HKNR and guarantees of origin
To ensure the supply of green electricity to end users, the Environmental Agency has set up the HKNR (Herkunftsnachweisregister) as an electronic register and trading platform. Producers of renewable electricity, such as operators of wind, biomass and solar power plants, register their plants here and receive guarantees of origin for their generated electricity.
A certificate represents one megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity. After sale, the certificate is charged off, preventing double trading. In this way, customers can be sure that the power purchased was actually produced sustainably.
This is how HKNR registration and certification works.
To participate in the European organized system, operators must register their system with the Federal Environmental Agency. This records and confirms, among other things, the amount of energy generated and, in the case of biomass, the biogenic proportion.
As an independent environmental auditor, Normec assesses the data and confirms the amount of sustainably generated electricity. On this basis, guarantees of origin can be issued.
Trade in guarantees of origin is separate from the EEG fee. Within the HKNR, the free market determines the trading and purchase of renewable electricity.
What does Normec do within the HKNR process?
We support you throughout the entire process:
- Expert assessment when registering your installation
- Assessment in case of changes or expansions
- Certification of the generated electricity quantity
- Provision and verification of additional documentation for the Umweltbundesamt
- Insight into the financial benefits of participation
We inspect the relevant plants, collect the necessary data and ensure a careful and independent assessment process.
With HKNR certification:
- Make the origin of your renewable electricity demonstrable
- Increase your sales opportunities in the free energy market
- Exploit the market value of your biogenic share
- Meet the European requirements for guarantees of origin
- Strengthen your position as a sustainable energy producer
You create transparency for customers and additional commercial opportunities for your organization.
For whom is HKNR interesting?
HKNR is particularly relevant to operators of:
- Wind energy installations
- Solar power plants
- Biomass plants
- Hydropower and pumped storage plants
- Mixed-fuel plants
Especially operators not covered by the EEC or working with mixed fuels can make economic use of their biogenic share through the HKNR.
Would you like to know more about HKNR registration?
Frequently asked questions about HKNR
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The HKNR is the German register for guarantees of origin for renewable electricity. It is managed by the Umweltbundesamt.
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A guarantee of origin confirms that one megawatt-hour of electricity was generated sustainably.
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No, participation is voluntary. However, it offers commercial advantages in selling renewable electricity.
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Yes. Trade in guarantees of origin is conducted through the free market and is separate from the EEG allowance.
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It depends on the completeness of the submitted data and the assessment by the Umweltbundesamt.