Grexel and AIB: Long history of working together

Grexel has a long history of working closely together with the Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB). AIB aims to ensure reliable operation of energy certificate schemes in Europe.

Phil Moody was one of the founders of AIB. Currently he acts as an Advisor for the organization. AIB and Moody have cooperated with Grexel in several ways for over 15 years.

The story started when Moody heard of Marko Lehtovaara, the founder of Grexel, who was dealing with IT systems for registries of Guarantees of Origin. Moody was impressed with Lehtovaaras understanding of system requirements posed by the Guarantees of Origin-system.

“Marko has an impressive ability to turn theoretical concepts into practical solutions.”, compliments Moody.

In the past 15 years the cooperation of Grexel and AIB has changed. Initially, Grexel was a member of AIB and participated closely in several early development projects. Here the AIB naturally appreciated the good understanding Grexel team has on the practical issues relating to working with GOs in Issuing Bodies. As the structure of AIB has changed, also the cooperation has altered. It has, nevertheless, remained warm and close.

In the past almost 20 years, Grexel and AIB have worked together in several projects. One of the most significant ones, surely, is the Residual Mix. Residual Mix is a fundamental part of the GO-system. Basically, Residual Mix prevents double counting of the same amount of electricity from the same electricity source. A residual mix is needed to make the GO a reliable tracking instrument of energy origin.

“Residual Mix is a very important element of an energy certification system. Like a twin sister of the guarantee of origin system, it makes GO stronger by preventing double counting.   We have been proud to calculate the European Residual Mix since 2015”, says Lehtovaara.

“Currently AIB HUBs super user is one of our consultants. We have also worked closely in aiding many of Grexel’s customers to join the AIB HUB and so enter the international market of Guarantees of Origin. Our long and fruitful cooperation with AIB has provided many interesting projects and we have learned a lot along the way.”, says Lehtovaara.

Also Liesbeth Switten, the Secretary General of AIB, appreciates the long relationship the AIB has had with Grexel: “Although Grexel is not an formal member of AIB anymore, the AIB still appreciates working together. Grexel is not only a service provider, but also a valuable partner in the European projects where we cooperate on driving the energy transition forward in the best possible way.”

Phil Moody shares this sentiment. “Working with Grexel has always been easy. It seems the team is always up for a challenge and focuses on solving even complex problems in the best possible way”.