Klimaschutz: 15 Verbände stemmen sich gegen Brüssels Klima-Pläne und fordern Unterstützung von der Regierung
Weite Teile der Industrie warnen vor dem Plan der EU-Kommission, die kostenlose Zuteilung von Emissionszertifikaten mit Investitionspflichten zu verknüpfen. Nun soll die Bundesregierung helfen.
Fifteen industry associations are opposing Brussels' climate plans and demanding support from the government, according to a letter obtained by the Handelsblatt. The European Commission plans to make the free allocation of emissions certificates dependent on companies submitting binding transformation plans and investing in decarbonisation of their processes.
However, companies argue that this will further weaken their competitiveness. The associations claim that the free allocation of certificates is not additional financial resources, but a protective measure against carbon leakage, which refers to the relocation of companies due to high CO2 costs. The free allocation does not provide extra financial means to companies, but only a partial relief from the costs caused by emissions trading, the letter states.
The EU Commission presented its plans for revising the emissions trading system in mid-July, responding to pressure from some member states and industry to loosen the rules. The core function of the free allocation is at risk, as the emission trading system is the EU's main tool for reducing climate-damaging CO2 emissions. Companies participating in the trading must submit a certificate for each tonne of CO2 emitted.
The certificates are becoming scarcer over time, with each certificate currently costing around 80 euros. The associations argue that additional investment requirements overlook the genuine function of the free allocation and significantly weaken its effectiveness. They also claim that the EU Commission makes incorrect assumptions.
Investment incentives could only be effective if the necessary conditions for transformation are in place, which is not the case in many areas. The associations point to missing infrastructure, such as hydrogen pipelines, and lack of access to low-carbon energy at competitive prices. The signatories include the Chemical Industry Association (VCI), the German Association of the Iron and Steel Industries, the Glass Association, the Copper Association, and the German Industry and Commerce Chamber (DIHK).
The initiative comes from the Association of Industrial Energy and Power Engineering (VIK), which brings together large energy consumers in industry.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
