The price of emissions allowances (EUA) traded on the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) exceed 100 euros per metric ton of CO₂ for the first time n February 2023. Athough average annual EUA prices have increased significantly since the 2018 reform of the EU-ETS, they fell 19 percent year-on-year in 2023 to 65 euros. What is the EU-ETS? The EU-ETS became the world’s first carbon market in 2005. The scheme was introduced as a way of limiting GHG emissions from polluting installations by putting a price on carbon, thus incentivizing entities to reduce their emissions. A fixed number of emissions allowances are put on the market each year, which can be traded between companies. The number of available allowances is reduced each year. The EU-ETS is now in its fourth phase (2021 to 2030). Volatility of carbon prices EU carbon prices are volatile and change daily. Prices are determined by the supply and demand of allowances. In March 2022, the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war caused EUA prices to crash to less than 60 euros/tCO₂ due to the expected ban on Russian energy imports in Europe.

EU Carbon Permits decreased 2.17 EUR or 2.97% since the beginning of 2025, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for EU Carbon Permits.

As of April 2024, the European Union Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS) carbon price was above 60 U.S. dollars per metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (USD/tCO₂e). The EU ETS launched in 2005 as a cost-effective way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and was the world's first major international carbon market. The UK was formerly part of the EU ETS, but replaced this with its own system after withdrawing from the EU. As of April 2024, the price of carbon on the UK ETS was 45 USD/tCO₂e.

European Union Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) carbon allowances are estimated to average 65 euros per metric ton of carbon dioxide (tCO₂e) in 2024. This figure is forecast to more than double by the end of the decade to almost 150 euros/tCO₂e, before reaching nearly 200 euros/tCO₂e by 2035. EU-ETS carbon prices surpassed the 100 euros per metric ton threshold for the first time in February 2023.

The cost of UK ETS carbon permits (UKAs) was around 100 GBP in February 2023, but prices have fallen considerably since then. Prices on January 16, 2025 were just 32.57 GBP, down 11 percent from the same date the previous year. Formerly part of the EU ETS, the UK launched its own cap-and-trade system in 2021 following Brexit. Why has the UK’s carbon price fallen? Several factors have contributed to falling UK carbon prices, including mild winter weather and reduced power demand, as well as a surplus of carbon allowances on the market. While prices have recovered marginally from the record lows, they remain markedly below carbon prices on the EU ETS. The low cost of UK carbon permits has raised concerns that it could deter investment in renewable energy. Future of UK ETS The UK ETS covers emissions from domestic aviation and the industry and power sectors, amounting to some 30 percent of the country’s annual GHG emissions. There are plans to expand the system over the coming years to cover CO₂ venting by the upstream oil and gas sector, domestic maritime emissions, and energy from waste and waste incineration. The UK is also looking to introduce a carbon border adjustment mechanism, which would place a carbon price on certain emissions-intensive industrial goods imported to the UK.

Prices for EU Carbon Permits including live quotes, historical charts and news. EU Carbon Permits was last updated by Trading Economics this March 27 of 2025.

Carbon prices across multiple emissions trading systems worldwide are expected to increase during the period of 2026 to 2030, compared to 2022 to 2026. The average EU ETS carbon price is expected to be 84.4 euros per metric ton of CO₂ during the period 2022 to 2025, but is projected to rise to almost 100 euros per metric ton of CO₂ during the period of 2026 to 2030, according to a survey of International Emissions Trading Association members. EU ETS carbon pricing broke the 90 euros per metric ton of CO₂ barrier in February 2022, and in February 2023 it surpassed 100 euros per metric ton of CO₂.

China launched its national emissions trading system (ETS) in 2021, becoming the world's largest carbon market by emissions coverage. As of April 2024, carbon prices of China's national ETS hovered around 12.5 USD/tCO₂e. The China national ETS builds on the seven pilot projects that have been implemented in seven cities and provinces across the country. These pilot ETS will continue to operate alongside the national ETS, covering emissions not yet included in the national system.

