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I-REC vs REC
I-RECs and RECs both prove that 1 MWh of electricity came from a renewable source. The difference is where they apply: RECs in the United States and Canada, I-RECs in more than 60 other countries.
The short answer
Same purpose, different markets
Both certificates let a company report its electricity consumption as renewable. Which one you need depends on where you consume the electricity: the certificate must come from the same market.
- RECs (Renewable Energy Certificates): United States and Canada.
- I-RECs (International Renewable Energy Certificates): Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
- GOs (Guarantees of Origin): Europe.
Operating in several countries?
- RECs, I-RECs and GOs from one supplier
- Certificates from each market you operate in
- Redeemed in your company's name
Side by side
I-RECs and RECs compared
| Feature | I-REC | REC |
|---|---|---|
| Where they apply | 60+ countries in Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East | United States and Canada |
| What one certificate represents | 1 MWh of renewable electricity | 1 MWh of renewable electricity |
| Standard | I-REC(E) Standard of The International Tracking Standard Foundation | Regional tracking systems; voluntary certification such as Green-e is common |
| Registry | Evident, one global registry | Several regional tracking systems |
| Issued by | A local issuer in each country (NORMEX in Mexico, for example) | The regional tracking system where the plant is registered |
| Used for | Scope 2 market-based reporting, RE100, CDP | Scope 2 market-based reporting, RE100, CDP |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is an I-REC the same as a REC?
They do the same job, proving 1 MWh of renewable electricity, but in different places. RECs are used in the United States and Canada; I-RECs are used in more than 60 other countries.
Can I use RECs for my operations in Mexico?
For RE100, CDP and the GHG Protocol, certificates should come from the same market where you consume the electricity. For Mexico, that means I-RECs or CELs. See I-RECs in Mexico.
My company operates in several countries. Which do I need?
Usually a mix: RECs for the United States and Canada, GOs for Europe and I-RECs for most other countries. Moendi sources all of them. See I-RECs by country.
Are I-RECs accepted by RE100?
Yes. RE100 and CDP accept I-RECs, RECs and GOs as proof of renewable electricity, provided they meet their market-boundary and vintage criteria.
Need certificates in several markets?
Tell us where you consume electricity. We will source the right certificate for each country.
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