China’s renewable electricity market has taken a critical step forward on credible corporate renewables claims, meaning that companies can now confidently use China’s Green Electricity Certificates (GEC) system, knowing the renewables they buy are having a verifiable, real-world impact.
This is after successful consultation between RE100 and the China Renewable Energy Engineering Institute (CREEI) and based on the mutual consensus on the improvements to China’s GEC system led by China’s National Energy Administration (NEA).
The changes also make proving renewables use in the country easier, making China an attractive international market for corporates driving towards 100% renewable electricity, says RE100.
Over the past two years, Climate Group’s RE100 initiative regularly met with the CREEI to support the government align China’s Green Electricity Certificates (GEC) system with international standards. This means that both Chinese and global RE100 companies can now much more easily prove what renewables they are buying, and report on their progress towards their 100% renewable electricity goals. The changes also ensure that renewables use by large manufacturers in China are felt throughout global supply chains.
This landmark change by the Chinese authorities was achieved after ongoing dialogue to address some of RE100’s questions around the GEC system. After changes to the system by the NEA the questions were resolved, meaning China is in a strong leadership position on corporate renewables procurement in Asia, says RE100.
One past concern was that GECs could be given out by renewables projects that had also given out carbon offset credits. This is often referred to as ‘double counting’, where the same environmental benefit of one project is claimed twice. There were also concerns that GECs didn’t have expiry dates, meaning old certificates could be used indefinitely, long after they’ve had their intended climate impact.
“China’s energy market is open for business, and we’re delighted to have supported the Chinese authorities with these important changes. RE100 companies can now meet their ambitious renewables goals with confidence that their renewables purchases are having verifiable, real-world impact. We look forward to continuing our work with these businesses and the Chinese authorities in pursuit of our shared mission to decarbonise supply chains and economies,” said Sam Kimmins, Director of Energy, Climate Group.
This news was shared at the Climate Group Asia Action Summit in Singapore on 8 May 2025, where Climate Group and CREE representatives signed an MOU on deepening their collaboration on advancing green electricity adoption.
