https://en.people.cn/n3/2025/0520/c90000-20316819.html

The National Energy Administration is pushing for wider use of Green Electric Certificates (GEC) to boost green power consumption. Recently, the GEC system by RE100, a global campaign involving more than 400 member businesses that have committed to eventually using 100 percent renewable electricity in their operations. Currently, 270 RE100 member companies purchase green electricity in China, ensuring that renewable energy use by large manufacturers in China is recognized throughout global supply chains.

RE100 was launched in 2014 by the Climate Group and Carbon Disclosure Project. Member companies commit to using 100 percent renewable electricity by no later than 2050. Its technical guidelines influence how global companies and their supply chains buy renewable electricity. Manufacturing sectors such as telecommunications and automotive account for 70 percent of green electricity certificate purchases.

China started its GEC system in 2017. Previously, China’s green certificates were only conditionally accepted by RE100, requiring extra proof. China improved the system by expanding the GECs to cover all renewable power projects in 2023 and making it the sole proof of renewable energy attributes.

German chemical giant BASF was one of the first foreign companies to buy green power in China. BASF has been investing in new energy projects while also buying green electricity in China through power trading and the GECs to reduce its carbon emissions.