What is an Energy Attribute Certificate?

The phrase " Energy Attribute Certificates " (EACs) is an umbrella term that refers to every type of tradeable certificate carrying energy attributes , with the majority of demand existing for the "renewable" attribute (meaning, tracking energy from a renewable source). Functionally, EACs underpin book and claim traceability mechanisms by serving as tradeable assets: EAC creation (known as issuance ) "books" the finite number of attributes that correspond with verified renewable energy production, whilst "claims" (via EAC cancellation ) represent end-of-life for an EAC, as the attribute is used permanently. The existence of market demand for EACs classes them as environmental commodities .

EAC types primarily include Guarantees of Origin (GOs), Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs), International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) , and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).