Renewable Energy Certificates Create Market Opportunities

Nov. 26, 2010 - PRLog -- Phoenix, AZ, – Alternative energy has entered the mainstream with the development of renewable energy certificates (RECs) according to the report “Renewable Energy Certificates in North America”.

RECs, sometimes referred to as “green tags,” establish a vibrant secondary market for renewable energy.  The report notes that by establishing a commodity marketplace for renewable energy, RECs bring more flexibility to producers and operators of alternative energy power plants. As a result, further development is encouraged and the market for alternative energy expands.

RECs vary by state, but are typically very specific regarding emissions allowances and renewable attributes. Because the REC as an instrument is abstracted from the actual power generation, it can encourage creation of multiple types of alternative energy, including solar and wind.  U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu, a long-time advocate of alternative energy generation, recently announced over $5 million from the DOE to support wind energy, noting, “Wind power holds enormous potential to help reach our nation’s clean energy goals.”

RECs, although often bought and sold at the institutional level, also have consumer applications. Since they are sold apart from standard electricity service, customers that live in a region that does not have an alternative energy option available may still purchase RECs, without having to switch from their current supplier.

The report offers details on the trend towards standardization of RECs, evolution of a national marketplace, and how this may serve as a framework for carbon trading. An in-depth look at the different stakeholders includes a look at the certificate brokers, certificate marketers, and the nature of the retail REC products currently available.

View full details of the Renewable Energy Certificates in North America report at:
http://energybusinessreports.com/shop/Renewable-Energy-Ce...

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Energy Business Reports publishes cutting-edge business research and analysis reports in the global energy industry including power, oil and gas, and renewables markets.