green electricity label: Vertvolt reveals the color of your electricity

Since the liberalization of the electricity market in the 2000s, particularly for private individuals, suppliers have been competing with so-called green offers. But what does this adjective, which is certainly appealing but smacks of greenwashing, really mean? Until now, confusion has reigned. A supplier could certainly commit to promoting the penetration of electricity generated from renewable energies into the grid by purchasing certificates of origin (GO) equal to the amount of electricity consumed by its green energy customers: 1 GO for every 1 MWh purchased. Guarantees of origin are dematerialized certificates sold on a dedicated market by renewable electricity producers, serving as proof that their electrons are indeed green and have been fed into the grid. But then, this supplier must source electricity to satisfy its customers, and it does not necessarily buy it from the renewable producers in question! Nor at the same time!

On the network, an electron loses its color

To remedy this shortcoming, the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) has created the VertVolt label. Discussions began at the end of 2018, following the publication of a notice by the agency revealing a lack of transparency and the questionable effectiveness of the system in actually greening the network. , explains Brice Arnaud, head of bioeconomies and renewable energies. The press also highlighted this bias, which is all the more difficult to resolve given that when an electron reaches the electrical grid, it loses its color and blends in with all the others. The label is the result of three years of work, supervised by Ademe, bringing together suppliers, producers, consumers, public actors (Energy Ombudsman, DGCCRF) and quality standards professionals. The aim is to develop a demanding assessment grid, requiring, among other things, the purchase of green electricity and associated GO certificates from the same producer, who must also be French. The time frame required for joint purchases is monthly. Everything must be transparent and traceable. , emphasizes Brice Arnaud. The label is not just about color; it is also based on the principle that the most environmentally friendly electricity is the electricity we don't consume: actions to encourage energy efficiency and conservation are required in order to obtain it.

Two levels of commitment have been defined and reflected in the graphic signature: engaged (the supplier puts together its offer by contracting with clearly identified producers) and highly committed (offer composed of more than 25% from producers whose facilities built after 2015 have not received public support, or who have placed their company under shared governance). And an optional mention, nuclear-free : the supplier hereby waives its right to access ARENH, a mechanism that gives it access to historic nuclear electricity at regulated prices.

Seven certified offers to start with

The priority was to have certified offers available as soon as the label was launched, in order to maximize its impact and encourage suppliers to improve their quality. Suppliers had the opportunity to apply from mid-September 2021 by completing an application form and a letter of commitment. The on-site audit will take place at a later stage, as stipulated in the standards. , explains Jérémie Mella, project manager at AFNOR Certification. The first five suppliers to display labeled offers (seven in total) will therefore be audited in early 2022 to verify their activity and renew their label(s) for the next three years. We are pleased with this initial range of suppliers, which shows that VertVolt is suitable for everyone: small or large, new or established, generalist or 100% renewable. , says Jérémie Mella.

Side small Planète OUI welcomes the label's demanding approach. Grégoire François, portfolio manager, expects a strong impact, as consumers demand transparency and are increasingly inclined to switch suppliers . We appreciated the work carried out with AFNOR Certification to further refine our offerings, particularly those related to facilities under shared governance or set up without government support. , he adds. Another certified company, Enercoop welcomes this new label. which largely meets consumer expectations . Especially since this supplier did not have to make much effort: We already met the criteria of the standard, with joint purchasing, direct contracts with our French producers, and a focus on local projects. , explains Eugénie Bardin, head of public affairs. Alongside these two suppliers, EDF, Engie, and Plüm Energie complete the quintet of companies that immediately obtained the label.

Transparency, a dynamic green market, growth in renewable energy producers... We will measure VertVolt's results every year in October. , explains Brice Arnaud at Ademe. In the meantime, suppliers are invited to work on their bids and submit their applications. After the first series of audits in 2022, the next will take place from February 2023 onwards and will cover the period from December 2021 to November 2022.