AIB - "guaranteeing the origin of European energy"
AIB has standardised energy certification for all energy carriers in Europe: the European Energy Certificate System - "EECS".
EECS is based on structures and procedures which ensure the reliable operation of energy certificate schemes in Europe. These schemes meet the criteria of objectivity, non-discrimination, transparency, and cost-effectiveness to facilitate the international exchange of guarantees of origin.
The AIB operates an inter-registry communications Hub connecting all national registries.
End of 2024 AIB had 39 members from 30 European countries (EU, EEA and Energy Community member states). All are Issuing Bodies appointed by their government to administer a system for Guarantees of Origin (GOs) for electricity and gas. 30 of them are members of the EECS Electricity Scheme Group, meaning that they can issue EECS GOs and transfer those over the AIB HUB. ERE Albania, SEDA Bulgaria and COTEE Montenegro are in the application phase. There are 9 formal Gas Scheme group members: Gasgrid Finland, Enagas Spain, Brugel Belgium, E-Control Austria, GSE Italy, REN Portugal, OTE Czech Republic, Elering Estonia and Conexus Latvia. During 2023, AIB welcomed GSE Georgia as observer of AIB.
In 2024, 1,084 million certificates, or 1,084 TWh, were issued based on production date. A total of 1,067 TWh was transferred (nationally and internationally), and 884 TWh were cancelled. These figures highlight the continued growth and dynamism of the electricity GOs market.
Check out the new, full data set for 2024 on our site for activities statistics.
The AIB provides a knowledge centre for energy certificate authorities across Europe, providing and sharing advice and guidance.
AIB membership is not the same as Hub connection
AIB membership and Hub connection are distinct processes, involving two phases: AIB membership and joining the EECS Electricity and/or Gas Scheme, including Hub connection.
To become an AIB member, an issuing body must fill out an application form, commit to comply with the EECS Rules, and be approved by the AIB Board and General Meeting. Members pay a fee, can attend all meetings, and access the Members section of the website, but they can't vote.
Next, to join the EECS Scheme, members must draft a Domain Protocol, obtain insurance, sign a Hub Participant Agreement, and test registry software. After thorough AIB review, the member gains Scheme Membership through a decision of all members and connects to the AIB Hub, allowing the import, issuance, and export of EECS GOs.
This second phase can take 6 months to 1-2 years, depending on resources, registry status, and national legislation changes.
Report with conversion rules
AIB led the drafting of a report with “Harmonised Rules for handling guarantees of origin for energy carrier conversion”, which is now finalised. The report proposes harmonised rules for energy carrier conversion, for issuing bodies and registry operators. More here.
