Certification schemes – how to prove the origin of energy generation

As countries around the world consider ways to transition to low and zero carbon energy systems, there is increasing interest in ways in which the origin of energy generation can be tracked. Certification schemes have proved popular for renewable electricity generation schemes, such as Renewable Obligation Certificates. As carbon becomes a potential unit to be tracked, for low carbon energy sources such as green hydrogen, certification schemes are likely to need greater levels of sophistication. Recent work on carbon accounting has considered Lifecycle Assessment methods [1], and complexity of choice of system boundary [2], for example. 

This project will apply system modelling methods, to improve understanding of the ways in which carbon dioxide emissions can be tracked across multiple energy conversions. This will lead to recommendations on ways in which the carbon content of different energy generation schemes can be proven through appropriate design of certification approaches. The work is linked to the hub on Hydrogen Integration for Accelerated Energy Transitions (HI-ACT https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/hiact/). 

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