# Energy co-products

| **Module name**     | Energy co-products |
| ------------------- | ------------------ |
| **Module category** | Transformation     |
| **Version**         | 1.3                |
| **Methodology ID**  | RBW-MOD-ECP-V1.3   |
| **Release date**    | January 21st, 2026 |
| **Status**          | In use             |

{% content-ref url="../glossary" %}
[glossary](https://docs.rainbowstandard.io/~/changes/215/glossary)
{% endcontent-ref %}

This is a **Transformation Module** and covers any avoided emissions from the production and export of energy co-products. A modular approach allows Project Developers to choose the relevant modules for their project, and shall be used with the necessary accompanying modules and methodology.

<table data-view="cards" data-full-width="false"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>How to use this module</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="../../methodologies/biomass-carbon-removal-and-storage-bicrs#efpqng3v3ute">#efpqng3v3ute</a></td><td><a href="https://1461901304-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FE1FUJsBoIj20nqp3CtMf%2Fuploads%2FlPIhSWPE9ApJHLQSoSAZ%2Fcarbon-storage-and-sequestration-1.png?alt=media&#x26;token=eac99d82-7778-45a4-b242-80449de1b37d">carbon-storage-and-sequestration-1.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>BiCRS Methodology</strong></td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="../methodologies/biomass-carbon-removal-and-storage-bicrs">biomass-carbon-removal-and-storage-bicrs</a></td><td><a href="https://1461901304-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FE1FUJsBoIj20nqp3CtMf%2Fuploads%2FN8DHA4xjxenFjWjM9DdP%2Fbiochar.png?alt=media&#x26;token=89b1bd87-abbf-4487-8ac1-67843fd30eb0">biochar.png</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Eligibility and scope <a href="#uikucys7r1rk" id="uikucys7r1rk"></a>

This module covers energy co-products (where the main product is carbon removals) and the resulting avoided emissions. It is used for issuing **avoidance RCCs**, whereas the main associated methodologies focuses on **removal RCCs**. Types of energy co-products may include but are not limited to:

* direct combustion of syngas for heat
* combustion of syngas in combined heat and power (CHP) plants for heat and electricity
* combustion of syngas to generate steam for electricity
* bio-oil use as biofuel
* heat for district heating or industrial use

{% hint style="info" %}
Note that only energy co-products that are **exported from the project site** and used elsewhere are included in this module and eligible for avoidance RCCs.

Energy that is used internally by the project (e.g. recirculated heat from pyrolysis) is not considered. The benefits of this are already included within the project LCA by counting a zero-impact heat source.
{% endhint %}

This module must be used with another Rainbow Methodology. Eligible technologies, certification requirements, and any other requirements shall be taken from the applicable methodology.

### Project scope

The scope of the overall project is defined in the Rainbow carbon removal methodology. For specifically the avoidance from energy co-products, the extent of the project scope shall include all processes that result from the energy co-product generation.&#x20;

Any processes that would have occurred regardless of the energy co-product generation may be excluded from the project scope.&#x20;

### Baseline scope

The baseline shall include the equivalent amount of energy produced and exported by the project.

Project Developers shall justify the selection of an avoided baseline energy source by demonstrating that their energy co-products is an appropriate substitute, project-specific and conservative. This may be done using, for example,

* direct measurements of the co-product's characteristics
* contractual agreements specifying the required standards for the energy co-product or
* reliable secondary/literature data detailing well-documented, consistent properties of the co-product.

The energy co-product may replace a specific energy source if it is known (e.g. natural gas) or a mix of energy sources (e.g. grid electricity, or average national heat sources). If the energy source is not specifically known, the replaced energy source shall be conservatively chosen.

The amount substituted shall be **calculated based on the energy content** of both the project's energy co-product and the baseline avoided energy product. All life cycle emissions from the baseline energy source shall be accounted for, including but not limited to raw material extraction, processing, upgrading, distribution, and if relevant, combustion.

The GHG reduction quantification instructions from all other modules used by the project must be used in conjunction with the present module in order to obtain full life-cycle GHG reduction quantifications.

The additional quantification steps required in this module only relate to **the baseline emissions from the avoided energy source**.

## Principles & requirements

The principles and requirements specific to this module are detailed in the sections below.

