Germany Invalidates Surplus Carbon Allowances from Phased-Out Coal Power Plants to Prevent Pollution Transfer
The German government has notified the European Commission of its decision to invalidate EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) allowances saved in 2024 due to the closure of 14 coal-fired power plants. This measure ensures that the phase-out of coal power genuinely leads to emission reductions, rather than merely being an 'accounting game' where other entities might use the surplus allowances.
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- 📰 Published: May 4, 2026 at 13:28
- 🔍 Collected: May 4, 2026 at 14:01 (33 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 4, 2026 at 14:08 (6 min after Collected)
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2026/05/04 12:28:08
(Central News Agency, Berlin, 3rd, comprehensive foreign report) The German government has notified the European Commission that it will invalidate the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) carbon emission allowances saved in 2024 due to the closure of 14 coal-fired power plants. This ensures that the closure of coal power plants leads to genuine emission reductions, rather than just an 'accounting game' of pollution transfer.
The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is Europe's main tool for curbing greenhouse gas emissions. Under this system, manufacturers, power companies, and airlines must obtain or purchase corresponding emission allowances for each ton of carbon emitted.
Carbon industry news website Carbon Herald reported that the European Commission received Germany's preliminary notification last November. Although the relevant procedures were completed in just over a month, the information was not publicly released until late April.
Article 10, Paragraph 5 of Germany's "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Act" stipulates that the government is obligated to invalidate emission allowances related to retired power plants. This is to ensure that the closure of coal-fired power generation facilities leads to actual emission reductions, rather than allowing other market participants to continue emitting. If these allowances are not invalidated, the surplus allowances would be used by other companies.
Germany also invalidated relevant allowances after closing power plants in 2022 and 2023, demonstrating Berlin's commitment to ensuring that decarbonization during the 'farewell to coal' process is 'for real' and not just a numbers game.
Germany needs to notify the European Commission of the exact quantity of allowances to be invalidated by May 31. (Compiler: Chen Yi-wei) 1150504
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Facing the challenges of global warming and extreme weather, Taiwan, as a member of the global community, has an undeniable responsibility. As it approaches its centennial, the Central News Agency, upholding professionalism, has established a net-zero carbon emissions website. It combines international reports with domestic reports to provide first-hand, real-time net-zero trends, regulations, and technological updates, guiding readers to synchronize with the international community and move towards a low-carbon future.
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Sustainable Taiwan
International Trends
Carbon Inventory
Net Zero Milestones
Net Zero Encyclopedia
2026/05/04 12:28:08
(Central News Agency, Berlin, 3rd, comprehensive foreign report) The German government has notified the European Commission that it will invalidate the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) carbon emission allowances saved in 2024 due to the closure of 14 coal-fired power plants. This ensures that the closure of coal power plants leads to genuine emission reductions, rather than just an 'accounting game' of pollution transfer.
The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is Europe's main tool for curbing greenhouse gas emissions. Under this system, manufacturers, power companies, and airlines must obtain or purchase corresponding emission allowances for each ton of carbon emitted.
Carbon industry news website Carbon Herald reported that the European Commission received Germany's preliminary notification last November. Although the relevant procedures were completed in just over a month, the information was not publicly released until late April.
Article 10, Paragraph 5 of Germany's "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Act" stipulates that the government is obligated to invalidate emission allowances related to retired power plants. This is to ensure that the closure of coal-fired power generation facilities leads to actual emission reductions, rather than allowing other market participants to continue emitting. If these allowances are not invalidated, the surplus allowances would be used by other companies.
Germany also invalidated relevant allowances after closing power plants in 2022 and 2023, demonstrating Berlin's commitment to ensuring that decarbonization during the 'farewell to coal' process is 'for real' and not just a numbers game.
Germany needs to notify the European Commission of the exact quantity of allowances to be invalidated by May 31. (Compiler: Chen Yi-wei) 1150504
Related News
Germany Invalidates Surplus Carbon Allowances from Phased-Out Coal Power Plants to Prevent Pollution Transfer
2026/05/04 12:28
Carbon Tax Postponed, Carbon Rights First: Malaysia Announces National Carbon Market Policy
2026/04/23 15:15
Middle East War Triggers Energy Crisis: EU Considers Loosening Carbon Pricing Mechanism
2026/04/03 13:19
Hotline: 0800-256-688 | Email: services@mail.cna.com.tw
copyright © 2026 Central News Agency All rights reserved
Facing the challenges of global warming and extreme weather, Taiwan, as a member of the global community, has an undeniable responsibility. As it approaches its centennial, the Central News Agency, upholding professionalism, has established a net-zero carbon emissions website. It combines international reports with domestic reports to provide first-hand, real-time net-zero trends, regulations, and technological updates, guiding readers to synchronize with the international community and move towards a low-carbon future.
Logo design concept: Combines the Central News Agency's corporate identity (CNA) and two infinity symbols (∞), symbolizing a commitment to environmental sustainability and continuous effort.
This website uses related technologies to provide a better reading experience, while respecting user privacy. Click here to learn about the Central News Agency's privacy statement. By closing this window, you agree to the above terms.