I-REC and YEK-G: A Guide to Renewable Energy Certificates in Turkey
The differences between the International REC (I-REC) Standard and Turkey’s domestic YEK-G certificate, which companies need them, and a step-by-step procurement process.
Overview
I-REC (International REC Standard)
I-REC is a globally recognized energy attribute tracking system administered by the non-profit I-REC Standard Foundation, headquartered in the Netherlands. Each I-REC certificate represents 1 MWh of renewable (or other tracked) energy delivered to the grid by a registered generation facility, with a unique registry number preventing double counting. It is issued through authorized local issuers in more than 40 countries and is the most widely accepted instrument for RE100 commitments, GHG Protocol Scope 2 market-based accounting, and CDP reporting.
YEK-G (Renewable Energy Resource Guarantee)
YEK-G is Turkey’s domestic guarantee-of-origin certificate, regulated under the relevant Turkish legislation and issued and traded through the YEK-G Market operated by EPİAŞ (Energy Exchange Istanbul). Like I-REC, it represents 1 MWh of renewable electricity generation, and is primarily used by companies operating in Turkey for local sustainability reporting, ESG disclosures and corporate green energy commitments.
I-REC vs. YEK-G Comparison
| Criterion | I-REC | YEK-G |
|---|---|---|
| Operating body / registry authority | I-REC Standard Foundation (via an authorized local issuer) | EPİAŞ (Energy Exchange Istanbul) |
| Geographic recognition | Global standard recognized in 40+ countries | Primarily valid in Turkey, based on national regulation |
| Unit represented | 1 MWh of renewable (or other tracked) energy | 1 MWh of renewable electricity generation |
| Primary use case | RE100, GHG Protocol Scope 2 (market-based), CDP, GRI — multinational reporting | Local ESG/sustainability reporting and public disclosures in Turkey |
| Trading mechanism | Bilateral transaction via an authorized local issuer/registry | EPİAŞ YEK-G Market (organized, centralized platform) |
| Typical buyer profile | Turkish subsidiaries of multinationals, EU-exporting manufacturers | Domestic companies with public or private sustainability commitments |
Who needs it?
- Turkish subsidiaries and suppliers of multinational companies with RE100 commitments
- Organizations doing Scope 2 market-based reporting under CDP, GRI or TCFD frameworks
- Manufacturers exporting to the EU where supply-chain green energy evidence is requested
- High-consumption data centers, technology companies and industrial facilities
- Publicly listed companies preparing sustainability reports or ESG ratings
Step-by-Step Procurement Process
We determine your annual electricity consumption and the reporting framework you follow (RE100, CDP, local ESG), and decide whether you need I-REC, YEK-G, or both.
We identify which renewable generation facility (wind, solar, hydro, etc.) the certificates will be sourced from, ideally matching year/month of consumption.
Certificates are purchased through an authorized local issuer/registry for I-REC, or the EPİAŞ YEK-G Market for YEK-G, and transferred to your account.
Certificates are matched against your energy consumption and redeemed — this step prevents double counting and forms the auditable basis of your reporting.
Redemption records are referenced in your sustainability report, CDP/GRI disclosures, or corporate green energy communications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is I-REC?
I-REC (International REC Standard) is a tracking and certification system, administered by the non-profit I-REC Standard Foundation, that provides international proof that a unit of energy (typically 1 MWh) was generated from a renewable or low-carbon source.
What is the main difference between YEK-G and I-REC?
YEK-G is a Turkey-specific national certificate operated by EPİAŞ and used primarily for local reporting. I-REC is an international standard recognized in more than 40 countries, preferred by multinational companies for global Scope 2 reporting and RE100 commitments.
Which companies should obtain I-REC or YEK-G?
Turkish subsidiaries of RE100-member multinationals, organizations doing market-based Scope 2 reporting under CDP/GRI, manufacturers exporting to the EU where green energy evidence is requested in the supply chain, and high-consumption data centers or industrial facilities all typically need these certificates.
How much energy does one I-REC or YEK-G certificate represent?
In both systems, one certificate represents 1 MWh (1,000 kWh) of electricity generation.
Can I-REC and YEK-G be used at the same time?
Yes. A multinational's Turkish subsidiary can obtain YEK-G for local regulatory/ESG requirements and I-REC for global headquarters reporting at the same time — but the same MWh of generation must not be double-counted across both systems.
How are I-REC/YEK-G prices determined?
Prices vary based on supply and demand, the generation technology behind the certificate (wind, solar, hydro, etc.), the vintage year, and overall market conditions. Contact us directly for a current price quote.
Get support with I-REC or YEK-G procurement
Let’s define the certificate strategy that fits your reporting framework — we provide end-to-end support through procurement and reporting.