On April 28th, the National Energy Administration held a press conference to release the energy situation in the first quarter, the grid connection and operation of renewable energy in the first quarter, and answer questions from journalists.

At the press conference, in response to a journalist’s question about the International Green Power Consumption Initiative (RE100) unconditionally recognizing China’s green certificates and the relevant adjustments to the RE100 technical Standard Version 5.0, Pan Huimin, deputy director of the Department of New Energy and Renewable Energy, pointed out that RE100 is a non-governmental organization advocating green power consumption internationally. It has a very significant influence in the field of international green power consumption. Recently, RE100 has clearly stated in the frequently asked questions section of its official website that enterprises do not need to provide additional proof when using the Chinese Green Certificate. At the same time, it has clearly stipulated in its technical standards that green power consumption must be accompanied by a green certificate.

The unconditional recognition of China’s green certificates by RE100 should be a major achievement of the continuous improvement of China’s green certificate system and the unremitting efforts of all parties since 2023. Firstly, it effectively demonstrates the authority, recognition and influence of China’s green certificates in the international community, which will greatly boost the confidence of China’s green certificate consumption. Second, RE100 member enterprises and their supply chain enterprises will have greater willingness and enthusiasm to purchase and use China Green Certificates, and the demand for China Green Certificates will also further expand. Third, by purchasing China’s green certificates, our foreign trade enterprises and foreign-funded enterprises in China will effectively enhance their green competitiveness in exports and increase the “green content” of their industrial and supply chains.

At present, China has established a basically complete green certificate system, and the issuance of green certificates has achieved full coverage. Especially in March this year, five departments including the National Development and Reform Commission, the National Energy Administration, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Commerce and the National Data Administration jointly issued the “Opinions on Promoting the High-Quality Development of the Renewable Energy Green Power Certificate Market”. The demand for green certificates in the market has increased compared with the previous period, and the price has also bottomed out and rebounded.

Next, the National Energy Administration will work with relevant departments. First, it will continue to enhance communication and exchanges with RE100, and promote it to issue relevant technical guidelines for the purchase of green certificates in China, so as to better serve Chinese enterprises in purchasing green certificates. Second, strengthen exchanges and communication related to green certificates with major trading partners and accelerate the international mutual recognition of green certificates. Third, we will continue to do a good job in promoting green certificates, carry out various forms of policy introduction activities, answer questions and solve problems for enterprises when purchasing and using green certificates, and provide good services.

It is reported that the climate organization RE100 released the latest version of the RE100 FAQ on its official RE100 website on March 24, 2025. Item 49 shows: “Due to the latest update of the China Green Power Certificate System (China Green Certificate GEC), enterprises no longer need to follow the additional steps previously recommended.” This marks that RE100 fully recognizes China’s green certificates. This full recognition is based on the consensus reached by both sides on further improving the Chinese green certificate system to be introduced in September 2024.