China’s ETS currently covers only the thermal power generation sector
Chinese ETS faces data issues
Data quality and integrity must improve if world’s largest emissions trading system is to be effective in helping China achieve carbon targets, speakers tell event in Shanghai
China’s emissions trading system (ETS) has a problem with data quality and integrity that must be resolved if it is to contribute meaningfully to Beijing’s ambitious climate targets, speakers told the recent China Carbon Trading and Carbon Management Summit in Shanghai. China—which accounted for one-third of global CO₂ emissions last year—launched its long-awaited ETS in July 2021 after repeated delays. Cumulative trading had reached 179mn t by the end of December, with an aggregate transaction value of RMB8.1bn ($1.27bn). The system covers only the thermal power generation sector, but as this accounts for 40pc of the country’s carbon emissions it means China’s ETS is already the biggest in
Also in this section
2 January 2026
This year may be a defining one for carbon capture, utilisation and storage in the US, despite the institutional uncertainty
23 December 2025
Legislative reform in Germany sets the stage for commercial carbon capture and transport at a national level, while the UK has already seen financial close on major CCS clusters
15 December 2025
Net zero is not the problem for the UK’s power system. The real issue is with an outdated market design in desperate need of modernisation
28 November 2025
The launch of the bloc’s emissions trading system in 2005 was a pioneering step, but as the scheme hits 21 its impact as a driver of decarbonisation is still open to debate
