The podcast discusses the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative(RGGI), a successful carbon market that aims to eliminate 66% of CO2 emissions from utilities in Northeastern states. They explore the market structure of RGGI, potential expansion into other industries like transportation, and the distinction between allowances and offsets in decarbonization. Additionally, they highlight the importance of long-term decarbonization targets and provide a summary of key points.
RGGI has successfully reduced CO2 emissions by 53% in the utility sector, surpassing the national average reduction of 30-35%.
Around 90% of the proceeds from RGGI auctions are reinvested in decarbonization efforts, primarily energy efficiency projects.
Deep dives
Overview of REDG Market Structure
REDG has two markets: the primary auction market and the secondary market for excess allowances. Compliance entities can participate in the secondary market primarily through futures contracts. The secondary market provides liquidity and allows compliance entities to meet their obligations.
Coverage of REDG Market
REDG covers the utility sector in 12 states along the East Coast, including Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The market focuses on capping CO2 emissions from utilities with a capacity of 25 megawatts or greater that use fossil fuels.
Impact of REDG on Emissions Reduction
Since its inception in 2008, REDG has achieved a 53% reduction in CO2 emissions from the utility sector within the participating states. This reduction exceeds the national average of 30-35%. REDG's success has led states to consider expanding the program to other sectors such as transportation.
Investment and Program Review
Around 90% of the proceeds from REDG auctions are reinvested by the states to support decarbonization efforts. These investments mainly focus on energy efficiency projects within and beyond the electricity sector. Program reviews occur every few years to assess program effectiveness and make necessary improvements.
"Carbon markets are a critical tool for decarbonization, and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) provides a great case study. By 2030, the market is poised to eliminate 66% of CO2 emissions from utilities in Northeastern states, while already generating roughly $4.2 billion for participating states to invest in decarbonization. On this episode of the ESG Currents podcast Andrew McKeon, Executive Director of RGGI, joins Bloomberg Intelligence's Director of ESG Research Eric Kane to discuss how the market is structured, why it's successful, and how it might expand in the future. This was recorded on Oct. 17.