Renewable hydrogen certification is a step closer to reality with consultation now open on the rules that will support the Guarantee of Origin (GO Scheme) rollout later this year.
A cornerstone of the Albanese Government's Future Made in Australia plan, the GO Scheme is an emissions accounting system that will certify the detailed provenance of low-emission products and renewable electricity.
The first product class to be certified, renewable hydrogen, will be essential for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors of the economy and will help power the growth of new industries, create jobs, and achieve the full potential of the energy transition.
GO certificates will show how a product was made and the emissions produced through its lifecycle, helping to build trust, attract investment, and make Australia's low-emission products competitive.
The GO Scheme will also play an important role in verifying eligibility for government initiatives such as the Hydrogen Headstart program and the $6.7 billion Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson:
"The Albanese Government's GO Scheme will be central to Australia's emergence as both a renewable energy superpower and a clean industry powerhouse, providing high-integrity product accountability, generating high-value jobs, and helping us meet our net zero goals.
"Developing a new industry like renewable hydrogen is a complex task and that's why we are working with industry groups, businesses, exporters, and the broader community to make sure that the GO Scheme works well for all as a foundation stone of a Future Made in Australia.
"We look forward to further engagement and collaboration through this second consultation on the GO Scheme rules because it means we will soon be able to unlock opportunities for Australian producers to meet the growing national and international demand for verified low-emission products and renewable electricity."
BACKGROUND
When the scheme goes live later this year, businesses will be able to register for it and produce two types of certificates: Product GO (PGO) and Renewable Electricity GO (REGO) certificates.
PGO certificates will allow producers, exporters and consumers to prove where a product was made, and the emissions associated with its production, transport and storage.
REGO certificates will provide information on when, where and how renewable electricity was produced, allowing users to make verifiable claims to renewable electricity use.
As part of the latest round of consultation, the government is seeking submissions on:
- the methodology determination for Product GO, starting with hydrogen produced via electrolysis
- regulations on cost recovery charges
- the approach to energy storage systems for renewable electricity certification.
Consultation on the first set of rules covering registration for entry into the scheme, registration of profiles and renewable electricity generation facilities, and product certification was undertaken earlier this year.
Consultation on this second set of GO Scheme rules and instruments closes on 18 July 2025.
Submissions can be made by visiting https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/exposure-drafts-of-the-legislative-instruments-that-will-support-the-go-scheme.
