EU & UK Emissions Trading System (ETS) Solutions
The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) are cornerstone carbon markets designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a cap-and-trade system. With nearly 20 years’ experience in carbon markets, we support participants across sectors with clear guidance and a full range of trading and risk-management solutions.
Trade allowances
Gain access to EUAs (EU Allowances) and UKAs (UK Allowances) across compliance periods with flexible trading sizes and delivery schedules.
Competitive pricing
Cost-efficient solutions to support your business needs: Forward Procurement, Price-Cap, Spot Trading, and Cash-Flow Optimisation.
Expert advice
Leverage our expertise in emission markets, surrender strategies, and regulatory updates to maintain smooth compliance and avoid penalties.
Key dates & milestones for ETS
Grey Epoch provides tailored EU ETS and UK ETS solutions across key sectors, helping businesses manage compliance and market risk effectively:
Energy-Intensive Industrials – including steel, cement, refining and chemicals
Power Generation – utilities and independent producers
Aviation – commercial and cargo operators covered under ETS rules
Shipping – maritime operators covered by latest ETS scope
Fuel Suppliers – wholesalers, importers, refiners and distributors
Industries We Support
Get your carbon allowances in two days
ETS Risk Management Solutions
To help businesses, Grey Epoch offers access to procurement and hedging solutions, while providing comprehensive support in navigating the emissions landscape.
Manage price volatility
Reduce exposure to market fluctuations with a fixed price.
Fix now, pay later
Defer the bulk of the fixed price for up to three years with a forward transaction.
Budget certainty
Secure your profits by locking in the price.
Most popular
Forward Procurement
Forward buying in the EU ETS involves agreeing to buy EU allowances at a future date to lock in prices now without a large upfront payment.
Spot Trading
Purchase or sell EU allowances with payment and delivery within five business days.
Spot trading enables immediate delivery and allows you to respond quickly to price movements, which can help optimise costs compared to longer-term strategies.
Cash Flow Optimisation
With our deferred payment solutions, you can lock in carbon allowance prices today and schedule delivery and payment at a later date.
This gives you the flexibility to meet compliance needs without tying up capital upfront.
Price Cap
A price cap provides a level of price certainty while still exposing you to price movements up to the value of the cap.
This allows you to set the maximum price you will pay for allowances, with no minimum price required.
“I really appreciate the patience and professionalism displayed from day one. Grey Epoch offers hand-holding experience with detailed and precise explanation and excellent technical knowledge. I would say Grey Epoch is by far the best partner we have worked with in our emission trading experience.”
— EU ETS Shipping Operator with 100+ vessels
Take the Next Step
Manage your ETS risks with confidence.
Speak to Grey Epoch’s expert advisors today and get a tailored emissions trading solution for your business.
FAQs
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The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is the world’s largest carbon market, designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a cap-and-trade mechanism.
Companies in covered sectors are required to hold allowances for every tonne of CO₂ they emit. These allowances can be traded, creating a market price for carbon.
By tightening the cap each year, the EU ETS incentivises businesses to reduce emissions cost-effectively while driving investment in low-carbon technologies.
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The UK ETS was introduced in 2021 after the UK left the European Union, replacing the UK’s participation in the EU ETS.
While both systems operate under the same cap-and-trade principle, the UK ETS has its own allowance units (UKAs), rules, and compliance deadlines.
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Compliance with ETS rules applies to industries with significant greenhouse gas emissions. In the EU ETS, this includes power generators, energy-intensive industries, and aviation operators.
The UK ETS covers similar sectors, and is set to expand to shipping and fuel suppliers. Businesses in these categories must monitor, report, and surrender allowances equal to their annual emissions.
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EU Allowances (EUAs) and UK Allowances (UKAs) are the tradable units used in their respective systems.
One EUA or UKA represents the right to emit one tonne of CO₂ (or equivalent greenhouse gases).
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Grey Epoch provides businesses with direct market access, expert advisory, and structured trading solutions that reduce the overall cost of compliance.
Our clients typically achieve up to 40% savings in trading fees compared to traditional brokers.
By leveraging forward procurement, tailored price risk management, and cash flow optimisation strategies, we help companies secure allowances at competitive prices, smooth out market volatility, and align carbon purchasing with budget needs. With over 18 years of ETS experience, Grey Epoch ensures your business stays compliant while minimising costs.
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There is a financial penalty per missing allowance (e.g., €100 per tonne in the EU, plus inflation adjustments).
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Yes. Businesses that operate in both the European Union and the United Kingdom may be required to comply with two separate carbon markets.
Companies must monitor emissions, purchase allowances, and surrender them under both schemes independently.
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For the EU ETS, you must complete the following key tasks every year:
1 January: Start of the monitoring year.
31 March: Submit verified emissions report for the previous year.
30 September: Surrender the required allowances for the previous year.
