Integrated tradable green certificate markets : functioning and compatibility

Abstract

Many countries plan to increase the proportion of their electricity supply obtained from renewable sources relative to nonrenewable sources. Recently, the EU has implemented a system of tradable emission permits and many countries have introduced systems of tradable green certificates (TGCs). In this paper, we analyze how integrated TGC markets function and how they are affected by harsher CO2 emission constraints. A key result of our analytical model is that TGCs may be an imprecise instrument for regulating the generation of green electricity. Furthermore, our analysis shows that the combination of TGCs with a system of tradable emission permits may yield outcomes contrary to the intended purpose. The results are valid under both autarky and international trade.