Guarantees of Origin are confirmation that a certain amount of electricity has been produced from 100% renewable energy sources. The product of renewable energy sources can be thought of as two separate products. On the one hand, the electricity produced and on the other hand, the Guarantees of Origin created during production.

The origin of Orkusalan's electricity in 2023 is 100% renewable for those customers who purchase Guarantees of Origin. The origin of the electricity for customers who do not purchase guarantees can be seen below in the standardized declaration of the National Energy Authority.

Published according to the standardized declaration of the National Energy Authority.

Guarantees of Origin are confirmation that a certain amount of electricity has been produced from 100% renewable energy sources. The product of renewable energy sources can be thought of as two separate products. On the one hand, the electricity produced and on the other hand, the Guarantees of Origin created during production. By purchasing Guarantees of Origin, often called green certificates, electricity users receive confirmation that the electricity they use is produced from 100% renewable energy sources.

No one is obliged to buy Guarantees of Origin, but they are necessary for those who market themselves as users of renewable energy. Companies that purchase Guarantees of Origin also use lower emission factors in their carbon accounting when calculating the carbon footprint due to electricity use. 

Without Guarantees of Origin, the electricity is considered to be from the common European energy pool where different energy sources are used to produce electricity. The emission factor for that mix can be found in the standardized declaration on the website of the National Energy Authority each year.

Orkusalan encourages its customers to make an informed decision regarding the purchase of Guarantees of Origin. In most cases, it is companies that purchase Guarantees of Origin and there can be various reasons for doing so. Among them:

Lower Emission Factors in Carbon Accounting

Individuals who want to support the guarantee of origin system and thus the production of green energy can purchase guarantees of origin for all their electricity consumption. We encourage individuals to learn about the energy pathway GrænOrka.

Do I or my company need to buy a Guarantee of Origin?

Iceland is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) which entails certain obligations, including the adoption of regulations from Europe. The Icelandic state is required to provide electricity sellers in the country with the option to issue guarantees of origin and participate in trading them. Participation of energy companies and energy users in the guarantee of origin system is optional.

Consumers are increasingly demanding more environmentally friendly production. Participation in the system ensures that Icelandic electricity buyers have access to a market with green products and services. The system also makes Icelandic electricity production more competitive by increasing the value of renewable energy.

Why is Iceland involved in the guarantee of origin system?

Electricity Origin in 2023

Q & A

What is a Guarantee of Origin?

Do I or my company need to buy a Guarantee of Origin?

Why is Iceland involved in the guarantee of origin system?