Harmonised Cross-Border Biomethane and Renewable Gas Certification in Europe

This report evaluates IT system options for harmonised cross-border transfer of biomethane and renewable gas certificates across Europe. Funded by the EU Horizon 2020, it assesses centralised, hybrid, and decentralised solutions. A centralised communication hub is identified as optimal for standardisation, though legislative support may be needed due to national system preferences. A hybrid model is viable for mature markets but is costly and complex. Blockchain, including the Energy Web Foundation’s EW Origin platform, is examined but not recommended due to implementation challenges, lack of design detail, and limited stakeholder experience. The study references RED II, the Fuel Quality Directive, ERGaR aisbl, and the AIB’s EECS and Gas Scheme. It defines key roles, distinguishes mass balance from book-and-claim, and concludes that while centralisation ensures harmonisation, a hybrid approach may be more practical in the short term. The project is linked to REGATRACE and was completed in June 2020.