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TOP STORY
DATA DIVE: Asia gas premium over Europe to filter in support for EUAs, say analysts
Increased demand for LNG from Asian buyers should squeeze European natural gas prices, boost coal in the EU power mix, and feed some support for EUAs over the spring and summer, according to analysts, though any fuel switching demand from electricity production would also likely come in the face of tough conditions for industrials amid high energy costs.
DAILY NEWS TICKER
CP Daily News Ticker: 27-29 March 2026
The CP Daily News Ticker is a running list of all our news updated in real-time throughout the day. This is also the home to our ‘Bite-sized updates from around the world’, which previously featured in our CP Daily newsletter.
EMEA
Reform proposals of EU ETS supply reserve and free allocation benchmarks confirmed for Apr. 1
The European Commission will propose loosening the Market Stability Reserve (MSR) in the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) on Apr. 1, two EU officials told Carbon Pulse, saying the plan will be presented alongside updated benchmarks steering the allocation of free CO2 permits to industry.
EU states back counting Article 6 credits towards CBAM payments
EU member states have urged recognising international carbon credits as a CO2 price paid in foreign countries when calculating importers’ Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) liabilities, according to a joint position that also proposes a two-year limit for any temporary suspension of goods.
France to request EU CBAM fertiliser exemption amid Middle East war
France will ask the EU to temporarily suspend its carbon border tax on fertilisers, citing rising prices linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, the country’s agriculture minister Annie Genevard said on Friday.
FEATURE: Italian govt confident energy decree will be approved, but experts disagree
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said last week she believes a national energy decree reimbursing gas power plants for their carbon costs will be approved by the European Commission, but experts say it is unlikely to get the green light under EU state aid rules.
BRIEFING: Waste incinerators face potential EU ETS inclusion from 2030 “at the earliest”
The European Commission is weighing three options to tackle CO2 emissions from municipal waste incinerators, with a potential inclusion in the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) not envisaged until 2030 “at the earliest”, a senior EU official has said.
Carbon taxes can curb emissions but squeeze profits in complementary goods supply chains, study finds
Carbon tax policies can effectively drive emissions reductions across supply chains, but may simultaneously erode profitability and weaken incentives for deeper decarbonisation in markets dominated by complementary products, according to new academic research.
Euro Markets: EUAs post 5.9% weekly drop after market flatlines on Friday, with focus on MSR reform proposal
European carbon allowance prices ended Friday almost unchanged but recorded a 5.9% weekly increase, after briefly regaining levels last seen at the start of March, as traders continued to adopt a watching brief ahead of next week’s European Commission reform proposals that include the Market Stability Reserve, while crude oil rose further amid expectations for an extended conflict in Iran and gas weakened due to forecasts of sufficient supply by the end of the summer.
EU opens feedback on draft law for rating data centre sustainability
The European Commission is calling for stakeholder feedback on a draft legally-binding act to develop a common EU scheme for rating the sustainability of data centres in Europe.
Tech not the limiting factor for agricultural methane reduction, briefing says
A US-based non-profit has shared four policy recommendations and a series of existing methane reduction strategies that it says should be embedded in the EU Livestock Strategy expected later this year.
ICE announces launch of new CORSIA futures, options contracts
ICE Futures Europe will launch next month new futures and options contracts for the mandatory Phase 2 of UN aviation offsetting scheme CORSIA, it announced on Friday.
MENA Roundup: Military strikes devastate people, planet, and global markets
March headlines for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) were dominated by US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, followed by the Gulf country’s retaliatory closure of the Strait of Hormuz – impacting Asian emissions, European carbon markets, and global energy security.
New European guide urges lifecycle approach to forest restoration planning
A new manual highlights the need for European countries to plan forest restoration strategies around full lifecycle costs.
AMERICAS
US EPA publishes final RFS rule, boosting renewable fuel demand for next two years
The US EPA published on Friday the highly anticipated final version of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Set 2 regulations, including higher volume requirements for 2026 and 2027.
Massachusetts unveils 2026 banking adjustment under GWSA programme
Massachusetts unveiled on Friday the 2026 adjustment for banked allowances under its Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) carbon market.
