Attention households: CO2 price explosion from 2028 – Find out now!

Attention households: CO2 price explosion from 2028 – Find out now!

The discussion about the CO2 price in the EU is becoming increasingly urgent. After all, the European Union is planning a fundamental expansion of emissions trading, which will also include private households from 2028. With this measure, the loud t-online.de Underlines the relevance of the Emissions Trading System (ETS), the EU is taking a further step towards its ambitious climate goals.

The EU has been relying on emissions trading to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for over 20 years. The ETS, which was introduced in 2005, is considered a successful model of European cooperation. Over the last two decades, Member States have managed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50%. But this progress should not stop - the aim is to achieve comprehensive greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050.

A new phase in emissions trading

So far, the ETS has been mainly limited to industry and certain economic sectors. But concerns raised in many EU countries about rising energy prices led to the introduction of the carbon price for households being postponed from 2027 to 2028. This shows that the EU is responding to the economic realities of the member states.

The measure stipulates that private households and companies must pay for their CO2 emissions on a certificate-based basis. The key to this are the CO2 certificates, which are required to emit one ton of CO2. These can be acquired through auctions or free allocations from the EU, while the available allowances are constantly reduced over time.

It is also interesting that certain industries still receive free certificates to a certain extent. However, this regulation should be phased out gradually. Companies that produce less CO2 have the opportunity to sell their excess certificates. This mechanism creates incentives to operate with lower emissions and represents an important element within the new system.

Price development and outlook

Pricing remains a central feature of the system. The price of the allowances will increase if the quantity of available allowances decreases and demand remains the same. It is therefore clear that the emissions trading system is not only an important instrument for reducing emissions, but will also have a direct impact on household energy costs.

The EU's plans will be followed with excitement as they will not only influence the national policies of the member states, but also have a direct impact on the daily lives of citizens. Given the high targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions for the benefit of the climate, it is clear that many challenges still lie ahead. It remains to be seen whether the desired path will lead to success.