Announced today (3 November) by Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, the programme establishes a certification system to underpin Australia’s clean energy industries. The framework could extend to green metals and low-carbon fuels.

The GO scheme is expected to give investors, exporters, and consumers “confidence in the carbon credentials” of Australian-made products. Aligned with global standards, Dr. Fiona Simon, CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC), said the scheme signals that the nation is “open for business with a robust methodology.”

Administered by the Clean Energy Regulator, two types of certificates can be awarded: Product GO (PGO), which records emissions intensity and key product attributes, and Renewable Electricity GO (REGO) certificates, which verify when, where, and how renewable electricity is generated.

REGO certificates serve as proof, akin to receipts, that a company’s electricity originates from renewable sources, thereby validating both green hydrogen claims and corporate sustainability reporting.

They will also overlap with the existing Renewable Energy Target (RET) for five years, ensuring a smooth transition and long-term certainty for renewable energy investment.

Bowen said the scheme “presents Australia with an enormous economic and jobs opportunity.” He added, “Global investment in clean energy projects is set to rise to $2 trillion. Our government wants to grow this.”

Starting with hydrogen produced through electrolysis, the scheme will expand to other low-emission industries and support access to government initiatives such as the AUD $4bn Hydrogen HeadStart programme, the AUD $6.7bn Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive, and the AUD $2bn Green Aluminium Production Credit.

AHC’s Simon explained, “With the GO scheme in hand, we can move forward with confidence as we focus on supporting the Australian government’s Future Made in Australia (FMIA) agenda, including the second round of Hydrogen Headstart, FMA Innovation Fund, Net Zero Fund and other programmes.”

The GO framework was developed through five years of consultation with industry and international partners. Registrations for the two certificates are now open to the industry.