Gold Standard launches methodology for early retirement of coal plants
Friday, March 13 2026 - 06:53 AM WIB
By Romel S. Gurky
Global carbon standard and certification body Gold Standard has introduced a new methodology aimed at supporting the permanent decommissioning of coal-fired power plants while ensuring replacement electricity is generated from renewable energy.
Gold Standard said on Thursday that the methodology is designed to facilitate early coal plant retirement without creating power supply gaps that could lead to increased fossil fuel use elsewhere on the grid.
Under the framework, projects seeking certification must demonstrate the permanent and verified closure of coal assets and ensure that renewable energy generation fully replaces the plant’s historical electricity output.
Additional safeguards require projects to prevent emissions leakage or substitution within the power system and align with national decarbonization pathways through a dynamic baseline that adjusts as climate policies evolve.
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Gold Standard said the approach is intended to ensure the transition away from coal remains credible, financially viable and fair for workers and communities affected by plant closures.
The methodology also addresses risks that energy systems could revert to fossil fuels during periods of fuel price volatility or supply uncertainty if coal plants are retired without sufficient clean energy replacement.
Founded in 2003 by the World Wide Fund for Nature and other international NGOs, Gold Standard develops certification standards for climate and sustainable development projects, including carbon credit initiatives designed to ensure measurable and verifiable emissions reductions.
Editing by Alexander Ginting
To access the full methodology, please visit the link below: