OpenClosed consultation

UK Emissions Trading Scheme: free allocation review

From:
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Published
18 December 2023
Last updated
26 September 2024 — See all updates

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Summary

The UK ETS Authority is seeking views on proposals to alter free allocation methodology for stationary sectors to better target those most at risk of carbon leakage.

This consultation closesran atfrom
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Consultation description

Note on extending the UK ETS first Free Allocation period to 2026 (26 September 2024)

The UK ETS Authority is consulting operators in the scheme on a proposal to move the start of the second allocation period from 2026 to 2027, extending the current allocation period to include 2026. Operators will receive the consultation from their scheme regulator and have until 11 October to submit responses.

The change aims to align changes to Free Allocation with the introduction of the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism in 2027. The Authority received a significant number of responses to the Free Allocation Review consultation indicating a preference for this alignment to ensure a consistent approach to carbon leakage mitigation. The Authority will ensure that any changes made to Free Allocation rules under the Free Allocation Review will be published by the end of 2025, with implementation in 2027.

The Authority is proposing that:

  • the baseline data reporting exercise will continue as planned from 1 April to 30 June 2025
  • applications for the second free allocation period will be made in 2026
  • updated lists of installations with hospital or small emitter (HSE) and ultra-small emitter (USE) status will come into effect from 2026, with the application window for inclusion on these lists open from 1 April to 30 June 2025
  • changes to the current rules regarding the electricity generator classification will come into effect in 2026

The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) Authority (UK Government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for Northern Ireland is seeking views on proposals to alter the free allocation methodology for the stationary sectors to better target those most at risk of carbon leakage and ensure that free allocations are fairly distributed.

This will broadly focus on 4 key areas:

  • how we account for emissions and activity
  • benchmarks
  • the carbon leakage list
  • additional factors we might want to introduce to free allocation methodology

The consultation is open to all, but will be of particular interest to:

  • individual companies and representatives of industrial and power sectors with obligations under the UK ETS
  • environmental groups

This consultation does not apply to NI electricity generators who participate in the EU ETS by virtue of the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol.

See our consultation privacy notice.

Documents

UK Emissions Trading Scheme: free allocation review

PDF, 905 KB, 44 pages

UK Emissions Trading Scheme: free allocation review - analytical annex

PDF, 859846 KB, 34 pages

Cynllun Masnachu Allyriadau’r DU: Adolygiad o Ddyraniadau am Ddim

PDF, 681 KB, 49 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
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Atodiad Dadansoddol i’r Adolygiad o Ddyraniadau am Ddim

PDF, 1.06 MB, 35 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alt.formats@energysecurity.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Ways to respond

Respond online

or

Email to:

emissions.trading@energysecurity.gov.uk

Write to:

Emissions Trading, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
3rd Floor
3 Whitehall Place
London
SW1A 2EG

Updates to this page

Published 18 December 2023
Last updated 26 September 2024 + show all updates

  1. Published a note on extending the UK ETS first Free Allocation period to 2026.

  2. First published.

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