Professionals and stakeholders across various industry sectors expect the average carbon price in China's national emissions trading system (ETS) to rise to 139 yuan per metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2030, compared with roughly 50 yuan per metric ton in 2022.

The size of the Compliance Carbon Credit Market was valued at USD 0.82 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2.16 Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 14.81% during the forecast period. The compliance carbon credit market is essential in the global initiative to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, offering a structured approach for companies and nations to fulfill their regulatory requirements under climate policies. This market functions within cap-and-trade frameworks or carbon pricing systems established by governmental bodies and international accords, including the Paris Agreement. Entities that are subject to emission restrictions must either curtail their emissions or acquire carbon credits to offset any excess emissions. These credits signify verified reductions in greenhouse gases achieved through various projects, such as renewable energy developments, reforestation efforts, or methane capture technologies. The compliance carbon credit market has experienced substantial growth as an increasing number of regions adopt obligatory carbon pricing. Notable examples include the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and California’s Cap-and-Trade Program, where industries are mandated to purchase credits to adhere to emission limits. This market creates a financial incentive for businesses to invest in cleaner technologies and practices, thereby encouraging innovation and contributing to a reduction in overall emissions. Nevertheless, the market encounters challenges, including the need for credible verification of carbon credits, the prevention of market manipulation, and the management of price fluctuations in carbon credits. Despite these challenges, the compliance carbon credit market continues to be a vital tool for achieving global climate objectives and advancing sustainable development. Recent developments include: April 2024: Regional efforts in the Western United States and Canada are gaining momentum as the urgency of combating climate change increases. Plans to link their carbon markets are being drawn up in California, Quebec, and Washington, which could significantly affect trading dynamics. The three authorities intend to work together to create a more extensive carbon credit market as soon as their proposed alliance takes effect., January 2024: The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) issued proposed guidance on the listing of voluntary carbon credit (VCC) derivatives contracts on designated contract markets for the public to comment on the proposal.. Key drivers for this market are: Regulatory Mandates and Policies, Growing Corporate Sustainability Initiatives. Potential restraints include: Market Complexity and Uncertainty. Notable trends are: Charting the Course of Carbon Pricing: UK-ETS Post-Brexit.

The price of one carbon allowance under the United Kingdom Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) was 45.06 U.S. dollars per metric ton on April 1, 2024, This was roughly half of what one allowance cost a year earlier. The UK ETS launched in 2021 after the country's withdrawal from the European Union, and covers emissions from energy-intensive industries, the power generation sector, and aviation.

This paper studies the heterogeneous effects of exchange rate and stock market on carbon emission allowance price in four emissions trading scheme pilots in China. We employ a panel quantile regression model, which can describe both individual and distributional heterogeneity. The empirical results illustrate that the effects of explanatory variables on carbon emission allowance price is heterogeneous along the whole quantiles. Specifically, exchange rate has a negative effect on carbon emission allowance price at lower quantiles, while becomes a positive effect at higher quantiles. In addition, a negative effect exists between domestic stock market and carbon emission allowance price, and the intensity decreasing along with the increase of quantile. By contrast, an increasing positive effect is discovered between European stock market and domestic carbon emission allowance prices. Finally, heterogeneous effects on carbon emission allowance price can also be proved in European Union Emission Trading Scheme (EU-ETS).

These are inputs into the BEIS Carbon Price Models, which are used for analysis, including for estimating impacts on the carbon price of policy changes, and for producing BEIS's updated short-term traded carbon values for modelling purposes and for public policy appraisal. Updated short-term traded carbon values for modelling purposes have been used in the latest update to BEIS’s Energy and Emissions projections (EEP) and will be used in other models of electricity generation and investment across government. BEIS’s short-term traded carbon values for UK public policy appraisal are used for valuing the impact of government policies on emissions in the traded sector, that is those sectors covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). These data are not released: they are commercial in nature because they have been produced for the Department by external contractors under commercial contract.

