GO/Product- GO Alignment- Renewable Synthetic Methane gas

Annex X: GO / Product-GO Alignment – Renewable Synthetic Methane (RSMG) Purpose This annex outlines how Renewable Synthetic Methane (RSMG) produced via Carbon Recycling Technology (CRT) aligns with the objectives of Australia’s Guarantee of Origin (GO) and Product-GO frameworks, as applied by Clean Energy Finance Corporation and Australian Renewable Energy Agency. Molecule equivalence and infrastructure compatibility RSMG is chemically identical to fossil methane (CH₄) and biomethane. It is fully compatible with existing gas infrastructure, turbines, engines, and industrial end-uses, with no additional safety or materials risks. As with biomethane, acceptability is determined by carbon origin and lifecycle emissions, not molecule type. Carbon origin and circularity RSMG is produced by combining captured CO₂ with renewable hydrogen, creating a closed carbon loop. Carbon atoms are recycled rather than extracted from new fossil sources. This satisfies non-fossil carbon sourcing principles and is consistent with circular carbon treatment already accepted for biomethane. Lifecycle emissions accounting Under CRT, CO₂ released at end-use is recaptured and recycled within the system boundary. No new fossil carbon is introduced. Lifecycle emissions are therefore governed by renewable energy inputs, not combustion chemistry. This aligns with GO/Product-GO intent to assess emissions on a system basis, avoiding double counting of end-use CO₂. Traceability and verification RSMG pathways enable robust verification through metered renewable electricity and hydrogen inputs, measurable carbon mass balances, and auditable records. The pathway is compatible with physical segregation or book-and-claim approaches under Product-GO, supporting credible Scope 1, 2, and avoided Scope 3 reporting. Alignment conclusion RSMG produced via CRT is consistent with GO and Product-GO objectives as it: • Uses recycled, non-fossil carbon • Achieves lifecycle-based emissions neutrality • Maintains full infrastructure compatibility • Enables transparent, auditable provenance RSMG therefore represents a natural extension of existing renewable gas certification principles applicable to biomethane, with greater controllability and auditability.