What will the future of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) look like as the emissions cap heads towards zero? Is integrating carbon dioxide removals (CDRs) into the ETS a solution to help the EU achieve its climate goals? Or would they compromise the integrity and functioning of the system? These questions are at the forefront of the Commission’s mind as they review different options for the future of the ETS ahead of the 2026 revision.
Category: Publications
For a systematic use of default value in the CBAM
The current carbon emissions reporting in the CBAM fails to achieve its goal of replacing free allocations under the EU ETS and undermines its integrity. A systematic default value system would improve the CBAM and safeguard the EU ETS.
CBAM DRI loophole requires new free allocation reform
We took part in a targeted survey run by the European Commission’s DG TAXUD on methodologies used to calculate embedded emissions and the rules for adjusting CBAM obligations alongside free allocation under the ETS. Our proposal: free allocation should be reformed to close the ‘DRI loophole’.
Feedback on the EU Commission’s draft methodology for low-carbon hydrogen
For ‘low carbon’ hydrogen to truly make a positive contribution to Europe’s transition to climate neutrality, the safeguards put in place must be meaningful. Unfortunately, this does not appear to be the case in this draft delegated act.
Metallurgical flexibility: Enabling the aluminium and steel sectors for demand response
Electrification and flexibility are critical to decarbonising both industrial and electricity systems. But what happens when we combine the two? Industrial flexibility will play an increasingly important role as industry moves towards electrification.
A closer look at 2023 emissions: steelmaking caused a quarter of industry pollution
This brief analyses 2023 emissions under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), using the latest data available from the EU Transaction Log (EUTL) . It particularly focuses on the iron and steel sector.
Feedback on the inclusion of permanent CCU in the EU ETS
We welcome the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft delegated regulation published by the European Commission pursuant to Article 12(3b) of the EU ETS Directive [1] regarding the requirements for considering that greenhouse gases (GHG) have become permanently...
Steel and CCS/U: Decarbonisation potential, costs, and bottlenecks
Carbon capture, storage and/or utilisation (CCS/U) technologies are often touted as a ‘catch all’ solution for the decarbonisation of heavy industry, but their effectiveness and relevance vary widely across applications. This new report offers a comprehensive assessment of CCS/U technologies in the context of iron and steel manufacturing in Europe.
Supply and demand in the EU ETS: It’s the hydrogen, stupid!
Learn about the supply and demand balance of the EU ETS through the end of its fourth phase in 2030, based on the latest market data and policy parameters. Are the results aligned with the EU’s target of a 55% reduction in emissions?
A Scrap Game: Impacts of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
Currently, we are in the CBAM transitional period, with negotiations ongoing for its full implementation in January 2026. Learn about the legislative process and the effect of this policy on the EU’s main trade partners, especially China.