Uruguay had the highest carbon tax rate worldwide as of April 2024, at 167 U.S. dollars per metric ton of CO₂ equivalent (USD/tCO₂e). Despite being the most expensive across the globe, Uruguay’s carbon tax covered only about five percent of the greenhouse gas emissions in the country. Finland – the world's first country to implement a carbon tax – had a rate of almost 100 USD/tCO₂e. How do carbon taxes work? Carbon taxes are a type of environmental tax, typically levied on fossil fuels and certain high-polluting industrial processes. Governments set a price per unit of carbon emitted, which can vary depending on the jurisdiction and may be set by legislation or through a market-based mechanism. The revenue generated from carbon taxes can be used in various ways, such as investing it in renewable energy projects or climate adaptation initiatives. Altogether, carbon taxes aim to ensure that big polluters bear the costs of their environmental impact while providing an economic incentive to reduce their carbon footprint. Emissions trading systems (ETS) ETS are one of the main carbon pricing instruments worldwide. They work on a cap-and-trade principle, which limits the emissions a participant can produce each year through allowances. These can be allocated through various methods, such as auctions, free allocation based on historical emissions, or a combination of both. In addition to that, entities are also allowed to buy and sell allowances among themselves in a regulated market.

This upload contains the modeling results (CO2 price trajectories, MSR figures, capacities, electricity dispatch) presented in the article:

Sitarz, J., Pahle, M., Osorio, S., Luderer, G., Pietzcker R. : "EU carbon prices signal high policy credibility and farsighted actors" (Under Review).

You may use the files to reproduce all figures of the article.

Content of this upload:

• Fig_3.csv - CO2 price trajectories displayed in Figure 3
• Fig_4_6_ExtData4.csv - CO2 price trajectories displayed in Figures 4, 6 and Extended Data Figure 4
• Fig_7.csv - Electricity dispatch and capacities displayed in Figure 7
• Fig_ExtData1.csv - MSR Figures displayed in Extended Data Figure 1
• Fig_ExtData2.csv - EUAs bought or sold by investors displayed in Extended Data Figure 2
• Fig_Methodology.csv - Electricity dispatch and capacities displayed in Methodology Figures

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Carbon Credit Market Size 2025-2029

The carbon credit market size is forecast to increase by USD 1,966.3 billion at a CAGR of 32.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to rising emissions in the Earth's atmosphere, which necessitates the need for businesses and individuals to offset their carbon footprint. Booming investment and partnership deals in this market are driving its expansion, with various organizations recognizing the importance of reducing their carbon emissions and contributing to environmental sustainability. However, the fluctuating prices of carbon credits pose a challenge for market participants, as they can impact the profitability of carbon offsetting projects.
To stay competitive, market players must closely monitor carbon credit prices and adapt their strategies accordingly. In summary, the market is witnessing increasing demand due to growing environmental concerns and regulatory requirements, but its growth is influenced by the volatility of carbon credit prices.

What will the Carbon Credit Market Size during the forecast period?

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The market has gained significant traction in recent years as businesses and individuals seek to offset their carbon emissions and contribute to the global decarbonization effort. This market facilitates the buying and selling of carbon credits, which represent the right to emit a specific amount of greenhouse gases. The voluntary carbon market plays a crucial role in this context, enabling organizations to offset their carbon footprint beyond regulatory requirements. Net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions have become a key business objective, driving demand for carbon credits from various sources. Forestry projects are a significant contributor to the market. These projects involve the protection, restoration, or reforestation of forests, which act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Carbon emission reduction projects, such as renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives, also contribute to the market. Carbon storage projects, including those focused on geological storage, are another essential component. The market's dynamics are influenced by various factors, including regulatory policies, market prices, and technological advancements. As the world moves towards a low-carbon economy, the demand for carbon credits is expected to continue growing, making it an attractive investment opportunity for businesses and individuals alike.

