CELs: Clean Energy Certificates
Mexico's Clean Energy Certificates (Certificados de Energías Limpias) for compliance in the Wholesale Electricity Market, and how they compare with I-RECs.
CELs
What is a CEL?
A CEL (Certificado de Energía Limpia, or Clean Energy Certificate) is a Mexican certificate issued by the CRE (Energy Regulatory Commission). Each one proves that 1 MWh was generated from a clean or renewable source.
CELs were created as part of Mexico's energy reform to promote the generation and use of clean energy in the Wholesale Electricity Market (MEM).
Who needs CELs?
- Every Qualified User in the MEM must cover a specific share of their annual electricity consumption with clean energy.
- The percentage is set by Mexico's Ministry of Energy (SENER); the current requirement is 13.90% of consumption.
- Qualified Suppliers are responsible for procuring the necessary CELs on behalf of the users they supply.
How Moendi helps
- Sourcing CELs for your compliance needs
- Combining CELs with I-RECs when you also report renewable electricity voluntarily
- Migrating to the MEM as a Qualified User
Comparison
CELs vs I-RECs
| Feature | CELs | I-RECs |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Mandatory for Qualified Users in Mexico | Voluntary, driven by sustainability goals |
| Eligible sources | Clean energy sources | Renewable sources only |
| Traceability | No details on technology, project or location | Technology, project, location and more |
| Accepted by GHG Protocol, CDP and RE100 | Generally not, due to lack of traceability | Yes |
Need certificates for Scope 2 reporting? See I-RECs in Mexico
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What are CELs?
CELs (Certificados de Energías Limpias) are Clean Energy Certificates issued by Mexico's Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE). Each CEL proves that 1 MWh was generated from a clean source.
Who is required to buy CELs?
Qualified Users in Mexico's Wholesale Electricity Market must cover a share of their consumption with CELs, set by SENER (currently 13.90%). Their Qualified Supplier procures the CELs on their behalf.
Can I use CELs for RE100 or CDP reporting?
Generally not. CELs do not include details on technology, project or location, so reporting frameworks such as the GHG Protocol, CDP and RE100 do not usually accept them. Companies use I-RECs for those claims.
What is the difference between CELs and I-RECs?
CELs are mandatory, cover clean sources and are used for compliance in Mexico. I-RECs are voluntary, renewable-only, fully traceable and accepted by international reporting frameworks.
Can a plant produce both CELs and I-RECs?
New renewable assets in Mexico can choose to produce I-RECs or CELs for the same generation, not both, which is why local I-REC supply stays competitive.