Carbon EX Releases May 2026 Issue of 'Carbon EX Insights', Featuring GX-ETS Launch and Renewable Energy Procurement Strategy

Carbon EX Co., Ltd. has released the May 2026 issue of 'Carbon EX Insights', a monthly information service regarding carbon credits and certificates.

This issue explains the practical responses required by companies subject to the 'GX-ETS' emissions trading system, which officially launched in fiscal year 2026. It also reports on trends in J-Credit market prices and volume, the impact of the GHG Protocol Scope 2 revision on the use of non-fossil and renewable energy certificates, and changes in quality evaluation within the voluntary credit market.

In addition, the webinar material organizes options for renewable energy procurement in light of institutional changes and rising certificate prices, themed: 'Time-Axis Strategy for Renewable Energy Procurement: Thorough Comparison of FIT, FIP, non-FIT, and PPA'.

Overview of the May 2026 Monthly Report (Excerpt):

- Latest Domestic Market Trends
Covers the special schedules and practical responses for the GX-ETS, which fully launched in FY2026. Target companies must complete assessment, notification, and submission of transition plans by September 30, 2026.

- J-Credit Market and Price Trends
Following the announcement of the GX-ETS reference price cap of 4,300 JPY/t-CO2 and the adjustment benchmark price of 1,700 JPY/t-CO2, the J-Credit market has seen changes in price and volume. Trading volume in the JPX market for April 2026 was 1,125t, a significant month-on-month decrease.

- Non-Fossil Certificate Market and Price Trends
Addresses the latest developments in the GHG Protocol Scope 2 revision. Key points such as hourly matching, supply availability, and reviews of the 'Standard Supply Service' may impact usage rules for non-fossil and renewable energy certificates.

- Voluntary Credit Market and Price Trends
Against the backdrop of the full-scale operation of CORSIA and quality labels like 'CCP' led by ICVCM, the importance of quality evaluation is increasing. In the April 2026 market, a polarization was seen, with a decline in spot prices alongside the expansion of premium prices based on quality standards.

- Overseas Certificate Market and Price Trends
In the overseas Renewable Energy Certificate (EAC) market, the transition to Vintage 2026 and the clearing of 2023/2024 vintage inventory are progressing simultaneously. Supply constraints for hydroelectric power in Europe and moves toward new systems in Australia are factors in regional price volatility.

Overview of the May 2026 Webinar Materials (Excerpt):

- World of Carbon Neutrality and Japanese Trends 2026
With the full-scale launch of GX-ETS, strengthened sustainability information disclosure, and increased power demand due to AI proliferation, corporate decarbonization is shifting from 'awareness' to 'implementation'. It explains the importance of holistically addressing institutional compliance, technical implementation, and energy security.

- Time-Axis Strategy for Renewable Energy Procurement: Comparison of FIT, FIP, non-FIT, and PPA
Compares features of FIT, FIP, non-FIT, and PPA, organizing points for consideration in procurement strategies. It highlights the need to rethink conventional certificate procurement strategies in anticipation of expected price revisions for non-fossil certificates between 2027 and 2028 and GHG Protocol Scope 2 revisions. Companies are required to develop highly transparent procurement strategies that meet disclosure demands.

- Key to Maximizing Solar Credit Revenue: 'Program-Type' Overview and Case Studies
Introduces the potential to link self-consumption from solar power not only to electricity cost reduction but also to J-Credit creation. It explains how using 'program-type' aggregation of small-scale distributed power sources can achieve both environmental value creation and profitability.