Guarantees of Origin

Published on | Last modified on

Guarantees of Origin (GOs) are electronic documents that certify the origin of the energy consumed, including electricity, heat, biomethane and other renewable or low carbon gases.

EEGO is the entity responsible for implementing and managing the national GO system, ensuring the registration, issuance, transfer, and cancellation of these certificates in Portugal. EEGO’s functions are carried out by REN – Rede Elétrica Nacional S.A., within the framework of the applicable national and European legal regime.

In Portugal, the system began in the electricity sector in 2020 and was gradually expanded to renewable gases in 2024, in line with the national strategy for energy transition and the development of domestic hydrogen and biomethane production. The following phases are noteworthy:

  • June 2024: Start of the certification of hydrogen and biomethane injected in the public grid.
  • November 2024: EEGO joins the Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB) for gases, enabling integration into the European system and the import and export of these certificates.

How to request the issuance of a GO for a National Biomethane Producer

The following procedures apply:

  1. Account Opening and Registration of Production Facilities in the EEGO System;
  2. Audit and Monitoring: To verify production and measurement systems, EEGO conducts an initial audit and, thereafter, a periodic audit every two years;
  3. Monthly Submission of Production Declarations: Production data must be submitted monthly in the EEGO System and are subsequently validated by EEGO;
  4. Issuance of GOs: After validation, GOs are issued and recorded in the respective account;
  5. GO Life Cycle: GOs may be freely transferred within the national and European (AIB) space for 12 months after the end of the production period and cancelled up to 18 months.

How to proceed when importing Biomethane through the European Gas Network

The following procedures apply:

  1. Importing GOs from countries already connected to the AIB:
    GOs must be transferred to an account in the EEGO System and subsequently cancelled through the system. The list of member countries can be consulted on the AIB website.
  2. Importing GOs from other countries:
    The issuing entity in the country of origin performs the cancellation directly on behalf of the national consumer (ex domain cancellation).

For more information, please consult the EEGO Portal at http://eego.ren.pt or contact the EEGO team at eego@ren.pt