Renewable energy certificates are a distinct revenue stream that sits alongside the energy a system produces. Under the Renewable Energy Target, eligible generation creates tradeable certificates that retailers and liable entities must surrender, giving them a real and liquid market value.
Many owners leave money on the table by treating certificates as an afterthought or by accepting a discounted upfront assignment without testing the market. Meridian manages certificate creation, registration and sale as a deliberate process so you capture their full worth.
STCs versus LGCs
The scheme splits in two by system size. Small-scale systems create Small-scale Technology Certificates, which are deemed - calculated up front based on the expected generation over the deeming period rather than metered year by year.
Large-scale systems create Large-scale Generation Certificates, one per megawatt-hour of actual metered output, created on an ongoing basis as the plant generates. Knowing which scheme your project falls under, and where any threshold sits, shapes the whole certificate strategy.
Creation and registry management
Certificates only have value once they are validated and registered. We handle the eligibility evidence, the creation filing and the registry transactions so your certificates are clean, compliant and ready to transfer to a buyer.
- STC deeming calculation and upfront creation
- LGC creation against metered generation
- Registry accreditation and transfer management
- Compliance evidence and audit-ready records
For large-scale plant, that includes accreditation as a power station and ongoing certificate creation against generation data, an obligation that continues for the life of the asset.
Spot, forward and timing
Certificates can be sold at the prevailing spot price or contracted forward at an agreed price for future delivery. Each route suits a different need - spot captures current market strength, while forward sales lock revenue and remove price risk from a project's financials.
We advise on the timing and structure of sales, balancing immediate cash against the value of holding certificates when the market outlook supports it.
Carbon credits and broader markets
Beyond the Renewable Energy Target, some projects can generate Australian Carbon Credit Units or participate in voluntary carbon markets. Where a project qualifies, we assess whether certified emissions reductions add a further revenue line and manage that pathway alongside the core REC sale.
Frequently asked
STCs come from small-scale systems and are deemed up front over the deeming period, while LGCs come from large-scale plant and are created per megawatt-hour of actual metered generation on an ongoing basis.
It depends on your need for certainty. Spot sales capture the current price, while forward contracts lock revenue and remove price risk. We model both so the decision fits your financials.
Some projects qualify for Australian Carbon Credit Units or voluntary carbon markets in addition to renewable energy certificates. We assess eligibility and manage that pathway where it adds value.