Investor advocacy group, academics say climate risk remains unpriced in Canadian bond market
Climate risk is not being priced at the firm level in Canadian corporate bond markets, an investor advocacy group said, pointing to research showing emissions have little impact on borrowing costs.
Washington state forest offset overhaul risks failing permanence test, researchers warn
Carbon market researchers have raised concerns that proposed revisions to Washington state’s forestry offset protocol risk failing to ensure the environmental integrity of credits issued under the scheme.
CFTC: Producers reduce net RGA short, add CCAs
Emitters reduced their net short position in RGGI Allowances (RGAs) and edged wider their net length in California Carbon Allowances (CCAs), the latest US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) data showed.
Canada pledges C$30 mln for CCUS, renewables as energy minister promises feds, Alberta working towards April MoU deadline
Canada committed nearly C$30 million ($21.6 mln) to carbon capture, storage, and utilisation (CCUS) and renewable energy projects on Friday.
Paraguay developing national registry in-house, additional regulations
The construction of the “cornerstone” of Paraguay’s Article 6 ambitions is moving rapidly, aiming for a 2026 timeline amid a push to unlock its first international transfers, government officials said.
Caribbean nations ink forest cooperation pact
Two Latin American countries signed a bilateral agreement this week to deepen cooperation on forest management, climate resilience, and carbon market opportunities.
Zefiro shareholders back management slate as court dismisses claims against founder
Zefiro Methane Corp. and its founder have declared separate victories in their high-stakes legal battle for control of the offset project developer.
ASIA PACIFIC
Malaysia’s Sarawak targets 2027 ETS launch
The Malaysian state of Sarawak is aiming to roll out its emissions trading scheme (ETS) in 2027, with the full regulatory and structural framework expected to be completed by the end of 2026, according to local media reports.
FEATURE: Textile decarbonisation gathers pace in South Asia, but with limited role for carbon credits
Textile manufacturers in South Asia are accelerating efforts to decarbonise under growing pressure from international buyers, though carbon credits are expected to play only a limited role as brands prioritise direct emissions cuts in their supply chains, according to experts.
PREVIEW: Japan’s GX-ETS set to enter mandatory phase
Japan’s GX-ETS, a pillar of the country’s ‘growth-oriented’ carbon pricing framework, is set to enter its mandatory phase this week.
CN Markets: CEAs marginally down amid policy absence, CCER programme sees first blue carbon project registered
China’s emission permit price moved in a narrow range over the past week in the absence of market-moving policy updates, while the country’s national voluntary scheme saw the registration of the first blue carbon project since the programme’s relaunch.
AU Market: ACCU prices soften as compliance deadline hits, method uncertainty looms
Australian carbon prices weakened at the end of last week as Safeguard entities wrapped up their compliance buying even as the market awaits the finalisation of key methods and future policies.
Australia launches consultation on farm emissions reporting rules
Australia on Friday opened consultation on draft national guidelines to standardise how agricultural emissions, which account for roughly 18% of national emissions, are measured and reported.
India emissions growth slows to 20-year low as clean power outpaces demand
India’s carbon dioxide emissions growth crawled to its slowest pace in more than two decades last year, driven by a drop in power-sector emissions, an analysis found.
Japanese startup secures domestic partners to pilot direct air capture applications
A Japanese startup dedicated to direct air capture (DAC) solutions has secured several new partners for its pilot projects, including a demonstration for the agriculture sector.
Philippines eyes biodiversity credits in latest blue carbon plan
The Philippines, one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, advanced its national blue carbon action plan this week, including ambitions to explore biodiversity credits.
VOLUNTARY
BRIEFING: Firms ramp up carbon software spend amid mounting compliance and operational pressures
Corporate buyers are increasing investment in carbon management software as compliance pressures grow and priorities shift from reporting to operational decarbonisation, a webinar heard Thursday.
Verra opens consultation on coal plant retirement methodology revisions
Verra opened a public consultation on proposed revisions to its methodology for the accelerated retirement of coal-fired power plants, according to a Friday announcement.
