What is an I-REC?
The International Renewable Energy Certificate (I-REC) is an internationally recognised certificate proving that 1 MWh of electricity was generated from a renewable source. Companies use I-RECs to document their renewable electricity consumption and to reduce their reported carbon footprint.
What is the difference between VCS, Gold Standard and GCC?
All three are voluntary carbon programmes that independently verify the emission reductions of a project and issue carbon credits for them:
- VCS (Verified Carbon Standard): one of the most widely used carbon standards worldwide.
- Gold Standard: measures a project's contribution to sustainable development as well as its emission reductions.
- GCC (Global Carbon Council): a voluntary carbon programme based in Qatar.
Which of your power plants hold which certificates?
- Murat HES: VCS certified since 2014.
- Çataloluk HES: Gold Standard certified since 2010.
- Çobanlı, Araklı 1, Ortaçağ, Manahoz, Polat, Yaylabel and Yazı HES: registered with I-REC since 2021. Yaylabel and Yazı were also VCS certified from 2009 to 2019.
- Bolvadin, İhsaniye, Eğriöz, Hamidiye and Türkmentokat solar plants, and Orhanlı wind farm: issued I-RECs for their generation; Global Carbon Council (GCC) certification is under way.
- Beylikova Biogas Plant: VCS certification under way since 2020.
Can I buy carbon credits or I-RECs from Elestaş?
Yes. We supply carbon credits and I-RECs from our own plants to companies. For availability and pricing, please contact us. The Carbon Credits page describes our service.