Poland, Bulgaria eye AIB membership

Poland is paving the way to join the Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB) guarantee of origin (GOO) hub with the necessary legislation set to come into force at the start of next year, while Bulgaria could also join the hub next year.

Polish energy regulator URE is assessing the prospect of AIB membership and expects to make a decision soon, the AIB said. But the process will take some time as it will require a detailed review, discussions and alignment of the Polish domestic market with the European Energy Certificate System (EECS), the AIB said.

"We are aware of challenges that lay ahead, stemming from differences between the Polish GOO system and the EECS standard, both within the regulatory framework and IT systems design," AIB secretary-general Liesbeth Switten told Argus. "Joining AIB as a full member can take six months to several years, depending on this alignment and on the co-operation of all involved parties."

Polish GOO trade fell by two-thirds last month following the introduction of a 97pc tax on revenues from GOOs that was applied in August as part of a package of regulations aimed at protecting consumers. The tax is due to be removed at the end of this year, but the framework could change depending on the outcome of Polish parliamentary elections due this week.

Bulgaria is also taking steps to join the AIB hub and could become a member next year following finalisation of the country's new renewable energy act and subsequent signing of the domestic draft GOO ordinance. "This key step will allow the already advanced application process to resume, making AIB membership in 2024 not just feasible, but promising," Switten said.

By Makani Joinville