Other principles and requirements shall be taken from the accompanying modules and methodologies:

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Methodology</strong></td><td><ul><li>Additionality</li><li>No double counting</li><li>Environmental and social safeguards</li></ul></td><td></td><td><a href="../../readme#rainbow-methodologies">#rainbow-methodologies</a></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Other modules</strong></td><td><ul><li>Durability</li><li>Co-benefits</li><li>No double counting</li><li>Environmental and social safeguards</li><li>Leakage</li></ul></td><td></td><td><a href="../methodologies/biomass-carbon-removal-and-storage-bicrs/carbon-storage">carbon-storage</a></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Environmental and social safeguards

Project Developers shall prove that the **project does not contribute to substantial environmental and social harms.**

Project Developers shall prove that they follow all European, national, and local environmental regulations, including but limited to those related to **pollution from energy combustion** (e.g. syngas, bio-oil...).

The Project Developer, the Rainbow Certification Team, or the VVB may suggest **additional risks** to be considered for a specific project.

### Monitoring

Monitoring Plans for this module shall include, but are not limited to, tracking of the following information **for each Batch and/or each calendar year:**

* Amount and type of energy product avoided by the project's energy co-product.

Monitoring Plans shall include the following information for each monitored parameter:

* monitoring frequency
* emission sources and sinks
* data source
* measurement methods/procedures, and their accuracy and calibration
* quality assessment or quality control procedures
* responsible party for collecting and archiving data

## GHG quantification <a href="#kpxsamb8logm" id="kpxsamb8logm"></a>

### Data sources <a href="#kpxsamb8logm" id="kpxsamb8logm"></a>

The required **primary data** for GHG reduction calculations from projects are presented in Table 1.

*Table 1 Summary of primary data needed from projects and their source for initial project certification and validation. Asterisks (\*) indicate which data are required to be updated annually during verification (see Monitoring Plan section).*

<table><thead><tr><th>Parameter</th><th width="153">Unit</th><th>Source</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Amount and type of energy product replaced*</td><td>kg, liter, MJ, MWh</td><td>Invoices, bills, contracts</td></tr></tbody></table>

The [ecoinvent database](#user-content-fn-1)[^1] version 3.12 (hereafter referred to as ecoinvent) shall be the main source of emission factors unless otherwise specified. Ecoinvent is preferred because it is traceable, reliable, and well-recognized. The ecoinvent processes selected are detailed in [Appendix](#appendix).

If the available emission factors do not accurately represent the project, a **different emission factor may be submitted by the Project Developer, and approved by the Rainbow Certification Team and the VVB**. Any emission factor must meet the data requirements outlined in the [Rainbow Standard Rules](https://docs.rainbowstandard.io/~/changes/215/modules/broken-reference), and come from traceable, transparent, unbiased, and reputable sources.

### Project scenario <a href="#ly65klblzpa9" id="ly65klblzpa9"></a>

The project scenario is the sum of induced GHG emissions from all other processes in other modules that are related to the generation of the energy co-product.

These processes may be shared with the carbon storage solution (e.g. transport of biomass to the transformation site), but for the purpose of issuing avoidance RCCs, these emissions shall be fully allocated to the energy co-product.

Any processes that take place after the carbon storage solution and energy co-product are generated, and that are not shared between them (e.g. transport of biochar to the agricultural field, permanent carbon storage), shall be excluded from the project scenario for energy co-products.

<details>

<summary>Calculations- Project scenario</summary>

$$\textbf{(Eq.1)}\ E\_{P,energy\text{-}coproduct} = E\_{feedstock} + E\_{T,shared} + E\_{P,E,shared}+E\_{infra,shared}$$

Where,

* $$E\_{P,energy\text{-}coproduct}$$ represents the total emissions from the project scenario assigned to the energy co-product
* $$E\_{feedstock}$$ represents the net emissions from the [feedstock module](https://docs.rainbowstandard.io/~/changes/215/methodologies/biomass-carbon-removal-and-storage-bicrs/carbon-capture/biomass-feedstock)
* $$E\_{T,shared}$$ represents the emissions from [transportation ](https://docs.rainbowstandard.io/~/changes/215/modules/transportation)that are shared between the energy co-product and the carbon storage solution
* $$E\_{P,E,shared}$$ represent the emissions from onsite [processing and energy use](https://docs.rainbowstandard.io/~/changes/215/modules/processing-and-energy-use) that are shared between the energy co-product and the carbon storage solution, and/or used for only the processing of the energy co-product
* $$E\_{infra,shared}$$ represents the emissions from the onsite [infrastructure and machinery ](https://docs.rainbowstandard.io/~/changes/215/modules/infrastructure-and-machinery)that are shared between the energy co-product and the carbon storage solution

</details>

### Baseline scenario <a href="#dk35zb8m2b1p" id="dk35zb8m2b1p"></a>

Project Developers shall follow the [baseline scenario selection guidance](https://docs.rainbowstandard.io/~/changes/215/modules/broken-reference) in the Rainbow Standard Rules and the [substitution criteria](#substitution) for this module.

