Mobilyze Renewable Energy Units (HBEs) with Robert Gunsing
Key Takeaways
Renewable Energy Units - Hernieuwbare Brandstof Eenheden - are a Dutch system of certificates based on the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED). They can be compared to CO2 certificates, but aimed specifically at transport. The system has been in existence since 2015.
Under the system, parties that produce liquid fossil fuels for transport have an obligation from the government to purchase REUs. Companies that create or produce green energy for transport create these REUs, which can thus be sold to the parties who are obliged to buy them. In effect, this system makes sure that money flows from ‘grey’ to ‘green’ modes of transport.
Per year, €1 billion REUs are traded in the Netherlands. About 180 parties create or buy certificates each year, rising steadily at 20% annually. It is a spot market where prices vary. The average price for 1 REU is €12.35 at the time of writing. That converts into 4.5 eurocents per kWh when produced using a grid connection, and 18 eurocents per kWh when produced with local renewable sources. The system applies to vessels connected to shore power as well, meaning you can earn up to 18 eurocents per kWh extra when selling electricity to a ship. The owner of the local grid connection (EAN code) is the rightful owner of the certificates however and ‘earns’ the money flowing from selling of REUs. Usually this is not the shipowner.
Learn more about REUs by clicking here, or contact Mobilyze directly.
