GGCS approved for evidencing green gas supply
The Green Gas Certification Scheme (GGCS) has announced it will be one of only two Approved Certification Schemes for evidencing green gas supply in the upcoming Green Gas Levy.
The Green Gas Levy, first announced in the March 2020 Budget, will fund support for biomethane injection into the gas grid through the new Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS). The GGSS is designed to encourage the deployment of new anaerobic digestion biomethane plants, and increase the proportion of green gas in the grid by supporting producers.
The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) has worked closely with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to advocate for this support and inform the design of the GGSS on behalf of its members.
The Green Gas Levy will be placed on all licensed gas suppliers in the UK, except for those who are exempt. Exemptions to the levy are provided when a household is supplied with greater than 95% green gas. To evidence this supply, gas consumption must be matched to a green gas guarantee of origin issued by an approved scheme.
To become an approved scheme, the BEIS assessed the operations of the GGCS against a range of criteria that show the scheme operations to be of a high standard. This included a positive assessment of the scheme’s Guarantees of Origin issuing process, internal and external auditing, and the security of the registry’s IT systems.
“GGCS being named as one of only two Approved Certification Schemes for evidencing green gas supply within the Green Gas Levy regulations reflects our organisation’s hard work since its inception in 2011 to ensure the highest possible standards within the biomethane market,” said Jesse Scharf, scheme manager at GGCS.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates our auditing and management system stand up to government scrutiny and that suppliers and consumers can use our scheme with confidence.
“It is also an important step for the green gas market, with explicit recognition of the role of Guarantees of Origin in evidencing green gas supply to consumers. By joining a green gas tariff, consumers can support UK green gas production, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and help meet our net-zero targets.”
Kiara Zennaro, head of heat and green gas lead at the REA, said the Association welcomes the launch of the GGSS.
“Decarbonising the UK’s extensive grid with biomethane and other green gases is absolutely vital to achieving net zero and help move away from fossil gas while delivering wider benefits to the farming, industry and waste sectors.
“GGCS’ hard work to implement credible and robust processes ensures customers can be fully confident their green gas is 100% renewable.”
The Green Gas Levy, first announced in the March 2020 Budget, will fund support for biomethane injection into the gas grid through the new Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS). The GGSS is designed to encourage the deployment of new anaerobic digestion biomethane plants, and increase the proportion of green gas in the grid by supporting producers.
The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) has worked closely with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to advocate for this support and inform the design of the GGSS on behalf of its members.
The Green Gas Levy will be placed on all licensed gas suppliers in the UK, except for those who are exempt. Exemptions to the levy are provided when a household is supplied with greater than 95% green gas. To evidence this supply, gas consumption must be matched to a green gas guarantee of origin issued by an approved scheme.
To become an approved scheme, the BEIS assessed the operations of the GGCS against a range of criteria that show the scheme operations to be of a high standard. This included a positive assessment of the scheme’s Guarantees of Origin issuing process, internal and external auditing, and the security of the registry’s IT systems.
“GGCS being named as one of only two Approved Certification Schemes for evidencing green gas supply within the Green Gas Levy regulations reflects our organisation’s hard work since its inception in 2011 to ensure the highest possible standards within the biomethane market,” said Jesse Scharf, scheme manager at GGCS.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates our auditing and management system stand up to government scrutiny and that suppliers and consumers can use our scheme with confidence.
“It is also an important step for the green gas market, with explicit recognition of the role of Guarantees of Origin in evidencing green gas supply to consumers. By joining a green gas tariff, consumers can support UK green gas production, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and help meet our net-zero targets.”
Kiara Zennaro, head of heat and green gas lead at the REA, said the Association welcomes the launch of the GGSS.
“Decarbonising the UK’s extensive grid with biomethane and other green gases is absolutely vital to achieving net zero and help move away from fossil gas while delivering wider benefits to the farming, industry and waste sectors.
“GGCS’ hard work to implement credible and robust processes ensures customers can be fully confident their green gas is 100% renewable.”
