Study tour on emissions trading for experts from Taiwan

In June 2015, Taiwan adopted its Climate Change Act, aiming at a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 50% until 2050 compared to 2005. The responsible Environmental Protection Agency (TEPA) also published National Climate Change Action Guidelines to achieve this emission reduction target. Among the suggested measures, the introduction of a national Emissions Trading System (ETS) is mentioned (Principle 3). A mandatory system for the measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) of emissions for energy-intensive companies was already set up, providing an important basis for the possible introduction of an ETS.

With the objective to support Taiwan with conceptual questions regarding the establishment of a national ETS, adelphi conducted a five-day study tour for 13 Taiwanese delegates to Berlin. Besides TEPA, the participants represented Taiwanese research institutions, think tanks and consulting agencies dealing with emissions trading. During the study tour, participants were introduced to the concept of ETS and the practices needed for successfully implementing an effective ETS. The programme offered a comprehensive overview of emissions trading theory and practice in Germany and Europe with a special focus on the governance structures and working processes of competent authorities that are necessary for operating an ETS. Besides organisational tasks and supporting the Taiwanese delegation, adelphi was responsible for developing training materials, facilitating interactive dialogue formats and giving expert presentations.

The study tour was implemented in the frame of the programme “Emissions Trading System: Capacity Building" of the German Ministry for the Environment (BMUB), in cooperation with the German Emissions Trading Authority (DEHSt), Future Camp Climate GmbH and Öko-Institut. The programme aims to share knowledge and experience to help interested countries establish an emissions trading system.