Najib Aminy, producer for Reveal, discusses the controversial practice of buying renewable energy certificates (RECs) instead of investing in true sustainability. The podcast explores a trash incinerator turned renewable energy source, the commodification of burnt trash through RECs, the federal government's role in the REC market, the illusion of RECs, and alternative actions for clean energy.
Using renewable energy certificates (RECs) can hinder true sustainability by allowing companies to claim renewable energy goals without implementing actual renewable energy solutions like solar panels.
The federal government's purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs) raises concerns about their commitment to addressing climate change, as investigations show their actual use of renewable energy is much lower than claimed.
Deep dives
Trash incinerator in Florida turns waste into renewable energy
In Palm Beach County, Florida, there is a massive trash incinerator that creates renewable energy by burning garbage and generating steam, which then spins a turbine to produce electricity for up to 45,000 homes. The incinerator also sells renewable energy certificates (REX), allowing buyers to claim they support the environment. This unconventional method of generating renewable energy raises questions about whether burning trash should be considered truly green energy.
The concept of Renewable Energy Certificates (REX)
REX are certificates that represent ownership of one megawatt hour of renewable energy. They are used by businesses and individuals to offset their electricity use and claim they are supporting renewable energy. However, some critics argue that REX have not significantly increased the production of renewable energy and are more of an accounting tool than a true solution to climate change.
The federal government's involvement in buying REX
The federal government has been purchasing REX to meet its renewable energy targets. However, investigations have found that the government's actual use of renewable energy is much lower than claimed, with only around 3% coming from renewable sources when taking into account double counting and the purchase of REX. Despite studies questioning the effectiveness of REX, the federal government continues to buy them, raising concerns about their commitment to addressing climate change.
Buying “renewable energy certificates” is a way for companies to claim to reach their renewable energy goals—instead of, say, putting solar panels on their roof. One of the most enthusiastic consumers of RECs is the federal government. But is this ostensibly environmentally-friendly system actually standing in the way of true sustainability?
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