On 3 November 2025, Australia officially launched its national Guarantee of Origin Scheme (GO Scheme), establishing a voluntary certification framework for verifying renewable electricity and low-emissions products.[1]
The GO Scheme establishes an accounting framework for quantifying the emissions of designated commodities.[2] Under this framework, two distinct certificates can be issued:
- the tradable Renewable Electricity Guarantee of Origin (REGO) certification, which tracks and verifies renewable electricity generation; and
- the Product Guarantee of Origin (PGO) certification, which records the emissions profile of low-emissions products such as green hydrogen.[3]
The GO Scheme is administered by the Clean Energy Regulator and is designed to enhance transparency, support credible emissions claims and promote investment in Australia’s growing renewable energy and manufacturing sectors.[4]
For more information on the key features and scope of the GO Scheme, read our previous article Pressing GO! On Clean Energy Certification.
A long-awaited milestone
The launch of the GO Scheme represents the culmination of extensive policy and industry consultation led by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Originating as part of the National Hydrogen Strategy in November 2019,[5] evolving through industry consultation beginning 2022,[6] the GO Scheme has now formally commenced alongside the now in force Future Made in Australia (Guarantee of Origin Rules) 2025 (accessible here).
This milestone marks the culmination of a six-year development process, bringing the GO Scheme from concept to launch as Australia’s national certification framework for renewable electricity and low-emissions products.
What does this mean for project proponents?
The REGO certification framework will replace the Renewable Energy Target framework, which will sunset in 2030.[7] This transition provides continuity for accredited renewable generators and a pathway for new entrants, including energy storage systems.[8] From 1 January 2031, REGO certificates will serve as the primary means of verifying renewable electricity generation in Australia.[9]
Whilst voluntary, participation in the GO Scheme will underpin eligibility for key federal incentive programs, including Hydrogen Headstart, the Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive and the Green Aluminium Production Credit.[10]
The Hamilton Locke New Energy Team is actively monitoring the operation of the GO Scheme and its implications for future project development.
The Hamilton Locke team advises across the entire project life cycle – including project development, contract administration, and construction and infrastructure disputes. For more information, please contact Marni Riley or Matt Baumgurtel.
[1] Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, ‘Pressing ‘GO’ on the Guarantee of Origin scheme’ (Media Release, 3 November 2025) <https://www.dcceew.gov.au/about/news/pressing-go-guarantee-of-origin-scheme>.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, ‘Guarantee of Origin scheme’ (Web Page, 30 October 2025) <https://www.dcceew.gov.au/energy/renewable/guarantee-of-origin-scheme> (‘Guarantee of Origin scheme’).
[4] Ibid; The Hon Chris Bowen MP and the Hon Josh Wilson MP, ‘Joint media release: Backbone of future made in Australia is ‘go’’ (Public release, 3 November 2025) <https://minister.dcceew.gov.au/bowen/media-releases/joint-media-release-backbone-future-made-australia-go>.
[5] Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy (22 November 2019) <https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/australias-national-hydrogen-strategy.pdf>.
[6] Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, ‘Australia’s Guarantee of Origin Scheme: consultation papers’ (Web Page, 2023) <https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/aus-guarantee-of-origin-scheme-consultation>.
[7] Guarantee of Origin scheme n 3.
[8] Future Made in Australia (Guarantee of Origin) Rules 2025.
[9] Guarantee of Origin scheme n 3.
[10] Ibid.
