Why are there free EUAs in the EU ETS?

Carbon allowances are issued by regulators, with a portion allocated for free to covered installations. The EU ETS balances environmental goals with economic realities.

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Teaching the rules of the game 

Initially, free allocations were important for educating stakeholders about the EU ETS functioning. When the scheme was launched in 2005, as a novel system, these free allowances helped installation representatives learn about the cap-and-trade compliance mechanisms without immediate financial implications. This gradual approach minimized initial costs and facilitated a smoother transition to a fully operational market-based system.

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Protectinging industrial competitiveness

Free allowances protect the competitiveness of European industries. Introducing a carbon cost too abruptly can significantly increase operational expenses for industries, leading to higher prices for EU products. This could disadvantage European businesses compared to those in regions without such stringent carbon costs, potentially leading to a loss of market share for the bloc. Free allowances act as a buffer, making sure that the transition to a carbon neutral economy does not harm European competitiveness.

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Macroeconomic stability

Free allowances contribute to macroeconomic stability by preventing sudden spikes in energy production costs that could be driven by high carbon prices. By moderating these costs, the EU ETS helps to avoid inflationary pressures from rapidly rising energy prices. It is important for the EU bloc to keep a macroeconomic balance as it works towards its ambitious environmental objectives.

The debate over free EUAs

Free carbon allowances, within a scheme based on the "polluters pay" principle, have not always been well-received. Many stakeholders and NGOs argue that these allowances effectively weaken the EU ETS’ effectiveness and do not sufficiently drive industries to optimize operations and invest in greener technologies. Regulators have aimed to balance holding every installation accountable for its CO2 emissions with maintaining economic stability.

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Free EUAs will not be needed in the future 

While free allocations have been essential for the introduction and past evolution of the EU ETS, the system is now progressing. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is being introduced to address carbon leakage by imposing carbon costs on imports from countries with less stringent climate policies. As the role of free allowances in protecting EU competitiveness is no longer needed, the EU ETS is adopting a more global, exclusively market-based approach.

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