Coal and nuclear instead of green energy?: This is how energy suppliers use green electricity

class=”sc-29f61514-0 icZBHN”>

Green electricity sometimes costs extra from electricity producers. In return, you receive electricity from 100 percent renewable energies. Now research by “Ktipp” shows that when it comes to electricity it doesn’t always say what it says on the box.

For example, the electrical works of the Canton of Zurich (EKZ) offer mixed electricity. “100 percent renewable, mostly from hydroelectric power plants at home and abroad,” the website says.

Additionally, Ktipp writes, 93 percent of EKZ’s electricity comes from international trade. Now technology company Aliunid from Brugg AG has calculated: 40 percent of EKZ electricity comes from nuclear energy and foreign coal-fired power plants. Renewability is out of the question.

Legal number associated with certificates

This is possible thanks to so-called certificates of origin. Companies must provide proof of origin for every kilowatt-hour sold; That’s what the law requires. Physically, electricity can be purchased independently. This means that EKZ can buy nuclear energy and at the same time obtain a hydropower certificate for the same amount of electricity. Nuclear energy can then be sold as green energy. The same applies to EKZ for paid natural electricity.

The Swiss Energy Foundation is aware of the problem: “Many customers think that they get their home electricity from renewable energies. But de facto they also buy refined nuclear or coal-fired electricity with foreign hydropower certificates,” managing director Nils Epprecht tells “Ktipp”. He is talking about greenwashing.

Other providers are stepping in

EKZ denies this accusation. The physical electricity market is separate from guarantees of origin: “Electricity as a product is not comparable to physical products.”

Other providers also use cheating: Energy Water Lucerne buys 15 percent of its electricity from retailers; This includes electricity from nuclear and coal-fired power plants. Basel Industrial Enterprises can only sell 100 percent renewable electricity thanks to foreign certificates. However, according to many experts, certificates of origin are too cheap. (kae)

Source :Blick