The European Energy Exchange (EEX) published today the 2021 EU ETS auction calendars. The auctions will start on 29 January 2021 with an auction by Germany. The auctions on the common auction platform will start on 1 February 2021 and will also include the volumes for the Innovation Fund and the Modernisation Fund. The first 2021 auction by Poland will take place on 3 February 2021.
The Commission has published a report on the functioning of the EU-wide quota system for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The system was put in place in 2015 to drastically reduce the use of these greenhouse gases with a particularly potent warming effect. The gases have a range of applications in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, as well as foaming agents or aerosol propellants. Under the system, manufacturers and users of these products are incentivised to switch to more climate-friendly alternatives to significantly reduce HFC emissions.
The Commission yesterday adopted an implementing decision setting out the annual emission allocations (AEAs) for 2021-2030 under the Effort Sharing Regulation. Adopting this decision is an important step in ensuring Member States take the right path to achieving an EU-wide emission reduction of 30% by 2030 compared to 2005 in sectors not covered under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), as set out in current legislation.