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Certificates

Guarantees of Origin (GOs)

Explore the European certificates used to document electricity generation attributes and support renewable electricity disclosure.

What a GO records

A GO evidences the characteristics of one megawatt-hour of generation. It identifies the energy source, production period and issuing body. Guarantees can be transferred between registry accounts and cancelled to substantiate a claim.

EECS, registries and market boundaries

The Association of Issuing Bodies coordinates the European Energy Certificate System (EECS) and operates the AIB Hub for transfers among participating domains. National rules govern access, disclosure and eligibility.

Using GOs in procurement

Check the generation technology, production vintage, cancellation beneficiary and market boundary before making a renewable electricity claim. For an hourly claim, verify timestamp coverage and matching rules separately.

Read the original guide in English

Guarantees of Origin

Powering Europe's Renewable Energy Transition Through Transparent Certification

What are Guarantees of Origin?

A Guarantee of Origin (GO) is an electronic certificate that provides proof that one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity was generated from renewable energy sources and injected into the electrical grid.

39 AIB Members 30 European Countries 42.5% EU 2030 Renewable Target 10% Expected GO Demand Growth 2024

Current GO Market Snapshot

€0.85 💹 Price per MWh (2024 Avg)

Market Trends:

  • 📈 Demand increased by ~10% in 2024
  • 📉 Prices dropped from €10 to under €1/MWh
  • ⚡ Market characterized by oversupply
  • 🎯 Expected range: €5-6/MWh for premium certificates

How Guarantees of Origin Work

Renewable Energy Generation

Renewable energy facilities (wind, solar, hydro, biomass) generate electricity and inject it into the national grid.

1

Certificate Issuance

For each MWh generated, the national Issuing Body creates a digital GO certificate containing detailed information about the energy source.

2

Registry & Trading

Certificates are registered in national databases and can be traded across European markets through the AIB hub system.

3

Corporate Purchase

Companies purchase GOs to match their electricity consumption with renewable energy production, supporting their sustainability goals.

4

Cancellation & Disclosure

GOs are cancelled to prevent double-counting, and companies can claim renewable energy consumption in their sustainability reporting.

5

Market Data & Statistics

GO Price Evolution (2020-2024)

Renewable Energy Share by Technology

212 TWh GO Trade Deficit 11 EU Countries at Risk of Missing 2020 Targets 23% Current EU Renewable Share €1B+ Annual GO Market Value

European GO Network

AIB Member Countries & GO Systems

Legend:

AIB Full Members Recent Additions (2024) Non-AIB Countries

Benefits of Guarantees of Origin

🌱

Environmental Transparency

Provides clear proof of renewable energy consumption, enabling accurate carbon footprint reporting and environmental claims.

💼

Corporate Sustainability

Helps companies meet sustainability targets, comply with regulations, and enhance their green credentials with stakeholders.

⚡

Market Mechanism

Creates additional revenue streams for renewable energy producers, incentivizing further investment in clean energy projects.

🔒

Prevents Double Counting

Ensures each unit of renewable energy is only claimed once, maintaining the integrity of renewable energy markets.

🌍

European Integration

Facilitates cross-border renewable energy trading, supporting EU-wide decarbonization and energy transition goals.

📊

Data & Analytics

Provides detailed tracking and reporting capabilities for renewable energy consumption and environmental impact.

Best Sources for Guarantees of Origin in the EU

Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB) The central hub for European GO systems, connecting 39 members from 30 countries. Official standardization body for EECS. Visit AIB → Umweltbundesamt (UBA) - Germany German Environment Agency managing the largest GO registry in Europe with comprehensive market data and statistics. Visit UBA → Ofgem - United Kingdom UK regulator managing REGOs (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin) with transparent market reporting. Visit Ofgem → Garanties d'Origine - France French GO system managed by Powernext, offering comprehensive market data and certificate trading platform. Visit Powernext → GSE - Italy Gestore dei Servizi Energetici manages Italian GO system with detailed renewable energy statistics and market insights. Visit GSE → CNMC - Spain Spanish National Commission for Markets and Competition overseeing GO system with comprehensive market monitoring. Visit CNMC → CertiQ - Netherlands Dutch issuing body for guarantees of origin with advanced digital platform and transparent market operations. Visit CertiQ → Future Energy GO Leading market intelligence platform providing GO price analysis, market trends, and professional insights. Visit Future Energy GO → European Energy Exchange (EEX) Major trading platform for energy certificates including GOs, providing transparent price discovery and market data. Visit EEX →

Key Market Indicators to Monitor

  • 📈 GO price trends and volatility
  • ⚡ Technology-specific certificate premiums
  • 🌍 Cross-border trading volumes
  • 📊 Supply-demand balance by country
  • 🎯 Additionality criteria and vintage premiums
  • 📋 Regulatory changes and market reforms

European GO issuing bodies

Issuer and dataset names are shown as published.

Data availableOutside dataset

Select a highlighted country to view its certificate information.

Natural Earth

Resources

Resources

European Energy Certificate Market

Explore GO issuance, transfers, cancellation and electricity disclosure across Europe.

Certificate Insights & Statistics

Explore historical AIB transaction volumes, European trade balances and market visualisations.

Guarantees of Origin Auctions

Access the auction dashboard used by the site to follow European GO auction results and market activity.

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