‘CF100’(Carbon Free 100%), which is the concept of supplying 100% of electricity through carbon-free energy sources, meaning there are no carbon emissions. Another name for CF100 is ‘24/7 Carbon Free Energy Agreement’ (24/7 CFE), indicating the usage of carbon-free energy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

CF100 is gaining attention as a more practical alternative to RE100, which requires using only renewable energy sources. CF100 encompasses not only renewable energy but also nuclear power, hydrogen energy, fuel cells, and CCUS technologies. It emerged in response to criticisms that relying solely on intermittent renewable energy sources, as in RE100, makes it difficult to achieve practical carbon neutrality. Currently, 111 companies, including Google and Microsoft, have joined CF100.

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The difference and comparison between RE100 and CF100

Through RE100, companies are steadily purchasing solar and wind-based energy to contribute to overcoming the climate crisis. However, their actual total energy consumption does not necessarily align with renewable energy sources. Essentially, RE100 operates on the basis of carbon neutrality, acknowledging carbon emissions by offsetting the amount of emitted carbon dioxide, aiming to achieve a net-zero carbon balance. In contrast, CF100 aims to move beyond the current reliance on carbon-emitting resources by producing and consuming electricity from truly carbon-free sources. It sets a goal to align power production with our consumption while excluding reliance on carbon-emitting resources. Unlike RE100, CF100 includes nuclear power and does not provide specific certification criteria for hydro and biomass power generation.