On 23 January 2025, the National Energy Administration (NEA) of China held a press conference to share updates on the development of new energy storage, oil and gas exploration, and the issuance of Green Electricity Certificates (GEC).
The NEA also took the opportunity to explain more about the “Administrative Measures for the Development and Construction of Distributed Photovoltaic Power Generation” document. Wei Qingshan, Deputy Director of the Electric Power Business Qualification Management Centre, represented the NEA at the event and answered the following questions.
What are the upcoming measures by the NEA to promote the healthy development of the Green Electricity Certificate (GEC) market?
The Green Electricity Certificate (GEC) is the sole Energy Attribute Certificate (EAC) that is recognised in China. We have also passed laws to promote green energy consumption through the implementation of the GEC scheme that enhances the credibility of the GEC. China’s GEC industry has is promising and it is the right time to advance green power consumption using GECs. We will continue to:
1. Strengthen GEC ecosystem
2. Accelerate the development of the GEC market
3. Promote synergy between the GEC and the carbon markets
4. Push for the international recognition of the GEC.
1. Strengthening Green Electricity Certificate ecosystem
Firstly, we seek to improve the policy system for the issuance of GECs. We intend to actively implement the requirements of the regulations on the issuance and trading of GECs and prepare the rules for their trial implementation. To streamline the issuance of GECs, manage the system, and safeguard the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of all stakeholder, we will refine the division of responsibilities, account management, GEC issuance, transfer, verification, supervision and dispute resolution, information management and other related matters. The rules of the implementation will be open for public comments in the near future.
2. Accelerating the development of the Green Electricity Certificate market
Secondly, to accelerate the development of the GEC market, we aim to actively expand the application of GECs. There are plans to boost the implementation of the GEC verification mechanism, provide strong support for the establishment of a GEC operating procedure that coves the full GEC life cycle – issuance, trading, certification and verification. At the same time, we will make full use of digital and technological resources to build a traceable and secure GEC supervision system.
3. Promoting synergy between Green Electricity Certificate and carbon markets
Thirdly, to enhance synergy between the Green Electricity Certificate and carbon markets, we aim to increase emphasis on the role of GECs in accounting for consumption, and promote the use of GECs to entities with high energy use. We will also promote the inclusion of green certificates in carbon emission accounting and carbon footprint management. On linking up the GEC and China Certified Emission Reduction (CCER) systems, the NEA is already exchanging information with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and will accelerate the information exchange and sharing between both GEC and CCER systems.
4. Push for international recognition of Green Electricity Certificate
To achieve international recognition for the GEC, we will promote GECs to relevant international organisations, national green consumption and carbon emission reduction systems, and build relations with green electricity consumption certification institutions and voluntary organisations with international influence. We will strengthen the guidance on standards, and encourage Chinese enterprises and institutions to participate in the research and formulation of international standards in all aspects of issuance, measurement, and trading. We will actively participate in the research of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and the formulation of international standards for the issuance, measurement and trading of green electricity certificates.
Learn more about GECs
As demand for China RECs or GECs grow, the measures to enhance the GEC market will help increase GEC supply to meet demand for renewable energy.
Contact REDEX at enquire@redex.eco to find out more.
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