QGSS™ · VERSION 1.0 · 2024

Quality Grid-balancing
Storage Standard™

A framework for evaluating documented, measurable and verifiable greenhouse gas mitigation associated with energy storage and grid-balancing technologies.

Energy storage. Grid balancing. Measurable climate impact.

The Quality Grid-balancing Storage Standard™ provides a structured framework for evaluating the measurable and verifiable climate impact of energy storage and related technology solutions that support the balancing of electricity systems.

Storage Technologies

QGSS™ can be applied to a wide range of energy storage and grid-balancing solutions, including current and future technological developments.

Measurable Results

Climate impacts must be supported by relevant data and professionally justified assessment methods.

Credibility

Transparency, documentation, verifiability and the prevention of double counting are fundamental elements of the framework.

What types of projects can be assessed under QGSS™?

QGSS™ can be applied to projects in which energy storage is connected to the operation and balancing of electricity systems and where measurable greenhouse gas mitigation can be demonstrated.

  • Grid-balancing energy storage projects
  • Battery energy storage systems
  • Storage solutions supporting renewable energy generation
  • Technologies increasing electricity-system flexibility
  • Energy conversion and storage systems
  • Industrial and grid-scale energy storage applications
  • New and innovative storage technologies
  • Other energy storage projects with documented and measurable climate impacts

The key question

Energy storage alone is not sufficient for assessment under QGSS™.

The key question is whether the technology and its application produce real, measurable and verifiable greenhouse gas mitigation compared with an appropriate reference scenario, in a form that can be assessed and quantified under QGSS™.

Built around credibility and measurable results

QGSS™ applies a structured approach to evaluating greenhouse gas mitigation associated with energy storage and grid-balancing solutions.

Measurability

Climate results must be supported by relevant data and appropriate professional methods.

Verifiability

Project documentation and results must be suitable for professional and, where necessary, independent review.

Transparency

Relevant project information and documentation must remain traceable throughout the assessment.

Conservative Approach

Where uncertainty exists, the assessment must avoid overestimating greenhouse gas mitigation.

Additionality

Project climate results must be assessed against an appropriate project and reference scenario.

Prevention of Double Counting

The same greenhouse gas mitigation outcome must not be counted or used multiple times by multiple parties.

From energy storage to quantified climate results

QGSS™ provides a structured assessment framework connecting energy storage technologies and applications with measurable greenhouse gas mitigation.

1

Project

The project, technology and related processes are defined and documented.

2

Assessment

Processes, project boundaries, energy and material flows, and available data are assessed.

3

Quantification

Greenhouse gas mitigation is quantified according to the applicable QGSS™ framework.

4

Verification

The project and its results may, where appropriate, be subject to independent professional review.

5

QGSC™

Verified and eligible project climate results may form the basis for credit issuance.

From verified climate results to QGSC™ credits

QGSS™ provides a framework in which appropriately assessed and verified greenhouse gas mitigation resulting from energy storage and grid-balancing activities may form the basis for Quality Grid-balancing Storage Credit™ units.

QGSC™

One Quality Grid-balancing Storage Credit™ represents one metric tonne of greenhouse gas mitigation expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent, assessed and verified in accordance with the requirements of the Standard.


QGSC™ credits are intended to represent real, measurable and verifiable climate results generated by eligible projects.

Access the complete QGSS™ Standard documentation

The public website introduces the purpose and general principles of the Quality Grid-balancing Storage Standard™. The complete controlled Standard documentation contains the detailed requirements, application and assessment framework, and access and use conditions. Non-public professional details and confidential information are not part of the public website content.

QGSS™ Version 1.0

The complete documentation is intended for organizations and professionals seeking to apply QGSS™ in project development, project assessment, verification, carbon credit generation or other professional activities.

  • Detailed project assessment framework
  • Professional application requirements
  • Documentation requirements
  • Monitoring and verification framework
  • Carbon credit eligibility conditions
  • Registry and traceability requirements
  • Licensing and professional use conditions
Request Full Standard Access

Start your QGSS™ journey

Request access to the complete Standard documentation or submit the essential information about your energy storage and grid-balancing project for initial assessment.

Full Standard Access

Request information about access to the complete QGSS™ documentation, licensing, or professional use conditions.

Project Registration

Submit the essential information about your energy storage or grid-balancing project for an initial QGSS™ assessment.