The UK Emissions Trading Scheme Authority has unveiled a package of consultations proposing the expansion of the country’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The ETS currently applies to the aviation, power and industry sectors, but the consultations suggest it should be extended to include the energy-from-waste and waste incineration sectors. In addition, the authority is consulting on how engineered greenhouse gas (GHG) removals, such as carbon capture, could be integrated into the system and whether high-quality nature-based removals could be suitable for the scheme. “These consultations deliver on our commitments to provide further clarity on the expansion of the UK ETS,” said a joint statement penned by UK ETS Authority ministers. “The consultation covering waste emissions will help bring certainty to drive investment in decarbonisation, as well as help businesses make the necessary preparations for the expansion of the scheme. For GHG removals, this is an important step towards building a thriving market in the UK.” The consultation on waste is open to feedback until 18 July, while the one on engineered GHG removals will close on 15 August. These will be followed by two papers considering the expansion of the UK ETS into the domestic maritime sector from 2026, and how the scheme would recognise non-pipeline methods for moving capture carbon into storage by road, rail or shipping.
