A joint bid by the New Zealand Exchange (NZX) and the European Energy Exchange (EEX) has been selected to develop and operate the managed auction service for the New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) – one of the Government’s main tools for meeting domestic and international climate policy targets.NZX Chief Executive, Mark Peterson, says the successful bid to the Ministry for the Environment showcased the value of bringing together the deep experience and capabilities of NZX and EEX to implement and operate a solution tailored to meet the needs of New Zealand and NZ ETS participants – and aligned with the design of other emissions markets globally.
Under the terms agreed with the Ministry for the Environment, NZX and EEX will design and implement the platform to manage the regular auctioning of New Zealand emissions units on behalf of the New Zealand Government. The appointment was made following a successful joint tender from the NZX / EEX partnership.
NZX Chairman, James Miller said the partnership with EEX demonstrates the successful commercialisation of NZX’s international alliance strategy.
Development of the managed auction platform is expected to be completed by the first scheduled NZ ETS auction in March 2021.
Secretary for the Environment and Chief Executive of the Ministry for the Environment Vicky Robertson says: “The New Zealand ETS has been reformed to be more effective to meet our emissions targets and auctioning is an important part of that. We look forward to working with NZX and EEX on implementing this important service.”
Speaking on the appointment, Peter Reitz, EEX’s Chief Executive Officer says: “Carbon pricing is one the most effective ways to reduce emissions. I am confident that the combined synergies and unparalleled experience of NZX and EEX will add a new dimension to the NZ ETS and auctioning will help bring carbon costs into the mainstream of NZ business and the economy.”
NZX and EEX announced a Co-operation Agreement in December 2019, with a focus on securing new opportunities in the New Zealand emissions market. Peterson, said he sees new opportunities opening up as the New Zealand market matures and both NZX/EEX will be jointly exploring areas for co-operation.
