• Policy

• European Union
  • European Energy Efficiency Fund
  • Framework Programme 7 Energy Work Programme
  • New Directive on RES
  • SET Plan
  • Energy Infrastructure Priorities
  • Buildings Performance
  • WEEE
  • RoHS
  • Third Energy package
  • REACH
  • EU Emissions Trading System
  • EU Recovery Plan
  • EU Energy Strategy 2011-2020
  • EU Energy Trends 2030
  • EREC 45% binding target
  • Energy Policy 2050
  • Raw Materials
  • Smart Grids
• National Policies
• PV Observatory
• International

Background:

The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is the main piece of EU legislation focussed explicitly on the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG). It forms a critical part of the European Commission’s aims to decarbonise Europe’s economy by 2050.

First adopted in 2003 and launched two years later, the system was changed in 2009, with the introduction of new rules for its third trading period, due to start in 2013. One of the provisions to be implemented as of 2013 is the full auctioning of allowances for the power generation sector, with the aim of decarbonising it in the long run.

Photovoltaic does not emit any CO2 during operations, providing to the electricity mix significant environmental benefits compared with other power generation technologies.

The Directorate General for Climate Action is directly in charge of the EU ETS within the Commission. A webpage on regulatory updates constantly monitors the legal evolution of the system.

More information on this issue is available for EPIA Members once logged-in on the restricted area.