(Brussels 23 April) – ‘Guarantees of origin’ represent proof that a unit of electricity comes from a renewable resource. The goal of today’s seminar, jointly organized by European Standards Organizations CEN and CENELEC, is to gather information and advice on standardization needs related to guarantees of origin, and energy certificates.

In a recent proposal on the promotion of the use of renewable energy, the European Commission suggested virtual trading of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) between countries. In addition, according to Directive 2006/32/EC , the Commission will assess the need for a European-wide white certificate scheme to improve energy efficiency. A white certificate certifies that a certain reduction of energy consumption has been achieved. Harmonization and standardization activities will be instrumental in ensuring that both tools (guarantees of origin and white certificates) are applicable, transferable, and effective.

In today’s seminar in the Charlemagne building, representatives from the Commission, electricity companies, manufacturers, the renewable industry, the French energy agency – ADEME, and organizations dealing with voluntary certificate systems, will present their experiences and views regarding the need for standardization on this subject. For more information see www.cen.eu/go/energy_conference