve.
Worldwide REC & I‑REC map
Click a highlighted country to see its issuing body/registry and jump to the official site. Use the search to filter.
Data source: your Google Sheet (CSV). Replace the CSV URL in the code or keep the demo data.
Registry directory (auto‑fills from the same Sheet)
| Country | Registry / Issuing body | Type | Website | Contact |
|---|
Tip: keep columns in your sheet as: Country, Registry, Type, Website, LinkedIn, Email.
Buying & retiring RECs safely
- Pick the right geography & timeframe for your claims (same market region; aligned vintage).
- Prefer direct-from-project or traceable supply via reputable registries/brokers.
- Ensure retirement in your name (or on your behalf) with documentary proof (retirement certificate).
- For 24/7 goals, consider timestamped options and grid‑aligned portfolios.
Claims & reporting notes
- Scope 2 (market‑based) accounting typically relies on REC ownership and timely retirement.
- Use consistent language; avoid double‑counting; maintain evidence (contracts, serials, retirement docs).
- Track label/program rules where applicable (e.g., eligibility, geography, incremental impact).
REC FAQ
What is 1 REC worth?
It varies by program, location, technology, vintage, and compliance vs. voluntary demand. Check current quotes from your registry area or broker.
Are RECs the same as GOs or I‑RECs?
They’re all Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs), but issued under different regional frameworks. North America uses RECs; the EU uses GOs; many international markets use I‑REC(E)/TIGR structures.
Can I match hourly?
Some registries offer hourly/timestamped data or issuance. This supports 24/7 strategies but availability differs by region.
Authoritative sources & registries
- US EPA – Renewable Energy Certificates (overview)
- PJM‑EIS / GATS — see hourly certificate announcement and hourly info sheet (PDF)
- M‑RETS (resources & cross‑registry transfers)
- WREGIS
- I‑TRACK Foundation (I‑REC(E) Standard)
- APX TIGR Registry
- DOE Better Buildings – RECs Overview (PDF)