Guarantees of Origin: How Ukraine Is Strengthening Its Green Energy Market and Opening Up New Horizons for Investment
Ukraine has taken a strategically important step towards the development of clean energy by introducing a system of guarantees of origin for electricity from renewable energy sources (RES). This decision not only strengthens our country’s position in the domestic energy market but also opens up unprecedented opportunities at the international level, in particular in terms of exporting green energy and attracting green investments.
Despite the enormous challenges posed by the full-scale war, Ukraine has demonstrated resilience and dynamic development in the RES sector. In 2022–2023, more than 650 MW of new generation facilities were added to the grid, which demonstrates the significant potential and attractiveness of the industry even in difficult conditions. Clear Energy LLC, as a leading player in the market, is actively involved in this process, expanding its portfolio of projects in various renewable energy segments.
What Is a Guarantee of Origin and Its Key Benefits?
A Guarantee of Origin (GO) is an electronic document that officially confirms that a certain amount of electricity has been generated from renewable sources. Each Guarantee of Origin corresponds to 1 MWh of renewable electricity produced. This mechanism allows not only to declare but also to document the environmental friendliness of electricity, including the amount of CO₂ emissions reduction.
This is a critical advantage for manufacturers seeking to demonstrate the use of clean energy. In today’s world, where environmental responsibility and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards are becoming increasingly important for businesses, such guarantees are turning into a powerful competitive advantage in European and global markets.
Companies that buy energy with guarantees of origin can improve their environmental reporting and reputation, which opens the way to new partnerships and investments.
A Legislative Push for Green Investment
The new regulation is a direct response to the global need to transition to a low-carbon economy and contributes to the rapid growth of the clean tech market. The legislative changes not only stimulate new investments in green energy but also create opportunities for informed choices by consumers seeking to support environmentally responsible production.
Detailed Overview: Resolution No. 227 and Its Impact
Analysts of BDO’s Natural Resources and Energy practice in Ukraine have studied in detail the changes provided for by Resolution No. 227 dated 27.02.2024, which updates the previous procedure approved in 2013 (Resolution No. 771). The new provisions significantly expand the scope of the document: now the guarantees of origin cover all renewable sources (solar, wind, hydro, biomass, geothermal), not just ‘alternative’ ones as before.
This expansion is key to diversifying the market and covering the full range of projects implemented by Clear Energy, including biogas and biomass complexes.
Key Technical and Regulatory Updates:
Updated terminology:
New concepts have been introduced, such as:
• Aggregated generating unit – allows combining several smaller facilities into a single GO issuance.
• Responsible person – defines who ensures data accuracy in registration and circulation.
• Cancellation of GO – introduces a mechanism to prevent double-counting of used electricity (valid up to 18 months).
Electronic Register of GOs:
A centralized system that ensures transparency, accountability, and simplified administration. Clear Energy and other producers gain clear guidance for issuing, circulating, and cancelling guarantees.
Verification and Environmental Value:
The regulation mandates compliance checks and introduces the concept of the “environmental value” of renewable electricity. This enables use in carbon emissions reporting (e.g., CBAM compliance) and enhances the credibility of green products.
International Recognition:
The new rules emphasize mutual recognition of GOs between countries. This is vital for integrating Ukraine’s renewable energy into the European market. Clear Energy and its partners can now use GOs to prove the green origin of electricity abroad, increasing export opportunities.
‘Clear Energy: Towards a clean and sustainable future for Ukraine
According to BDO, these innovations are an important step towards deeper European integration and increased energy independence for Ukraine. They clearly demonstrate the country’s commitment to its international climate and sustainable energy commitments.
For companies like Clear Energy LLC, the updated regulatory framework provides a powerful and effective mechanism for confirming the origin of electricity generated by our biogas, biomass and other renewable energy facilities. This not only increases the investment attractiveness of the industry, but also creates new opportunities for doing business, expanding partnerships and attracting investments in the development of clean energy. Thanks to such initiatives and the active participation of market leaders, we are moving closer to a more sustainable, energy-independent and cleaner future for Ukraine.
Clear Energy LLC is constantly investing in new technologies and expanding its presence in the renewable energy market, recognising the importance of transparency and compliance with international standards. The introduction of guarantees of origin will allow us to demonstrate our contribution to the decarbonisation of the energy sector even more effectively and provide our customers and partners with full confidence in the green status of their electricity. Today, the company’s existing capacities allow us to generate over 100 million kWh of green energy annually.