Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs): Impacts for Energy Supply Chains
From North America to Asia, companies are using Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) to help verify the source of electricity generation. In this Q&A with Greg Cowley, Enco’s Advisor in Energy Markets and Emissions Reporting, we how EACs work and how they can help companies deliver sustainability goals. Connect with our team to learn more.
Enco Insights, London - 16 June 2025
This briefing on Energy Attribute Certificates covers questions, including:
What are Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs), and why are they important for sustainability?
How do EAC systems and regulations differ across global regions?
What challenges and opportunities do companies face when aligning EAC use with European sustainability standards?
Enco Insights: What are Energy Attribute Certificates EACs, and why are they important for companies working toward sustainability goals?
Greg Cowley: Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) are like "green receipts" for energy. Traditionally, they represent the environmental benefits of renewable electricity, with each certificate equal to 1 MWh of clean power. Even if your company’s electricity comes from the grid (which mixes fossil fuels and renewables), buying EACs lets you claim the green benefits of clean sources.
But the definition is expanding. Now, EACs aren’t just for renewables—they can also track the emissions performance of any energy source, including natural gas, if the data is reliable. For example, new technology helps detect methane leaks in gas pipelines.
Regulators are also shifting toward full lifecycle emissions reporting (like New York’s new rules and the EU’s Cross-Border Adjustment Mechanism). That means simply buying EACs to offset grid power isn’t enough anymore—companies need deeper transparency into their energy sources.
Enco: How do EACs differ around the world?
Greg: The core idea is the same globally—track and report energy attributes—but the systems vary. For example:
U.S.: Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
Europe: Guarantees of Origin (GOs)
Asia, Latin America, Africa: International RECs (I-RECs)
Australia: Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs)
Each region has its own rules, market maturity, and level of acceptance.
“Simply buying EACs to offset grid power isn’t enough anymore—companies need deeper transparency into their energy sources.”
Enco: What does your work involve, and why is it important?
Greg: I help European electricity producers and natural gas importers understand and use upstream EACs that track and evidence emissions from the entire natural gas fuel purchase pathway. With more U.S. gas flowing into Europe, companies need verified data to comply with policies like the EU Methane Regulation and CBAM.
Enco: Can companies use EACs from global supply chains to support renewable claims in Europe?
Greg: It depends. Carbon accounting is still evolving, and rules vary. Some companies are taking the lead in working with regulators to include these global EACs, while others are waiting for clearer guidance. Think of it like early days in banking regulation—fragmented but moving toward more global alignment. There can be some challenges, for example, in using
As a member of Enco Insights’ Advisor Network, Greg Crowley is open for engagement. Whether you're starting your sustainability journey or navigating complex reporting rules, Greg can help you better understand the opportunities and challenges in today's landscape.
Enco: Can it be challenging to use non-European EACs in the European market?
Greg: Yes - there can be some regulatory inconsistency and varying carbon accounting frameworks.
Enco: Have you seen successful examples of non-EU EACs being accepted in Europe?
Greg: Not yet, but several companies are actively exploring this and speaking with regulators to find a path forward.
Enco: If a company operates globally but reports in Europe, what are its options?
Greg: It depends on your reporting goals. First, clarify whether you’re reporting renewable energy use or total emissions. Buying a REC doesn’t cancel out the CO₂ from grid power—it just claims the renewable piece. For renewable energy claims in Europe, companies should consider:
Buying GOs through EU-recognized registries
Signing Power Purchase Agreements with European renewable energy providers
Using green energy tariffs from utilities
Installing on-site renewable systems that connect to the grid
For global sustainability initiatives it's not enough just to buy renewable energy anywhere in the world. They prefer that companies buy EACs from the same region where the energy is being used.
Enco: What advice would you give companies trying to align with European sustainability standards?
Greg: Stay flexible and proactive. Even if no reporting is required today, every company should be structuring their energy procurement groups to recognize, value, and purchase the lowest Carbon Intensity Fuel lifecycle source.
Enco: How do you see EACs evolving in the next few years?
Greg: Europe and some U.S. states will continue leading on emissions reduction. At the same time, private companies are building better tools to track emissions across the entire energy supply chain. Ultimately, EAC’s from all emissions segments of the energy industry will report their emissions and respond to energy buyers' demand for low-Carbon Intensive fuel sources.
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