What does I-REC stand for?

International Renewable Energy Certificate

The International Renewable Energy Certificate (I‑REC) is a globally recognized energy attribute certificate used in countries outside Europe and North America to verify that 1 MWh of electricity was generated from renewable sources like wind, solar, hydro, biomass, or geothermal. Each I‑REC records key data—such as generation date, technology type, location, and plant capacity—and is issued, tracked, and eventually retired in an official registry. This ensures transparency, prevents double‑counting, and gives businesses the right to claim the environmental benefits of the electricity they consume.

I‑RECs are particularly valuable for companies operating in emerging markets across Asia, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Oceania, where local renewable energy certificate systems may not exist. By purchasing and retiring I‑RECs, corporations can credibly reduce their Scope 2 emissions in line with global standards like the GHG Protocol, RE100, and CDP. Additionally, this supports renewable energy producers financially, helping to accelerate clean energy deployment in regions that lack formal certificate systems.