Ireland Renewable Energy Regulations S.I. 350: SEMO Guarantees of Origin Guide

Key Takeaways

• S.I. No. 350 of 2022 establishes the statutory framework for Guarantees of Origin (GOs) in Ireland.
• The Single Electricity Market Operator (SEMO) issues GOs for renewable electricity, under CRU supervision.
• Each Guarantee of Origin corresponds to exactly one megawatt hour (1 MWh) of renewable generation (August 2026).
• GOs expire if not cancelled within 12 months of energy production (August 2026).

Understanding S.I. 350/2022 and Guarantees of Origin in Ireland

The European Union (Renewable Energy) (No. 2) Regulations 2022, known as S.I. No. 350 of 2022, establish the legal framework for Guarantees of Origin (GOs) in Ireland. These regulations define how GOs are issued, transferred, and cancelled for renewable electricity. The framework operates under the supervision of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).

SEMO's Role in Issuing Guarantees of Origin

The Single Electricity Market Operator (SEMO) is mandated to issue Guarantees of Origin for electricity. This process follows a supervisory framework designed and published by the CRU. The CRU, after consulting with SEMO and other relevant persons, establishes this framework. Both the CRU and SEMO ensure that GOs are accurate, reliable, and fraud-resistant. SEMO issues a GO in response to a request from a generator of electricity from renewable energy sources. A GO may not be requested for electricity generated outside the State.

Characteristics and Purpose of Guarantees of Origin

A Guarantee of Origin applies to the standard size of one megawatt hour (1 MWh). Only one GO is issued for each renewable energy unit. The same renewable energy unit is taken into account only once. GOs serve strictly as commercial evidence of renewable electricity attributes. They have no function in terms of national renewable compliance targets under Regulation 3.

Each issued Guarantee of Origin expires if not cancelled within 12 months of energy production. SEMO maintains an electronic register of issued GOs for electricity. This register includes a statement if a GO has been issued to a PSO generator.

Preventing Double Recovery and Ensuring Accuracy

The regulations include provisions to prevent double recovery of support. Where a PSO generator receives a Guarantee of Origin for electricity for a renewable energy unit, no support scheme payment for the same unit of electricity is made. SEMO, after consulting with the Commission, may revoke a Guarantee of Origin for electricity. This can occur if the GO was issued based on incorrect data, fraud, or administrative inaccuracy.

Mutual Recognition and Administrative Fees

The supervisory framework provides for the recognition of Guarantees of Origin for electricity issued by other Member States. This is in accordance with Article 19(9) of the Directive. The issuance, transfer, or cancellation of a GO may incur a reasonable and proportionate fee. SEMO determines this fee, with CRU approval, to cover administrative costs. SEMO must make information on any such fee publicly available.