Green Power Certification Green power schemes are now operating in many developed countries including Australia, USA, the Netherlands, UK and Germany. The schemes were encouraged by government policy to encourage renewable energy but growth prospects are considerable as a result of liberalisation of electricity markets whereby the opportunity exists for power companies to exploit consumers' environmental values. Operating frameworks require cooperation, though not necessarily formal regulation, between parties. Voluntary arrangements operating so far have avoided possible conflicts with international trade regulation. If premium prices are being paid, it is essential to establish a verification system, which involves an independent and credible certification procedure.
Consumers are only prepared to pay a premium if they have confidence in the product.
Serious marketing issues have arisen with most schemes. There has been resistance to the use of large scale hydro plants in Canada and Sweden. Energy recovery from incineration has been criticised for being classified as a renewable technology. Furthermore, schemes may not necessarily result in the creation of new capacity, and may merely result in the proportion of 'brown' power rising for the non-premium paying consumers. Plausible schemes are also thought to include requirements for energy efficiency advice.