Research Article

The Road to a Downstream Emissions Trading System: Designing a Scheme Combining Motorist and Government Participation

Table 1

The proposed Scheme features compared with the EU ETS.

ā€‰ā€‰EU ETSProposed ETS

GeneralSectorsEnergy, Industrial processes, Agriculture, Waste, AviationRoad Transport
(Motor Vehicles)
Carbon PriceFluctuatesHybrid
ParticipationMandatoryVoluntary

SizePoint of regulationDownstream (polluter)Downstream (polluter)
Trade participantsEmitters (industries)Local governments (proxy)
Cap participantsEmitter (Motorists)
GHGs coveredCO2, N2O, PFCsCO2 content of fuels

AllocationMethodGrandfathering, then Benchmarking & AuctionBenchmarking (pegged on baseline consumption)
Allowance valueFree/auctioningFree
Price protectionMarket Stability ReserveGovernment controlled

FlexibilityOffsets & CreditsCDM/JIOffset Project Fund

ComplianceAccountingMRVChip card system
EnforcementPenalty to emitterPenalty to retail fuel stations

OthersLeakage riskHighLow
Sector linkageYesNot recommended