The Federal Government is moving forward on a high-integrity certificate scheme to verify low-emissions products and boost renewable energy investment, as part of legislation introduced today.
Managed by the independent Clean Energy Regulator, the Guarantee of Origin (GO) scheme will monitor and confirm emissions throughout a product’s lifecycle and create certificates proving when, where, and how renewable electricity is generated in Australia.
A Guarantee of Origin (GO) certificate is a document used in the European Union to verify the source of electricity. It certifies that a specific amount of electricity was produced from renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, or hydro.
Overall, GO certificates are part of the broader effort to promote and support renewable energy usage by making the origins of electricity clear and verifiable.
“The GO scheme is an essential platform for unlocking crucial investment in Australia’s net zero industries as our nation seizes the massive opportunities in the clean energy transition as we realise our potential to be a renewable energy superpower,” said Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson.
“It will create opportunities for Australian businesses to verify new clean products and to market their low-emissions credentials through an effective, trusted scheme.”
The GO scheme is a key component of the broader $22.7 billion Future Made in Australia package and will foster the growth of Australia’s new green industries.
Importantly, it will establish eligibility under the $6.7 billion Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive, which is crucial for increasing renewable hydrogen production in Australia.
“Aligned with international standards, it will improve Australian competitiveness in new and emerging domestic and global markets, and will increase Australian exports and Australian jobs as part of the Future Made in Australia imperative,” said Wilson.
“The new renewable electricity guarantee of origin certification mechanism will build on the strengths of the current program, and continue to support new renewable investment.”
The voluntary GO Scheme has been subject to extensive consultation with industry, business, including the climate change and renewable energy sector, as well as state and territory governments through a policy design process that began in 2020.
The new renewable electricity guarantee of origin (REGO) certification mechanism – also introduced in the Bill – will work alongside and eventually replace the Large-scale Generation Certificate (LGC) framework under the Renewable Energy Target (RET) when it concludes in 2030.