Portugal has issued its first Guarantees of Origin (GOs) for biomethane, marking a milestone in the development of the national renewable gas market and reinforcing the country’s position within the European energy certification system.

The issuance was carried out on March 20 by REN – Rede Eléctrica Nacional, acting in its role as the national issuing body for Guarantees of Origin. The certificates verify the renewable origin of biomethane produced in Portugal, enabling its traceability and recognition both domestically and across Europe.

The first GOs were granted for biomethane produced by Capwatt at the Aljustrel Biomethane Production Plant, making the company the first entity in the country to receive certification for this renewable gas.

Guarantees of Origin are electronic certificates that allow energy suppliers and consumers to demonstrate that a specific amount of energy has been generated from renewable sources. In the case of biomethane, they play a key role in ensuring traceability and supporting the decarbonisation of sectors that are difficult to electrify.

Portugal’s entry into biomethane certification follows the expansion of the issuing body’s activities into the gas sector in June 2024. Initially limited to domestic operations, the system was extended internationally in November after joining the Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB) and the European Energy Certificate System (EECS), enabling cross-border recognition and trade of certificates.

With this development, Portugal joins a growing group of countries advancing the implementation of Guarantees of Origin for renewable gases at the European level. Currently, 13 countries are connected through the system, with further expansion expected in the coming years.