This document discusses revenue from emissions trading systems and how it is used. It provides information on allocation design options for allowances and the advantages and disadvantages of auctioning. Auctioning raises revenue for governments but does not protect high-emitting industries from carbon leakage. The document then examines how revenues from ETS auctions have been used in the EU, RGGI, California, and other programs, often to fund climate and clean energy programs. Sources of additional information on carbon pricing and ETS programs from the International Carbon Action Partnership are also listed.
ETS Revenues: How Governments Use Auction Proceeds
1. International Carbon Action Partnership 1
Emissions Trading System Revenues
Stefano De Clara
Head of Secretariat, ICAP
14 December 2021
2. International Carbon Action Partnership 2
An international forum of 39 national & subnational governments to exchange
knowledge and experiences on emissions trading systems (ETS)
International Carbon Action Partnership 2
About the International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP)
• Share best practice & learn from each others’ experiences
• Facilitate linking of carbon markets
• Explore the role of carbon pricing in climate policy
3. International Carbon Action Partnership 3
International Carbon Action Partnership 3
Allocation design options
ETS creates
valuable allowances
– climate rent …
but who gains that
value?
Auctioning Grandfathering / Benchmarking
Public rent Private rent
4. International Carbon Action Partnership 4
• Manage the transition to an ETS – some permits have been allocated freely as a
means of compensation
• Carbon leakage concerns – free allocation can be used to protect industries exposed
to external competition
• Raising revenue – auctioning can generate significant public revenues
• Preserving incentives – the allocation method can have implications for incentives
to reduce emissions.
International Carbon Action Partnership 4
Allocation: Policy objectives
5. International Carbon Action Partnership 5
Advantages Disadvantages
Raises revenue Does not provide protection from carbon
leakage
More simple and fair – less political
influence
Does not provide compensation for
stranded assets
Reduces risk of distortions
Facilitates price discovery and market
liquidity
Rewards early action
International Carbon Action Partnership 5
Allocation: Auctioning
6. International Carbon Action Partnership 6
International Carbon Action Partnership 6
ETS is expanding as an effective and economically sensible
component of climate mitigation policy
24
8
14
7. International Carbon Action Partnership 7
International Carbon Action Partnership 7
Different shapes of ETS
EU ETS SWISS ETS KOREA ETS
QUÉBEC CALIFORNIA RGGI
9. International Carbon Action Partnership 9
International Carbon Action Partnership 9
Auctioning Revenues
total
billion since 2009
$103
Massachusetts
$27 million
Since 2018
Chinese Pilots
$215 million
Since 2013
Nova Scotia
$21 million
Since 2020
10. International Carbon Action Partnership 10
➢ Earmarking: Outside of the fiscal budget
• Dedicated funds make a clear link between revenue and spending
• Easy to communicate spending - foster public support
• Avoids the ‘extra tax’ debate
• Can be considered additional international climate finance – ‘innovative source’
➢ Tax reform: Incorporated into fiscal budget
• Potential for government to have greater control of revenues
• Potential for efficiency gains through tax reform – double dividend
International Carbon Action Partnership 10
Using auction revenue
11. International Carbon Action Partnership 11
International Carbon Action Partnership 11
Using auction revenue
Spending depends on the policy objectives of the jurisdiction
Can build political support among the public and other constituencies
RGGI,
California,
Québec
EU, RGGI,
California,
Québec
Small %
RGGI,
California
12. International Carbon Action Partnership 12
➢ Focus on climate funding
– Member States decide how to use their
auction revenue
– Min. 50% should go towards climate action
– World’s largest programs for low-carbon
innovation: the NER 300 (in 2021 it was
replaced by the Innovation and
Modernization Funds, which finance low-
carbon technology innovation,
modernization of energy systems and energy
efficiency in 10 lower-income MSs)
International Carbon Action Partnership 12
EU auctioning revenues
13. International Carbon Action Partnership 13
▪ RGGI considered a “Cap and invest”
program – emphasis on investment
▪ RGGI states decide how they invest
RGGI revenues
▪ Approx. 80% of proceeds have so far
been invested in consumer benefit
programs
International Carbon Action Partnership 13
RGGI auctioning revenues
14. International Carbon Action Partnership 14
➢ Most of California’s revenue goes to the
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF)
– At least 35% must benefit low-income
households or communities
– Projects that reduce GHG emissions
– Investments through the GGRF are
generated through state-owned allowances
and referred to as California Climate
Investments.
– Additional revenue from allowances
allocated to utilities but auctioned on their
behalf must benefit their ratepayers or
reduce emissions.
International Carbon Action Partnership 14
California auctioning revenues (I)
15. International Carbon Action Partnership 15
➢ ETS Briefs: Allocation, Revenues
– https://icapcarbonaction.com/es/?option=com_attach&task=download&id=646
– https://icapcarbonaction.com/en/?option=com_attach&task=download&id=780
– https://icapcarbonaction.com/en/?option=com_attach&task=download&id=781
➢ ICAP Status Report 2021
– https://icapcarbonaction.com/en/?option=com_attach&task=download&id=724
International Carbon Action Partnership 15
Sources
16. International Carbon Action Partnership 16
ICAP ETS Resources
ICAP Interactive Map
ETS state of play worldwide
(3-monthly updates)
Infographics
Visualization of key ETS trends
ETS briefs
Introduction of the basics of
cap-and-trade
News
Objective coverage on all regulatory ETS
developments as they occur
Allowance Price Explorer
Historical and current carbon prices
worldwide
Publications
Key reference material on ETS
17. International Carbon Action Partnership 17
Thank you for your attention!
Stefano.declara@icapcarbonaction.com
https://icapcarbonaction.com/
International Carbon Action Partnership
@ICAPSecretariat