Conexus takes first steps to introduce a gas proof of origin system in Latvia

In order to ensure the implementation of the requirements of the Energy Law on the system of gas certificates of origin in Latvia, which will be managed by the unified natural gas transmission and storage system operator Conexus Baltic Grid AS (Conexus), the company has obtained the membership status in the Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB), the European association of issuing bodies for certificates of origin.

AIB is the leading European organisation for the international circulation of energy certificates of origin and the common standards enshrined in the European Energy Certification Framework. Membership is an important prerequisite for becoming a member of the AIB Gas Scheme, which will enable Conexus to introduce an internationally recognised system of gas certificates of origin in Latvia.

In cooperation with the organisation, a number of procedures are also planned to be progressively carried out to develop the procedures for certificates of origin and, once the electronic register has been acquired, to ensure its integration into the AIB central data platform, thus enabling the future export and import of certificates of origin with other AIB member countries. The issuing authorities for gas certificates of origin in Finland, Estonia and Lithuania have also become AIB members.

In July this year, the Saeima approved amendments to the Energy Law, which will establish a system for the issuance, circulation and control of certificates of origin for gas from renewable energy sources. Such a system already exists for electricity produced from renewable energy sources, but it is expected to be extended to gas by 1 July 2023. The amendments foresee that gas certificates of origin will be issued and managed by Conexus, including the establishment, monitoring and maintenance of an electronic register where data related to gas certificates of origin will be recorded, stored and processed.

Such a system is necessary to prove to energy consumers or end-users that the gas has been produced from renewable energy sources and to trace its movement. Proofs of origin will be requested and obtained for both gas fed into the gas system from renewable energy sources and gas produced, traded and used outside the system.

According to Conexus, system users are invited to keep up to date with the progress of the system on the company's website and will be consulted on the circulation arrangements.