Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between bundled and unbundled certificates?

Bundled certificate: the user purchases and uses the green energy, while obtaining a certificate that can prove the environmental benefits contributed by such actions. To meet the terms for energy-heavy industries in Taiwan, bundled certificates are required. Unbundled certificate: mostly for schools and corporate bodies that voluntarily use the ''electricity'' from renewable energy, which they then sell the ''green'' certificates at the National Renewable Energy Certification Center. Currently, the Certification Center allows the trading of this type of certificate, yet has not offered the service for green energy purchases.

What is the renewable energy certificate?

When the power generation site of renewable energy generates 1,000 kW of green energy, it can obtain one certificate. If the certificate is sold to a user, it cannot be re-sold. To avoid repeated calculations, certificates cannot be used as the greenhouse gas emission reduction quota of the EPA GHG Offset Project.

What are the benefits of renewable energy certificates (T-REC)? Are they recognized internationally?

The renewable energy certificate can be used as proof of using green energy. It is applicable for greenhouse gas measurement, enterprise social responsibility reports, etc. It has also been certified by RE100, CDP, and other organizations. An enterprise can perform a declaration at the National Renewable Energy Certification Center and present the enterprise's results in sustainable actions.

What are the risks of purchasing renewable energy?

As renewable energy options are unstable electricity sources with the feature of immediate usage when generated, the actually transferred kilowatt may not be consistent with the kilowatt specified in the signed agreement. This is a normal phenomenon in the purchase of green energy.

If the power generator company had already sold the electricity to TaiPower by the feed-in tariff, can it be used to apply for the certificate?

After the power generation company sold the electricity to TaiPower by the feed-in tariff, it can no longer be used to apply for renewable energy certificates. You can only choose one. Currently, the demand for green energy is greater than the supply in the market, so the price of green energy is expected to see continuous growth. APh ePower welcomes all power generation companies to work with us, joining the green energy market together.

What is I-REC?

I-REC is a tradeable certificate with credibility, which can be used as a type of energy attribute certificate when filling the RE100 reporting spreadsheet. It can be used as proof of using renewable energy.

How are I-RECs utilized?

If a Taiwanese enterprise owns the oversea sites and is required to comply with the supply chain requirement or RE100, it can purchase I-REC from the country where the site is located.

What is the difference between I-REC and T-REC?

Primarily, the markets are different, but for both systems, 1 certificate represents 1 MWh of green energy. The market scope of I-REC includes Southeast Asia, Africa, etc., and relevant mechanisms in Europe and the US also recognize such certificates. T-REC is the renewable energy certificate mechanism in Taiwan.

What are considered energy-heavy industries? What are the requirements imposed on energy-heavy industries?

Energy-heavy industries are defined as those with a contract capacity exceeding 5,000 kilowatts. These companies have several options: installing energy storage systems, setting up renewable energy generation equipment, purchasing renewable energy and certificates, or covering applicable fees. APh ePower can assist with providing green electricity solutions and securing the necessary green electricity certificates.

What are carbon credits?

Carbon credits are mainly divided into cap and trade carbon credit and offset project carbon credit that can respond to the mandatory carbon market and voluntary carbon market respectively. Enterprises with no compulsory restrictions may, for instance, join the voluntary carbon market to catch up with the international trend and improve their corporate image. The following is a brief description, allowing enterprises to learn the different types of carbon credits!

Mandatory carbon credits: The government controls the total amount of carbon emission. Voluntary carbon credits: reduction of carbon voluntarily and certified by a third party.

To develop voluntary carbon credits: to voluntarily start carbon reduction plans. Purchase the voluntary carbon credits: to purchase/support other's carbon reduction achievement.

Can enterprises participate in the mandatory carbon credit market?

If the business operation is not set up in a country with a cap and trade system and non-restricted industries cannot participate in the mandatory carbon credit market, due to the difference between the mandatory carbon credits and voluntary carbon credits mechanisms, the credits cannot be circulated or traded.

How to develop domestic and international voluntary carbon credits?

The development of carbon credits requires an application for the project. The procedure includes selecting the methodology, planning the project, preparing additionality analysis and third-party verification, etc. The current mainstream carbon credit standards are Verified Carbon Standard(Verra) and Gold Standard, while in Taiwan the major standard is the EPA GHG Offset Program.

Does voluntary carbon credit have an expiration date?

Carbon credits are permanently in effect since their issuance date.

What services does APh ePower offer?

APh ePower offers a comprehensive range of services, including the registration, maintenance, and issuance of carbon credits. Our expert team ensures that these processes are handled efficiently and securely. As a member of the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA), APh ePower also facilitates the evaluation and distribution of carbon credits, either for your company or to other companies.

Should we pursue international or domestic carbon credits?

Whether international or domestic carbon credits are more optimal, depends on the specific project. APh ePower provides tailored recommendations and assists with the evaluation process to determine the most suitable option for your needs.

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