How to Buy I-RECs in Zambia

Companies across the globe have been empowered to reduce their emissions using renewable energy certificates (RECs), such as those supported by the International Tracking Standard (formerly the I-REC Standard).

Businesses in Zambia can now take advantage of International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) to reduce their Scope 2 Emissions. This is one of the most simple ways to take climate action!

This article looks at how to buy I-RECs in Zambia.

What Happens When Power is Purchased in Zambia?

What Happens When Power is Purchased in Zambia?

In Zambia, electricity used by companies is mostly drawn from a national grid managed by the national utility (ZESCO). While Zambia relies heavily on hydropower, which accounts for nearly 88% of generation. The remaining mix includes fossil fuel sources, primarily coal at approximately 10.9% (2023). As a result, power consumed by companies still carries an grid emissions factor due to coal-fired thermal generation.

Source: International Energy Agency

These emissions are termed Scope 2 emissions. Reducing Scope 2 emissions has become a global priority and many companies have committed to achieving Near Term Targets of renewable energy use by 2025 or 2030.

Companies cannot choose to exclusively use renewable energy from the Sri Lankan national grid. The electricity they consume will always be a mix of all generated power, including non-renewable sources.

I-RECs solve this problem.

What are I-RECs?

The I-TRACK Standard (formerly the I-REC Standard) is a global system for tracking the environmental attributes of electricity generated from renewable sources. The tracking is achieved by the use of verified, traceable certificates known as I-RECs.

I-RECs monitor the journey of renewable energy from its generation at a power plant to its consumption by the end user. The system for I-RECs operates much like the Guarantees of Origin (GOs) in Europe and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) in the United States. While GOs and RECs track energy in their markets, I-RECs offer this capability in many other countries, including Zambia.

How do I-RECs Work?

I-RECs are created for each MWh of renewable energy produced by power plants registered on the I-TRACK Standard. Businesses can then purchase these I-RECs to ensure that no greenhouse gas has been released in the generation of the electricity they’ve used.

The revenue generated supports the development of new renewable energy projects (such as solar, wind, and mini-hydro), encouraging further reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and benefiting end-consumers.

How do Zambian Companies Benefit from Using I-RECs?

I-RECs are a practical tool used by companies to meet their sustainability goals in relation to emissions reduction. Some of the key benefits for businesses using I-RECs include:

• Reducing an organisation’s carbon footprint (Scope 2 emissions) with an established, accepted and cost-effective initiative
• Enabling companies to choose to use renewable energy, and enabling companies to choose which specific renewable energy power plant to support
• Achieving your sustainability goals, in compliance with different environmental company standards, such as Greenhouse Gas Protocols, RE100, SBTi, the Net-Zero Standard, CDP and others.
• Improving public image, showcasing a commitment to combating climate change to local and international stakeholders.

Corporate REC Purchases also drives Zambia’s Shift Beyond Hydropower

Although hydropower accounts for nearly 88% of Zambia’s electricity, relying so heavily on a single hydro-based resource leaves the grid vulnerable to severe droughts and climate shocks. Solar PV currently makes up only around 0.8% of the country’s electricity generation mix. National energy plans increasingly emphasize scaling up non-hydro renewables to diversify generation capacity and strengthen grid resilience.

When corporate buyers purchase and retire I-RECs issued by non-hydro projects like solar and wind, they provide critical market signals and revenue streams that help accelerate Zambia’s shift beyond hydropower.

How to Start Using I-RECs in Zambia

It’s simple for a company in Zambia to start using I-RECs.

Simply calculate your company’s electricity consumption in MWh and purchase an equivalent number of RECs.

Monsoon Carbon can then retire these certificates, with your company’s details attached. An example is provided below:

Though using I-RECs to reduce your carbon emissions is not complex, there are rigorous rules applied to their use that your company should be aware of. These rules determine whether your I-RECs are eligible for counting towards reducing your carbon footprint. Monsoon Carbon can help you to navigate these rules to ensure your claims are valid.

How to Buy I-RECs in Zambia

Monsoon Carbon is a trusted leader providing verified I-RECs in the region. We supply solar, wind, and hydro I-RECs sourced from accredited renewable energy power plants on spot or forward orders.

Contact us to purchase I-RECs for your electricity consumption in Zambia.