Biomass Feasibility Project Final Report - Xcel Energy

individuals who wish to support the development of renewable energy or reduce their
greenhouse gas emissions.
The Midwest Renewable Energy Tracking System (M-RETS) was recently established to facilitate
the tracking of RECs. It provides a standardized system for generating, tracking and retiring RECs
within a number of Midwestern states. While this system will greatly facilitate trade in RECs, M-
RETS is not itself a market. To date there is no established, liquid, market where REC generators
can easily sell their product. Without such a market a bio-power facility probably will find it
advantageous to enter into a long term contract for its RECs. More information about the M-
RETS system is available here http://mrets.net/index.asp.
A biomass power facility may also be able to sell carbon emission reduction credits, or other
environmental rewards. These markets differ somewhat from RECs and involve a different set of
standards for certification. In most instances it will not be possible to sell both a REC and a
carbon emissions reduction credit for the same quantity of energy; but the ability to sell credits
into both markets may enable a facility to pursue the best price for its environmental rewards.
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Identifying Effective Biomass Strategies:
Quantifying Minnesota’s Resources and Evaluating Future Opportunities