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Guarantees of Origin (GOs)

What is a Guarantee of Origin?

What is a Guarantee of Origin?

A Guarantee of Origin (GO), also known as the European equivalent of an Energy Attribute Certificate (EAC), is an electronic document that certifies a certain amount of electricity has been generated from renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, or biomass, etc. One Guarantee of Origin equals one megawatt-hour of renewable electricity injected into the power grid.

The GO is the sole legally recognized tool in Europe to disclose the renewable origin of the electricity supplied. Thus, it provides end consumers with the ability to knowingly choose their energy source.

How does the Guarantee of Origin work?

How does the Guarantee of Origin work?

Under the European Renewable Energy Directive of 2001 and its subsequent amendments, the GO has been unanimously adopted by the Member States of the EU as the unique tool to track and disclose the renewable source of the electricity supplied to end consumers. For each megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable electricity produced and fed into the grid, a GO is issued. It includes at least the following information:

  • The source of energy used to produce the electricity (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass…)
  • The location of the power plant
  • The type of plant and technology used
  • A unique identification number.

Each GO is valid for 12 months. They are typically issued monthly and can be sold separately from the underlying electricity.

The information provided on a GO allows the end consumer to verify the renewable origin of the energy they use, ensuring complete transparency and traceability.

Why include the GOs in your decarbonization journey?

Short term goals

Acquiring GOs has a direct and immediate impact on your decarbonization strategy, facilitating the planning and budgeting of your longer-term actions. Purchasing GOs concretely demonstrates your commitment to renewable energies, contributing to the reduction of your scope 2 emissions and helping you achieve your carbon neutrality goals.

As a result, this approach enhances your attractiveness to stakeholders (clients, partners, investors).

Long term goals

The revenues from the sale of GOs are allocated to the maintenance, improvement, and development of renewable production capacity. This reinvestment creates a virtuous cycle that significantly contributes to the establishment of new clean energy infrastructures.

On a larger scale, the voluntary consumption of electricity from renewable sources certified by GOs is a significant ecological initiative that favors clean energy sources over fossil fuels.

How can Nvalue assist you?

How can Nvalue assist you?

Nvalue is one of the main suppliers of Guarantees of Origin in Europe, selling several million certificates each year. Thanks to our privileged market access to hundreds of power plants across Europe, we offer a complete range of energy solutions.

With over 15 years of experience in the renewable energy markets, our team of experienced professionals has all the necessary skills to support each organization in achieving its short and long term sustainable goals through both unbundled procurement of Guarantees of Origin and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).

Are you looking to meet your scope 2 CO2 emissions reduction targets? Are you aiming to meet the RE100 criteria?

Are you a renewable producer looking to diversify your Guarantee of Origin portfolio and amplify your geographical market reach?

Let’s explore your goals together