What is RE100
RE100 is a major international group that promotes the use of green electricity. Its full acceptance of GEC shows that China's renewable energy system is gaining trust and influence worldwide. In the past, China’s Green Electricity Certificates (GECs) were often overlooked in the global market. But today, many multinational companies are buying GECs, helping these certificates become a key player in the global carbon market.

From Struggles to Success

When GECs were first introduced in 2017, it didn’t gain much attention. High prices and a voluntary purchase system made them unpopular, many saw them as just “paper green energy.” However, things changed after 2020. Realizing that voluntary markets alone couldn’t grow fast enough, China started taking serious action.

In 2021, the government launched a new green electricity trading system that combined both electricity and GECs. More renewable energy projects were connected to the grid, lowering the price of GECs and increasing their use. By 2023, a full GEC coverage policy was implemented, making GECs the only official proof of renewable electricity in China.

At the same time, China introduced blockchain technology to ensure the authenticity of each certificate, making the data secure and traceable. This technology was successfully used during the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, where all green electricity used was tracked and verified using blockchain.

Global Recognition and Cooperation

China’s efforts to align its GEC system with international standards paid off. In 2024, the National Energy Administration visited Denmark and the EU to discuss GEC compatibility. Experts found the Chinese and European systems to be very similar.

Shortly after, China’s renewable energy team held talks with RE100 in London. These talks confirmed that China’s GECs meet international requirements. As a result, RE100 updated its rules to fully recognize GECs where companies no longer need to worry about being accused of “greenwashing” if they use Chinese certificates.

This shift isn’t just about recognition, it’s also shifting the market. Chinese GECs are much cheaper than international ones, costing as little as 2 RMB in 2024. While this raises concerns about possible “price suction” in the global market, it also means that China now plays a bigger role in setting global green energy prices.

Looking Ahead

China’s GEC is no longer just a tool for electricity tracking, it’s becoming an important part of global climate governance. By pushing for international cooperation and fairer certification standards, China is moving from a rule follower to a rule maker in the global green economy.

Over the past eight years, China’s GECs have gone from being ignored to being fully accepted. This journey reflects China’s determination in renewable energy development and signals a shift in global climate leadership.