Environment

2013 saw a marked decline in CO2 emissions in most EU member states, largely due to displacement of fossil generation by renewables

Increased generation from renewable sources and the commissioning of new RES capacity played an important role, in the overall decline in CO2 emissions, which was particularly pronounced in Spain, Portugal and Italy. In some countries, however, CO2 emissions increased. The ongoing surplus of more than 2 billion allowances continues to depress the CO2 price. Reinforcing the ETS through a more flexible design, so that it delivers a robust carbon price that supports continued investment in low carbon technologies, remains an urgent and vital policy objective.

  • Change in CO2 emissions 2012-2013 / Source: European Climate Exchange (ECX)
  • Evolution of ETS emission allowance prices / Source: European Climate Exchange (ECX)