A Product Guarantee of Origin (PGO) certificate is issued when an eligible product, such as hydrogen, is produced. It tracks the product through the supply chain, recording how it was made and the emissions associated with it, so buyers can compare how products were made.
Key points
- Created when an eligible product is produced
- Records production method and emissions intensity
- Transport, storage and consumption added along the supply chain
- Excludes emissions from consumption
- Published on the GO Register
What a certificate records
At production, the certificate records batch information such as purity and emissions intensity, including upstream emissions from production. Information on transport and storage is added as the product moves through the supply chain.
Consumption information
The certificate also captures the point of consumption, meaning where and how the product was used or exported. Emissions from consuming the product are not included.
Eligible products
Coverage started with hydrogen produced by electrolysis. The Clean Energy Regulator lists further pathways and products, such as hydrogen made by other methods, low-carbon liquid fuels, green metals and biomethane, as planned additions.
Taking part
Participation is voluntary, as the Guarantee of Origin is a voluntary scheme. Australian businesses can register and apply to certify products made using specific methods. Registered producers create the certificates, and other supply chain participants add information as the product moves along. Emissions are calculated under methodology determinations made under the Act.
Using renewable electricity
Renewable Electricity Guarantee of Origin (REGO) certificates can lower the electricity-related emissions reported on PGO certificates.
Where certificates appear
Certificates are published on the GO Register so consumers can compare how products were made and handled. The register also shows participant, profile and facility data.
Legislation and administration
PGO certificates are created under Part 3 of the Future Made in Australia (Guarantee of Origin) Act 2024 and the Guarantee of Origin rules. The Clean Energy Regulator assesses applications, registers certificates and ensures compliance, and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is responsible for policy.
References & sources
Primary regulatory documents and authoritative references underpinning this answer.