Application areas
Emissions trading (EU ETS I)
Under the European emissions trading system (EU ETS I), operators of covered installations must monitor their greenhouse gas emissions, report annually and surrender emission allowances (EUAs). For many companies, EU ETS I is both a regulatory obligation and a significant cost factor.
FuelCert supports companies across the entire ETS I process – from monitoring plans and emissions reports through verification and Union Registry account management to EUA procurement and timely surrender to DEHSt. In addition, topics such as sustainable fuels, free allocation and CBAM may be relevant and can also be supported by us.
Why EU ETS I is economically relevant
Under EU ETS I, companies must surrender emission allowances for the emissions reported from their installations. Higher reported emissions generally mean greater EUA demand – and therefore higher costs in emissions trading.
Compliance alone is not the only factor; correct regulatory classification and reporting matter too. Sustainable fuels or deductible shares can – under the applicable conditions – be taken into account with an emission-reducing effect, thereby reducing the volume of EUAs to be surrendered and ETS costs.
FuelCert supports across the entire ETS I process
Companies in EU ETS I face a continuous regulatory process. FuelCert provides structured, substantive support:
- Monitoring plan – preparation, revision and updates
- Data collection and internal processes
- Emissions report – preparation and structuring
- Verification and support through the accredited verifier
- Union Registry account management
- Procurement and surrender of emission allowances (EUAs)
- substantive clarifications with DEHSt
- Proof management and recognition of deductibility of sustainable fuels and their shares
- Processing of free allocation
- Support with reporting around CBAM as an adjacent topic
Sustainable fuels and deductible shares in EU ETS I
The use of sustainable fuels can, under the applicable conditions, be a particularly relevant economic lever. Where sustainable biomass, biomethane or other deductible shares are properly evidenced and correctly reflected in the monitoring plan and emissions report, reported emissions may decrease – and with them EUA demand.
This requires in particular a suitable monitoring plan, robust sustainability and quantity evidence, sound data and process logic, correct treatment in the emissions report and, where necessary, coordination with the verifier and DEHSt.
Free allocation in EU ETS I
Free allocation is a major economic issue for many installations in EU ETS I. It can significantly affect the actual ETS cost burden.
Relevant factors include the classification of the installation, allocation rules, robust data foundations and regulatorily sound preparation. FuelCert helps companies understand the significance of free allocation and supports the relevant processes in a structured, expert manner.
CBAM as an adjacent topic
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is an adjacent CO₂ regime. It is not identical to EU ETS I, but is closely linked from a regulatory perspective.
For affected companies, it can be important to assess EU ETS I, free allocation and CBAM in context – especially where emissions reporting, allocation logic and cross-border goods flows intersect.
How EU ETS I works in practice
EU ETS I links fuel use, monitoring plan, evidence, emissions report and EUA surrender into one continuous process – with economic relevance through correct regulatory implementation at every step.
The process at a glance
From fuel use in the installation through the approved monitoring plan and evidence management to the verified emissions report and EUA surrender in the Union Registry – each step must be regulatorily sound.
Economic lever of sustainable fuels
Sustainable fuels or deductible shares can – where the conditions are met – be taken into account with an emission-reducing effect. This can reduce reported emissions and EUA demand.
Key deadlines
The monitoring plan must be submitted to or updated with DEHSt before operations begin and in the event of material changes.
The emissions report must be submitted by 31 March of the following year; EUA surrender is due by 30 September of the following year.
DEHSt information page on EU ETS IOfficial information from the German Emissions Trading Authority on stationary installations in EU ETS I.