How to find the most eco-friendly power company - A truly earth-friendly way to choose one that won't be fooled by "100% renewable energy"
Hello everyone, this is logminami.
It's hard to notice where electricity comes from because it's not visible. However, for those who want to live in a friendly environment, choosing an electric power company is a surprisingly important topic.
In fact, even power companies that claim to be "100% renewable energy," when you look closely at the contents, you may find yourself wondering, "What, is this really eco-friendly?" At first, I thought, "You should just put it in a place that says "renewable energy," but as I researched it, I realized that that wasn't enough.
In this article, we will introduce the truth about eco-power, examples from Japan and overseas, and how to choose truly sustainable electricity. Of course, at the end we will also provide you with tips on choosing the right power company for you.
Table of Contents
Don't be fooled by "100% renewable energy"
Nowadays, with the liberalization of the electricity industry, anyone can freely choose their electric power company. More and more companies are swearing "using 100% renewable energy." But wait a minute. In fact, this "100% renewable energy" is a rather vague expression.
There is a "principle of simultaneous amounts of electricity." In other words, power generation and consumption must be balanced in real time. Natural energy such as solar and wind power fluctuates depending on the weather, so in reality it is often used in combination with other power sources such as thermal and nuclear power.
So, how do you claim to be "100% renewable energy"?
Many of the answers can be found in "nonfossil certificates."
What is a non-fossil certificate?
A non-fossil certificate is a system that allows you to buy and sell by separating the ``attribute'' of "this electricity was generated from a power source that does not use fossil fuels." In other words, even if you actually use electricity derived from heat, if you buy a certificate derived from renewable energy and attach it, you can say, "We're renewable energy."
This system itself is used in many countries, including Europe, and is recognized as a system that contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Reference: European Commission, 2023).
But from a consumer's point of view, this is a bit complicated. Some people may be thinking, "Huh, isn't the electricity that reaches us renewable energy?"
That's right. You need to understand that "apparent renewable energy" and "essential renewable energy" are completely different things.
Did you read it properly? The standard plan may not include eco
Many power companies have several pricing plans. Some of the plans are named "Eco Plan" and "Green Plan", and if you do not choose these, renewable energy may not be included.
For example, at a major electric power company, the Standard S was a standard thermal mixed type, and only the Green S was marked as essentially renewable energy, with a non-fossil certificate added. In other words, if you choose "Standard S" without knowing anything, it can also mean that it is not eco-friendly at all.
What is true eco-power? Thinking from three perspectives
1. Is this a company that is particular about the actual power generation situation?
To determine whether the company is simply cheating on a "non-fossil certificate," it is effective to find out what kind of power supply structure the company has. Companies that actually own renewable energy equipment such as solar and wind power, or procure local renewable energy are highly reliable.
They provide a system where you can see the faces of generators, and even companies are disclosing "who produced electricity."
2. Is it important to profit or philosophy?
Some listed companies simply "commerce" renewable energy as a trend, and are not very keen on decarbonisation as a philosophy. On the other hand, there are companies that operate small in rural areas but operate based on the philosophy of renewable energy. Many of these companies aim to "providing 100% renewable energy" rather than "increasing 100% renewable energy" in real terms.
3. Plan transparency and accountability
Avoid companies that don't really understand what you read the website, or even if you contact them, you only get an abstract response. Conversely, companies that clearly state that "we use non-fossil certificates" or disclose the power supply structure can be deemed to be valuing a relationship of trust with users.
The option of on-site PPA - Directly connects "electricity to create" and "user"
Recently, the system called "Onsite PPA (Power Purchase Agreement)" has been gaining attention in Japan as well. This is a method in which solar power generation facilities are installed on the premises of businesses or facilities, and consumers (mainly businesses) purchase and use the generated electricity on the spot. Because energy can be obtained directly without passing through the power grid, it is recognized as a means of reducing electricity loss and leading to the introduction of additional renewable energy.
The biggest appeal of this model is that it involves not just renewable energy, but rather "putting down the power generation itself on the ground."Unlike non-fossil certificates and virtual PPAs, electricity is actually produced and used on the company's roof. In other words, it has a very strong impact in terms of the "additionality of renewable energy."
Examples of Japanese companies that have implemented on-site PPAs
- AEON MALL:We are actively working to cover the electricity within our facilities by installing solar panels in shopping malls across the country.
- Kewpie:On-site PPA was introduced at the Gunma factory, directly contributing to KPIs for reducing greenhouse gases.
These companies are appreciated for their viewpoint not simply "renewable energy use companies" but also "individuals who increase renewable energy."
There are also cases where it has progressed further overseas
For example, in the United States, it is well known that Apple and Google deploy on-site power generation on the roofs of their offices and data centers. In particular, Apple has already achieved 100% renewable energy operations at all facilities as of 2020, with most of which covered the rooftops and adjacent sites of its facilities (Apple, Environmental Progress Report, 2022).
In addition, in emerging countries such as India and Vietnam, there are increasing numbers of foreign companies operating sustainability management while contributing to local electricity issues through on-site PPAs.
Can individuals choose an on-site PPA?
Those who thought, "But it's just a company, right?" In fact, it is possible for individuals to build similar models. for example,Household solar panels that can be installed on the roofandSmall-scale storage batteriescan also be purchased on Amazon and Yahoo. Using the subsidy system will significantly reduce implementation costs.
Of course, it is different from on-site PPA itself, but having the experience of "producing electricity in your own home" should be a very meaningful step when considering the environment.
Renewable energy situation in your home: What's going on overseas?
Germany: The form of renewable energy that citizen power changes
In Germany, there is a widening system in which citizens can invest in jointly operate wind and solar power generation, under the form of "Bürgerenergie." There is a growing sense of not just "buying" renewable energy, but also becoming "the creator."
The government is also working to design systems to increase transparency, with electricity traceability being better than in Japan.
America: State with high freedom in choosing renewable energy
Local Renewable Energy Community Programs (CCAs) are active in California and other countries, and there is a system in which consumers can choose their own energy mix. Large companies such as Google and Apple also operate 100% of their data centers' electricity with renewable energy, and this demand supports the renewable energy market.
Japan's highlights: Locally available renewable energy
For example, in Nagano Prefecture, Ohisama Shinto Energy Co., Ltd. supplies electricity mainly through local solar power generation, which also contributes to the circulation of the local economy.都市部では難しい面もありますが、地方から再エネの選択肢を広げる取り組みが静かに、でも着実に進んでいます。
So, where should I choose?
Taking the past into consideration, it is a good idea to find an eco-friendly electric power company to take the following perspective:
- Are they disclosing the breakdown of the power generation method and certificate?
- Are there any actual supply types of 100% renewable energy in the plan?
- Are there any attitudes to give consumers options?
- Are you working to contribute to society and community?
And above all, choose a company that you think is "convinced." That's the first step towards sustainable choices.
A small choice will make a big difference
Although it is easy to forget about electricity in everyday life, it may actually be the easiest environmental action to do. Not only can you review your home when you move or renew your contract, but you can also change the world by searching for "Electricity, Renewable Energy Comparison" right now.
Incidentally, the following sites are useful for comparison:
- Enechange
- Everyone's power
- Looop Denki
Solar lanterns and storage batteries purchased on Amazon and Yahoo are also recommended as a step towards your small off-grid lifestyle. for example:
There's no need to force yourself to make everything eco-friendly. However, I think that "choosing properly" at least one can be a source of strength to change the future.
For other information on sustainability, please seeClicking here.
Well then!
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