context: After becoming the sole means of authenticating renewable power consumption in 2023, Beijing has sought international recognition of its GEC (green electricity certificate) system. The latest move by RE100 to fully recognise GECs represents a breakthrough for renewable energy market reform, boosting the green credibility and global competitiveness of Chinese enterprises.
RE100 fully and unconditionally recognised the PRC's GEC (green electricity certificate) system on 24 March. This major policy shift means companies can now use GECs to make renewable energy claims under RE100 without needing additional documentation, such as certificate aggregation or proof of validity. The move marks a significant milestone in the internationalisation of the PRC's GEC system and strengthens its global credibility.
RE100’s new stance follows extensive reforms to the PRC’s GEC framework. Initially launched in 2017, the GEC system faced challenges like limited coverage, concerns over double counting with CCERs (China certified emission reductions) and unclear rules. These issues led RE100 to impose conditional requirements on GEC use, prompting many Chinese companies to rely instead on international certificates like I-RECs (international renewable energy certificates).
A turning point came in August 2023, when the National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Finance and the National Energy Administration jointly issued a policy mandating full GEC coverage, banning I-RECs in the PRC and prioritising international alignment. Subsequent regulations established a two-year validity period for GECs and ensured no overlap between GECs and CCERs.
These reforms addressed all of RE100’s concerns, paving the way for unconditional acceptance. In December 2024, PRC authorities engaged directly with RE100 in the UK to finalise technical alignment. RE100’s March 2025 update placed the PRC’s GECs on equal footing with US RECs and EU Guarantees of Origin.
The impact is significant for global supply chains. The PRC is home to many RE100 member companies, including LONGi and Tongwei, as well as numerous suppliers to brands like Apple and H&M. RE100’s criteria shape procurement practices beyond its official membership, influencing how companies track and report renewable energy use. H&M, for instance, applies RE100 rules across its supply chain and has supported over 700 factories in the PRC to adopt GECs.
Industry leaders have praised the change. Tongwei noted that RE100’s full recognition of GECs enhances the legitimacy of Chinese green credentials in the eyes of international stakeholders. H&M commended Chinese regulators for aligning market needs with policy tools.