Paris Agreement now an aspiration warns oil major looking to build 50 mln stock of carbon credits
The Paris Agreement has become an aspiration rather than a target, according to an oil and gas company that is now looking to revisit a 2050 carbon neutrality plan, as it also aims to build up a stock of 50 million carbon credits by 2030 to help meet interim climate goals.
Biochar ready for scale-up but weak demand holds back deployment -report
Biochar is already technologically ready for large-scale carbon removal (CDR) deployment but remains constrained by limited demand and underdeveloped application markets, according to a global report released Friday.
Carbon markets risk falling short as biodiversity finance tool, study warns
Carbon markets, widely promoted as a scalable means of financing biodiversity conservation, are structurally ill-suited to deliver durable ecological outcomes and should be treated as a supplementary rather than central solution, according to a new analysis.
INTERNATIONAL
GCF approves $960 mln for projects as portfolio tops $20 bln
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved $960.3 million for 18 projects supporting developing countries, it announced this week.
INTERVIEW: WTO engaging “quite constructively” on climate, BCAs despite threats to multilateralism
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has become a constructive forum on climate policy and border carbon adjustments (BCAs) despite a global downturn in climate and trade multilateralism, according to a policy expert and ex-WTO negotiator speaking to Carbon Pulse from the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaounde, Cameroon.
New Zealand denies claims it is discussing ITMO purchases with Paraguay
New Zealand has denied claims it is in discussions with Paraguay to purchase Article 6 credits to meet its climate targets, and says it is rather supporting the country through capacity engagement programmes.
SHIPPING
Hormuz closure costing shipping €340 mln per day, sector must accelerate decarbonisation -report
The Hormuz Strait crisis is costing the maritime industry €340 million a day – highlighting the industry’s vulnerability to oil and gas price volatility, according to a new report.
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EVENTS
North American Carbon World (NACW): Mar. 31-Apr. 2, San Diego – For more than 20 years, NACW has been the must-attend event for market participants looking to gain actionable insights into policy shifts and market trends, network with climate policy and business leaders, and grow and strengthen carbon markets with integrity and ambition. Hosted by the Climate Action Reserve, the 2026 conference will offer a critical forum for meaningful collaboration and timely discussions exploring market innovations in technology, the evolution of standards, the growing role of finance, and foundational topics such as permanence. Register
Carbon Capture MENA Summit: Apr. 1-2, Dubai – The Carbon Capture MENA Summit 2026 (#CCMS2026), taking place in Dubai on 1–2 April 2026, is MENA’s leading CCUS event. Bringing together 500+ industry leaders and 80+ visionary speakers, the summit will focus on fit-for-purpose CCUS policies, decarbonisation applications, breakthrough innovations, carbon markets, and infrastructure development. Together, we’ll accelerate MENA’s leadership in scaling CCUS solutions and shaping a sustainable energy future. Join us to drive the next chapter of CCUS innovation and impact. Find out more
European Climate Summit 2026: Apr. 14-16, Barcelona – To kick off its annual regional Climate Summit series, IETA looks forward to welcoming delegates to the flagship European Climate Summit (ECS) 2026, taking place at Casa Llotja de Mar in Barcelona, Spain. ECS takes place amid a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, even as carbon markets continue to mature and expand. A new political cycle for EU climate action has begun, and the task of preparing carbon markets for their next stage presents both new challenges and opportunities. In this dynamic context, competitiveness, integrity, and innovation will be at the heart of the discussion. ECS provides an excellent opportunity to engage with policymakers, business leaders, and climate market pioneers who are shaping the future of carbon markets. Organised by IETA, ECS is an in-person event. Register
Carbon Removal Investment Summit 2026: May 13, London – The Carbon Removal Investment Summit returns to London on May 13, 2026. cCarbon’s flagship, data- and modelling-driven dialogue brings together 200+ attendees from 160+ organisations, including investors, financiers, buyers, policymakers, developers, and market leaders shaping the carbon removals market. The summit features 40+ expert speakers across 10 curated sessions, along with a private investor conclave for deeper discussions among leading capital providers. The agenda explores where capital is moving, how investment and offtake structures are evolving, and what it will take to move from early momentum to meaningful scale. Early bird rates end Mar. 31 – Register here.
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