Australia’s GO Scheme: What You Need to Know as LGCs Begin to Wind Down 

As advisors who help clients navigate Australia’s energy and carbon compliance frameworks, we’ve been watching the rollout of the Australian Government’s Guarantee of Origin (GO)A Guarantee of Origin (GO) is a European energy certificate that verifies electricity has been generated from a specific renewable source. GOs are used to track and substantiate renewable electricity claims and are the European equivalent of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). They can be traded independently of electricity and are widely used by RE100 companies to meet renewable energy targets. Scheme closely. For many organisations – particularly those engaged in renewable electricity, industrial decarbonisation or exports – the GO Scheme is more than just a regulatory update. It’s a shift in how environmental credentials will be tracked and verified. 
 

We’re often asked: What’s replacing LGCs? and Do I need to act now? Here’s what you need to know. 
 

What is the GO Scheme? 

The GO Scheme is a new federal certification framework designed to succeed the Large-scale Generation Certificate (LGCLarge-scale Generation Certificate under the Australian Renewable Energy Target. More) regime. It includes: 

• REGO certificates: Renewable Electricity Guarantee of Origin, certifying each megawatt-hour of eligible renewable electricity. 

• PGO certificates: Product Guarantee of Origin, certifying low-emissions products like hydrogen, and eventually metals and fuels. 
   

The scheme, part of the Future Made in Australia plan, was formally launched on 3 November 2025. It aims to provide transparent, government-backed certification that aligns with global expectations.  

Why It Matters 

• LGCs end in 2030: With the LGC scheme closing 31 December 2030, REGO is the likely successor. If LGCs are part of your current compliance or revenue model, it’s time to start planning your transition. 

• REGO and LGCs will overlap: From now until 2030, both schemes will operate concurrently. You cannot issue both for the same MWh – you must choose one although your system can be registered for both. 

• PGOs create new market opportunities: Especially for hydrogen producers and exporters, PGOs allow you to verify embedded emissions – a growing global requirement. Although these certificates will not be tradable. 

This is your chance to do more with less risk, aligning early with the new framework. 

What’s New About REGO? 

• Broader eligibility: REGO includes storage and hybrid systems, expanding participation. 

• Greater transparency: Certificates include detailed data – time, source and location – enabling more accurate Scope 2 accounting. 

• No dual claiming: LGCs and REGOs cannot be issued for the same MWh. 

This enables you to do more with less confusion, with simpler compliance and clearer reporting. 

What About PGOs? 

PGO certification will be valuable if you: 

• Export hydrogen or energy-intensive goods 

• Need verified low-emissions data for supply chains or reporting 

• Want to stay ahead of carbon border adjustments or green procurement policies 

By acting early, you can do more with less exposure to shifting international standards. 

What We’re Helping Clients With 

At Northmore Gordon, we’re already supporting: 

• REGO registrations: Preparing renewable projects for participation 

• Contract strategy: Integrating REGOs into PPAs and disclosures 

• PGO readiness: Emissions baselining and documentation for low-emissions products 

• Internal training: Helping teams understand GO certificates and use them effectively 

This lets our clients do more with less admin and unlock greater strategic value from compliance. 

What You Should Do Now 

• Understand the new framework: The GO Scheme is live. Start aligning internal systems and teams. 

• Assess LGC reliance: Begin your transition plan if LGCs play a role in your strategy. 

• Engage your supply chain: Ask upstream partners if they’re GO certified. 

• Update reporting systems: REGOs and PGOs support ESG and Scope 2/3 reporting – if managed well. 

It’s time to do more with less uncertainty, by planning now for what’s coming next. 

Our Take 

The GO Scheme is a credible evolution in Australia’s renewable certification and decarbonisation story. It creates new commercial and compliance advantages for businesses that engage early. 

We’re here to help you make the most of it – through tailored advisory, technical support and practical strategy. If you want to do more with less complexity and stay ahead of the curve, let’s talk. 

For more information call or email s.bansal@northmoregordon.com