All life cycle emissions from the avoided energy source shall be accounted for in the baseline scenario. This includes raw material extraction, processing, upgrading, distribution, and if relevant, combustion.

<details>

<summary>Calculations- Baseline scenario</summary>

$$\textbf{(Eq.2)}\ E\_{baseline} =A\_{energy} \times EF\_{energy}$$

Where,

* $$E\_{baseline}$$ represents the total emissions from the baseline scenario
* $$A\_{energy}$$ represents the amount of energy avoided in the baseline scenario, in units that correspond to the units of the chosen emission factor (see below)
* $$EF\_{energy}$$ represents the emission factor for the type of energy avoided in the baseline scenario, taken from ecoinvent. See Appendix 1 for the ecoinvent process options.

</details>

### Uncertainty assessment <a href="#dk35zb8m2b1p" id="dk35zb8m2b1p"></a>

See general instructions for uncertainty assessment in the [Rainbow Standard Rules](https://docs.rainbowstandard.io/~/changes/215/modules/broken-reference). The outcome of the assessment shall be used to determine the percent of RCCs to eliminate with the [**discount factor**](#user-content-fn-2)[^2].

Uncertainty may come from project data, but this is estimated to be negligible, since it is required to come from a direct measurement.

There is low uncertainty from the baseline scenario selection, where the specific type of energy replaced may not be known, in which case the replaced energy source shall be conservatively chosen.

The uncertainty at the module level is estimated to be low. This translates to an **expected discount factor of at least 3%** for projects that have significant GHG impacts from avoided energy products.

## Appendix

The table below presents a non-exhaustive selection of Ecoinvent activities that may be used in the GHG reduction calculations for this module. Additional activities may be used for any project, if the following selection does not cover all relevant activities.

*Table A1 List of ecoinvent 3.12 processes used in the GHG reduction quantification model, all processes are from the cutoff database*

<table data-full-width="false"><thead><tr><th width="223">Input</th><th>Ecoinvent activity name</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>grid electricity</td><td><ul><li>market for electricity, low voltage, country specific</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>diesel fuel material</td><td><ul><li>market for diesel, low-sulfur</li><li>market for diesel</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>diesel burning</td><td><ul><li>diesel, burned in agricultural machinery</li><li>diesel, burned in diesel-electric generating set, 18.5kW</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>natural gas burning</td><td>natural gas, burned in gas turbine</td></tr><tr><td>heat, from steam</td><td>market for heat, from steam, in chemical industry</td></tr><tr><td>heat, from municipal incineration</td><td>heat, from municipal waste incineration to generic market for heat, district or industrial, other than natural gas</td></tr><tr><td>heat, from biomethane burning</td><td>market for heat, central or small-scale, biomethane</td></tr><tr><td>heat, from straw burning in a furnace</td><td>heat production, straw, at furnace 300kW</td></tr><tr><td>heat, from natural gas</td><td><ul><li>market for heat, district or industrial, natural gas</li><li>market for heat, central or small-scale, natural gas</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Version history

<table><thead><tr><th width="233">Change</th><th>Justification</th><th>Date</th><th>Version changed</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Restructure sections: added Baseline Scope, renamed Eligible technologies to Eligibility and scope, renamed Eligibility criteria to Principles &#x26; requirements, moved Monitoring Plan to Principles &#x26; requirements</td><td>Align with Standard Rules V7 structure</td><td>January 21st, 2026</td><td>V1.2 to V1.3</td></tr><tr><td>Change GHG quantification from ecoinvent v3.11 to v3.12</td><td>Using more recent version of database</td><td>January 21st, 2026</td><td>V1.2 to V1.3</td></tr><tr><td>Change from BiCRS module to general module, remove BiCRS specific content</td><td>Make module more widely usable, e.g. for enhanced rock weathering and carbonation</td><td>September 10, 2025</td><td>V1.1 to V1.2</td></tr><tr><td>Change GHG quantification from ecoinvent v3.10 to v3.11</td><td>Using more recent version of database</td><td>June 5th, 2025</td><td>V1.0 to V1.1</td></tr><tr><td>First release of module</td><td>-</td><td>December 4th, 2024</td><td>V1</td></tr></tbody></table>

[^1]: Wernet, G., Bauer, C., Steubing, B., Reinhard, J., Moreno-Ruiz, E., Weidema, B., 2016. The ecoinvent database version 3 (part I): overview and methodology. Int J Life Cycle Assess 21, 1218–1230. <https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-016-1087-8>

[^2]: A percentage of verified Rainbow Carbon Credits eliminated from each project and never issued. This acts as a safeguard against uncertainty in GHG reduction quantifications and overestimated carbon removal/avoidance.
