Panel discussion
Forum, Ground Floor, HotSpot
19 May 2006, 11.00 a.m.

Trade in greenhouse gas emission certificates was introduced in Germany and Europe on 1 January 2005 as part of the European commitment to meet its obligations under the Kyoto protocol. Chemical manufacturing and metal production are two of the most energy intensive industries. The cost of energy accounts for a significant percentage of total production costs (in some cases up to 50%), and as a result certificate trade has a substantial direct and indirect effect on the chemical industry. The industry is directly affected, because it operates 108 power generation stations and takes part directly in emission trading. It is indirectly affected, because it uses large amounts of electricity and is affected by the de facto higher electricity prices which result from certificate trading.

A panel discussion at ACHEMA entitled “Zertifikatehandel – Erfahrungen und Perspektiven aus Sicht der Chemischen Industrie” will reflect on the chemical industry’s experience to date with emission trading and the effects which trading has had. The assessment will be made from several vantage points, and the discussion will include the allocation plan for the second trading period, which is expected to be released in the near future.