While some EECS domains grapple with double claiming (Norway, Iceland), another battle unfolds in Ireland, where Sinn Fein’s Senator took a firm and negative stance on the guarantees of origin (GO) system, denouncing 100 % renewable electricity consumption claims as greenwashing.
The Irish politician lodged several complaints to the Irish advertising authority regarding the use of renewable claims which were subsequently upheld, leading to one Irish energy supplier dropping these claims from its advertising materials. The situation playing out in Ireland bears no effect on the market, with market activity and prices unaffected; rather it points to a fundamental location-based vs. market-based debate.
As the crackdown on GO-backed claims is carried out by one politician only, it is highly unlikely that this “one-person battle” will change anything for the GO system in Ireland. Especially when the European Parliament defends the system. Although future advertising complaints are not ruled out.
Claims made by energy suppliers In 2023, Senator Lynn Boylan lodged a complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland (ASAI) regarding the claims made an Irish energy supplier, Energia, that the electricity provided is 100% renewable. ASAI’s a…
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