Renewable energy certificates

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Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) explained

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are a way of proving that electricity has been generated from renewable sources such as wind, solar, hydro or biomass. They help organisations show their commitment to renewable generation and support claims about their use of renewable electricity.

Confirm your environmental credentials with certificates


Getting on supply with renewable power from Drax means you can report your Scope 2 emissions (see graphic below) as zero. To go further, our fleet electrification and asset optimisation services can cut your Scope 1 emissions too – and we can also discuss how buying our carbon credits can help to reduce your Scope 3 emissions.

The next step towards net zero is to buy Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) – sometimes known as Energy Attribution Certificates (EACs). These guarantee the source of renewable power being generated around the world – and deliver other advantages as well.

To discuss how we can help you take another sustainability step by purchasing RECs, get in touch.

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Want to know more? Watch our video

Watch this video to understand what RECs are and how you can use them to help your organisation improve its sustainability.

Net zero Scope 1, 2 and 3 Chart

The benefits of RECs

RECs can deliver Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) benefits and address your reporting of emissions. They also help to encourage renewable energy generation.

Back-up ESG claims

Back-up ESG claims

RECs can help to substantiate your environmental claims and therefore satisfy the demands of your stakeholders.

Report zero emissions

Report zero emissions

Getting both renewable power and RECs means you can report zero indirect emissions from purchased electricity.

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Support renewables

RECs encourage organisations to expand (or start) generating and stimulate the renewable power industry.

Worldwide coverage of RECs


Every REC represents the generation of one megawatt hour (MWh) of renewable electricity somewhere in the world. We deliver RECs appropriate to the countries or regions where you operate.
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Get in touch and find out how we can help you with your organisation's sustainability with the purchase of RECs.

Renewable Energy Certificates - FAQs

How do Renewable Energy Certificates work?

When renewable electricity is generated, a corresponding certificate is issued. Organisations can purchase and retire these certificates to demonstrate that the electricity associated with their consumption came from renewable sources.

What is the purpose of Renewable Energy Certificates?

RECs help businesses evidence their use of renewable electricity, support sustainability initiatives and achieve renewable energy procurement objectives as part of wider environmental strategies.

How do Renewable Energy Certificates support Scope 2 emissions reporting?

Renewable Energy Certificates are commonly used to support market-based Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions reporting by enabling organisations to demonstrate that their electricity consumption is matched with renewable generation.

What is the difference between RECs and carbon offsets?

Renewable Energy Certificates relate specifically to renewable electricity generation and are typically associated with Scope 2 emissions reporting. Carbon offsets are a separate mechanism used to address emissions that cannot be reduced directly and may be associated with other emission categories.

Who should buy Renewable Energy Certificates?

RECs may benefit organisations looking to increase their renewable energy credentials, support ESG objectives, improve sustainability reporting, or demonstrate progress towards corporate environmental goals.