How is this market segmented and which is the largest segment?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

End-user

  Power
  Energy
  Transportation
  Industrial
  Others


Type

  Compliance
  Voluntary


Geography

  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France
    Italy


  Asia

    China


  North America



  Rest of World (ROW)

By End-user Insights

The power segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Carbon credits represent financial instruments that enable organizations to invest in emission reduction projects, contributing to the global effort to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. These initiatives, which focus on conservation, biodiversity, and livelihoods, provide a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Additionally, the energy sector, specifically power generation, can benefit significantly from this shift, as renewable energy sources offer a sustainable and non-depleting alternative to coal and natural gas. To achieve the international goal of limiting global temperature rise to 2°C or 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is crucial. Carbon credits facilitate this transition by incentivizing investment in renewable energy projects and reducing the overall carbon footprint.

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The power segment was valued at USD 61.30 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

Europe is estimated to contribute 84% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The European Union (EU) held a significant share of The market in 2023, with countries like the UK and Germany being major buyers. To achieve climate neutrality by 2050, the EU established the International Emissions Trading System (ETS) in 2005, which sets the cost of CO2 emissions

The global carbon credit trading platform market, valued at $194.9 million in 2025, is poised for substantial growth. Driven by increasing regulatory pressure to reduce carbon emissions, growing corporate sustainability initiatives, and the rising awareness of climate change among consumers and investors, the market is experiencing a surge in demand. The voluntary carbon market, while currently larger, is expected to witness significant expansion alongside the regulated market, fueled by the implementation of stricter emissions trading schemes (ETS) globally. Key application segments, including industrial processes, utilities, energy, and petrochemicals, are major contributors to market growth, as these sectors face the most stringent emission regulations and actively seek ways to offset their carbon footprint. Technological advancements within the platforms, such as blockchain integration for enhanced transparency and traceability, further accelerate market expansion. Competition is intensifying with established players like Nasdaq and CME Group alongside newer entrants like AirCarbon Exchange and Climate Impact X vying for market share. Geographical growth is expected across all regions, with North America and Europe leading initially, but Asia-Pacific showing promising growth potential driven by China and India's commitment to carbon neutrality goals. The market's future growth trajectory will be shaped by several factors. Government policies and regulations regarding carbon pricing mechanisms will be crucial in determining market volume. The development of standardized methodologies for carbon credit verification and validation is also important to maintain market integrity and confidence. Furthermore, technological improvements in platform efficiency, accessibility, and security will enhance market liquidity and attract a wider range of participants. The ongoing debate around the effectiveness and potential for greenwashing within the voluntary market presents a challenge that needs to be addressed to sustain long-term growth. Successful strategies for market players will focus on addressing these challenges, enhancing transparency, and building robust and scalable platforms to accommodate growing market demand.

The average annual price of European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) allowances fell 22 percent year-on-year in 2024, to 65 euros. Still, EU ETS carbon allowances are forecast to rise to almost 150 euros by the end of the decade. Each EU ETS emissions allowance (EUA) gives the holder the right to emit one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent.

This data package includes the underlying data files to replicate the data and charts presented in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has cemented the European Union’s commitment to carbon pricing PIIE Policy Brief 23-13.

If you use the data, please cite as: Kirkegaard, Jacob Funk. 2023. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has cemented the European Union’s commitment to carbon pricing. PIIE Policy Brief 23-13. Washington, DC: Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Green innovation has been the crucial and fundamental channel for efficient emission reduction and high-quality realization of the “Dual Carbon” goals. This paper provides novel evidence for the industry-level effect of Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) on green innovation. Specifically, adopting the supply chain Stackelberg model and the multi-period DID model, we demonstrate both theoretically and empirically that the ETS has an overall significant promotion effect on green innovation both in compliance and non-compliance industries. Surprisingly, the promotion effect in non-compliance industries will be stronger, forced by the costs pass-through from up-stream compliance industries. Furthermore, we also find that the carbon price level can amplify the positive effect of the ETS on industry green innovation in the short run, while the price volatility weakens the effect of the ETS in the long run. Our findings shed light on the inherent effects of ETS on green innovation and suggest that policymakers should stabilize the carbon prices so as to encourage green innovation.