Today, Federal Minister for the Environment Peter Altmaier visited the European Energy Exchange (EEX) and gained insight on the working of the exchange. Following an expert discussion with representatives of EEX regarding the implementation of the energy turnaround and the challenges for energy trading on the exchange, Federal Minister Altmaier visited the Market Supervision – the heart of the exchange. Here, he watched the staff executing the German auction of CO2 emission allowances for the third trading period which was held for the first time today.
“We were very pleased to welcome Federal Environment Minister Peter Altmaier at EEX“, confirms Peter Reitz, Chief Executive Officer of EEX. “Our talks primarily focused on the implementation of the energy turnaround in line with the market and on the CO2 auctions which EEX arranges on behalf of the Federal Government.”
The Federal Minister for the Environment is convinced that a transparent exchange power price signal provides guidance as regards the question of the political set-up required to ensure that the energy turnaround can be attained efficiently and sustainably.
“First and foremost, the further integration of renewable energies into the wholesale market is important”, emphasises Peter Reitz. “As EEX Group – which also includes EPEX SPOT operating the Power Spot Markets for Germany, Austria, France and Switzerland – we are already making an important contribution to the market-based integration of renewable energies,” explains the CEO of EEX. “In addition to products with a shorter term on the power market, trading in guarantees of origin which we are planning can also contribute to increased transparency and acceptance of renewables.”
Furthermore, the Federal Minister for the Environment received information on the auctioning of CO2 emission allowances. He confirmed that, in his opinion, EEX has proven a suitable partner for the safe and efficient auctioning of emission allowances over the last years. Moreover, he expressed his satisfaction that, in addition to the federal government, a large majority of the EU member states also relies on the Leipzig-based expertise. Recently, EEX has been selected by the EU Commission and the 24 EU member states as the platform for auctioning of emission allowances of the third trad- ing phase. Prior to this step, the Federal Republic of Germany had once again awarded EEX the contract for the German auctions of emission allowances.
The European Energy Exchange (EEX) is the leading energy exchange in Europe. It develops, operates and connects secure, liquid and transparent markets for energy and related products on which power, natural gas, CO2 emission allowances and coal are traded. Clearing and settlement of all trading transactions are provided by the clearing house European Commodity Clearing AG (ECC). EEX is a member of Eurex Group.
