Publication
Title
Anatomy of emissions trading systems : what is the EU ETS?
Author
Abstract
An anatomy identifies four main components of actual or proposed Emissions Trading Systems (ETS): (1) Pursued policy goals with the ETS instrument; (2) Public authority allocations of permits to the regulated participants; (3) Carbon emissions price levels; and (4) Participants' abatement expenses dependent on the ready availability of affordable abatement techniques or of low-carbon innovation opportunities. These components cover a range of options. A different assemblage of options delivers different ETS exemplars. Two main exemplars are identified. The actual EU ETS is highly successful in meeting the goal of low financial burdens on EU industry, thereby precluding carbon leakage. The other exemplar opts for high carbon emissions prices in the EU to induce industrial innovations towards a low-carbon economy. Incumbent industrial interests oppose this exemplar. Contrary to current policy discourse and to wishful proposals, both ETS exemplars cannot co-exist. ETS anatomy offers insight and structure for thorough analysis and evaluation of existing ETS, resulting in context-specific and appropriate designs of the carbon trading systems.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Environmental science & policy. - Oxford
Publication
Oxford : 2019
ISSN
1462-9011
DOI
10.1016/J.ENVSCI.2019.05.001
Volume/pages
98 (2019) , p. 11-19
ISI
000471088100002
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 01.08.2019
Last edited 01.01.2025
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