Energy Tracking from Source to Switch with Granular Certificates

Energy Track and Trace (ETT) is a groundbreaking initiative focused on Granular Certificates as a new standard for tracking renewable energy from its source to the switch. The goal is to create a detailed energy certification system that offers clear tracking, openness, and TRUST. This paves the way for a wider range of energy options and speeds up the shift towards green energy.

The Energy Track and Trace project is a collaboration between Energinet, Elia Group, Elering, and VertiCer.

What is Energy Track & Trace?

ETT is a voluntary certification system developed by a partnership of European GO Issuing Bodies and transmission system operators (TSO). It’s meant for businesses and energy providers who want more transparency about their energy use to show their efforts towards reducing emissions.

We use advanced digital technology with a focus on trust and transparency.

The project is based on Open Source code. It consists of a “Wallet” and a “Distribution system” that makes it possible to transfer Energy Production as Granular Certificates from one wallet to another and to match them against Energy Consumption Certificates. The concept (and code) can be implemented in any other country in Europe.

The data enabling this process originates from the metering points at both production and consumption facilities.

The Energy Track & Trace Partnership

The ETT Partnership believes that Granular Certificates will become the next standard way of tracking energy in the near future, playing a vital role in the energy transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. While big companies are shifting their energy consumption to match renewable energy production times, the current European Guarantees of Origin (GO) system lacks the necessary time and location granularity.

Our focus in Energy Track and Trace is, on establishing a seamless energy-tracking system from production to consumption.

To benefit our customers in the short term, ETT is designed as a voluntary certification alongside the European GO scheme. This approach offers some benefits, but it requires careful coordination to avoid double counting and stay within legal rules.

Is it possible to have Granular Certificates alongside the GO scheme?

The ETT system is based on Granular Certificates, which are aligned with EnergyTag standards. These certificates track energy in small time intervals, as short as one hour, from one destination to another. The GO scheme is based on larger blocks of energy.

To prevent double counting, EnergyTag suggests two possible ways to coordinate with existing GO Certificate schemes. In Europe, configuration #1 would need a revision of The Renewable Energy Directive (RED), which takes a long time. So, the ETT Partnership is focusing on configuration #2 in the short term. This means the GO scheme stays the same, and GO cancellations remain the only way to make official claims.

Requirements for issuance of Granular Certificates

Production units can only register for issuing Granular Certificates if they’re also registered with the GO scheme. This prevents double counting and keeps things consistent. Granular Certificates and GOs are issued independently but require the same metering data for accuracy.

GC Transfers and Cancellations

ETT enables Granular Certificate transfers after a defined time interval related to production time. This avoids giving unfair advantages to users connected to more effective registries. GC transfers close at the end of January for the previous year, ensuring timely compliance.

How will Granular Certificates succeed?

ETT offers a transitional solution until the GO system is revised to include granular certification by design. Compliance with the EU GO scheme is crucial for claims made with ETT. We call for better access to GO registry data and urge policymakers to include granular certification in any future design.

To improve coordination between ETT and the GO scheme, better access to GO registry data is needed. In the long term, policymakers should revise the EU GO system to include granular certification in its new design, supporting a more sustainable energy future.