Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs)

Besides meeting stakeholder expectations around sustainability and adhering to best practice standards (CDP, RE100, SBTis), EACs & RECs allow for a credible, verifiable, and unique claim to renewable energy consumption in 80+ geographies.

With experts spread out across 41 locations, South Pole helps clients whether they need North American RECs or EACs from harder-to-source markets. With our range of expertly designed renewable energy solutions we cover everything from targeted project development to tailored consultancy, in-house workshops, and premium labels.

Sourcing EACs, RECs and more

Globally, EACs go by many different names. In most European countries, EACs are known as Guarantees of Origin (GOs). In the United Kingdom, they are called Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs), and in the United States and Canada they are called Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).

International RECs (I-RECs) as well as Tradable Instruments for Global Renewables (TIGRs) can be found in several Latin American, African, and Asian countries.

A few countries, however, have their own national EAC mechanism. For example: Chinese Green Energy Certificates (GECs), the Australian Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs), the New Zealandian N-ZECs, and the Japanese J-Credits, Green Energy Certificates (GEC) and Non-Fossil Certificates (NFC).

Additionally, South pole is proud to have been one of the initial developers of D-RECs, a high-impact mechanism to connect off-grid renewable energy entrepreneurs to new investment.

From here on we only use the term EACs, but the information shared applies to all of the above.

What are EACs?

EACs allow organisations to verify their renewable energy claims and distinguish between renewable (green) and fossil-fuel based (brown) power. One EAC represents the 'renewable-ness' of one MWh of electricity. An EAC is produced when a renewable source of power produces one MWh of electricity. The EAC can be separated from the underlying electricity and transferred (sold) to another party, allowing that party a legitimate claim to the consumption of one MWh of renewable energy.

An EAC can be sold either together with underlying power (bundled) or separately from it (unbundled). Either of these procurement choices provide for a legitimate renewable energy claim according to international standards.

Key benefits of EACs

• Flexible Consumers do not need to change anything about their existing electricity procurement.
• Cost-efficient EACs are a relatively low-cost approach to sourcing renewable electricity.
• Easily deployed Quickly achieve your renewable energy targets in countries and regions where other solutions are challenging or unavailable.
• Traceable Reliably track each MWh of renewable energy from generation to the final consumer
• Recognised standards Adhere to recognised standards by all major sustainability initiatives such as CDP, RE100, WRI, SBTis

Getting started with procuring EACs

The process of buying EACs is straightforward:

• First, determine how much electricity you consume in each market.
• Then, buy a quantity of EACs in each market equal to your electricity consumption (remember, 1 EAC = 1 MWh)..
• Finally, you may claim the consumption of renewable energy.

How can we help you

• Procure EACs South Pole's experts help you procure EACs in compliance with the major international reporting standards. We'll propose the best possible options depending on your consumption profile, needs, and objectives.
• Tailor made solutions We can take a step back and help you think about which renewable solutions are best suited for your business. These could include multi-year agreements, flexible purchases, or spot transactions.
• Global experience and local partnerships By partnering with local stakeholders, South Pole is able to secure direct access to EACs across the globe and in hard-to-source markets. We are proud to have contributed to establishing new EAC markets in several countries and work hard to continue as a leading global EAC market solutions provider.
• Access to certified climate action projects Our clients benefit from the largest international portfolio of certified climate action projects available from any provider in the market today.
• Make credible claims South Pole offers a suite of quality labels that enable clients to make certifiable claims on the additional impacts of EAC purchases. Various labels are available in different markets and we ensure that the certificates come from projects with additional quality criteria, including non-profit endorsements, independent third-party audits, verified environmental or social safeguards, and verified impacts on local communities in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Why choose South Pole?

South Pole has successfully engaged our client base with national and regional stakeholders in establishing EAC schemes in new geographies. Our team of over 1200+ penguins are spread out over 41 locations ensuring direct access to certificates at the global level. We are proud to have supported clients globally with their renewable energy and EAC strategies and are proud to share that we have contributed to establishing EAC markets in several countries, continuing our work as a leading global EAC market solutions provider.

Ready to take the next steps in your climate journey?

Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help you procuring EACs and find you the best opportunities.