These certificates can originate from hydropower, wind or biological power plants (or a custom combination of these), all of which are approved by the EU as renewable sources. The certificates function as proof that the electricity is generated from a renewable source of energy, that it is sold only once and that the power plant has been inspected and approved by an independent source. The certificates are issued through the Renewable Energy Certificate System (RECS).

What is renewable energy?
There is no standard definition of what renewable energy is. There is nevertheless certain similarities between the various explanations and interpretations.

The source that produces the energy must be renewable, and the emissions must not contain large amounts of greenhouse gases or other pollutants that damage the environment. The EU has for example defined renewable electricity as a method of production that does not use fossil fuels or nuclear power.

EU legislation
EU Directive 2001/77/EC states that 22 per cent of the total national energy consumption must be from renewable sources by 2010. Each member country has its own targets and target groups, and the regulatory framework conditions must be in accordance with the EU's overall goals; at present the regulatory framework includes green certificates and taxes.

There are many indications that the RECS infrastructure will play a key role in the future composition of the European regulatory framework conditions.

Environmental Product Declarations
In an attempt to be a European leader in environment-friendly energy, Statkraft has taken a number of actions to measure and minimise environmental damage. The introduction of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) is an example of this. An EPD documented any impact on the environment associated with the Trollheim power plant development and production. The EPD also includes external affects, such as fish stocks, recreation and landscape. You can download a detailed description of the Trollheim power plant by clicking the link to the right on this page.

Through a concentrated effort to monitor our own activities in connection with environment-friendly electricity production, Statkraft has defined a good vision, and we are working hard to achieve these goals. The EPD measurements from the Trollheim power plant document minimal negative environmental impact.