Emissions Trading Worldwide

Chongqing (Pilot) Emissions Trading Scheme
in force
emissions coverage (Mtco 2 e, 2014)
Liable entities
106 237
Gas coverage
allocation
Offsets & Credits
several gases
free allocation
domestic
On 19 June 2014, Chongqing was the latest Chinese region to
start its pilot ETS. The system covers enterprises from seven sectors:
power, electrolytic aluminum, ferroalloys, calcium carbide,
cement, caustic soda, and iron and steel. The 242 covered enterprises
account for around 40% of the city’s total emissions.
background information
Overall Ghg Emissions (excl. LULUCF) 243.1 MtCO 2 e (2012)
GHG Reduction Targets By 2015: (12 th Five Year Plan): 17% reduction in carbon
intensity compared to 2010 levels.
Flexibility
Banking and borrowing Banking allowed during the pilot phase.
Borrowing is not allowed.
Offsets and Credits Quantitative Limit: Domestic project-based carbon offset
credits — China Certified Emission Reductions (CCERs)— are allowed with
a maximum amount of 8% of the compliance obligation. Qualitative Limit:
Reductions have to be achieved after 2010 with the exception of carbon sink
projects. Credits from hydro projects are not allowed.
PRICE MANAGEMENT PROVISIONS In case of market fluctuations, the
Chongqing Carbon Emissions Exchange can take price stabilization measures.
Compliance entities must not sell more than 50% of their free allocation.
ets size
compliance
Cap 106 MtCO 2e (2014)
emissions coverage
covered
not covered
40%
60 %
GHG Covered CO 2, CH 4, N 2 O, HFCs, PFCs, SF 6
Sectors & THRESHOLDS Power, electrolytic aluminum, ferroalloys, calcium
carbide, cement, caustic soda, and iron and steel. Inclusion thresholds:
20,000t CO 2e/year.
Point of regulation Mixed: Both direct emissions from the power sector
and indirect emissions from electricity (and heat) consumption are included in
the scheme. Electricity prices are regulated in China, and therefore a scheme
based on direct emissions alone would not induce a pass-through of carbon
costs via the electricity price, and would not incentivize demand-side management
of electricity. The system therefore covers emissions from the power sector
upstream and other sectors downstream.
Number of liable entities 237 (2014)
MRV Reporting Frequency: Annual reporting of GHG emissions. verification:
Third-party verification is required. Framework: The Chongqing Development
and Reform Commission (DRC) released a guiding document for monitoring
and reporting that includes methods for different emissions sources: combustion,
industrial processes and electricity consumption.
Enforcement According to the Interim Administrative Measures for the
Chongqing ETS published on May 2014, there are no financial penalties for
non-compliance. The punishments may include media reporting and public
exposure of the noncompliance, disqualification from the energy saving and
climate subsidies, as well as associated awards for three years; records on the
State Owned Enterprise (SOE) performance assessment system.
other information
Institutions involved Chongqing DRC (Competent authority), Chongqing
Carbon Emissions Exchange (Trading platform)
Phases and Allocation
Trading periods Three years (2013–2015) 1
allocation Free allocation through grandfathering based on historic emissions
(highest number in period 2008–2012). If the sum of allocation for all
enterprises exceeds the cap, a reduction factor is applied. Ex-post adjustments
based on production data are also possible.
COMPLIANCE PERIOD Due to the late start, compliance for 2013 and 2014 were
combined in one phase. A one year compliance period was put in place for
2015 (20 June).
1 Initially, the seven Chinese pilot ETS were scheduled to end after three compliance years and be
replaced by the national ETS in 2016. However, as the national ETS will not start before 2017, the pilots
will likely be extended until then.
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