Trading in emission rights
The EU trading system for emission rights currently covers carbon dioxide. Trading began in 2005 with the aim of reducing emissions. For trading in 2008–2012, energy-intensive industries will continue to be granted free emission rights based on historical data and estimated needs. The steel industry is one of these energy-intensive industries, which many commentators regard as disfavoured by global competition while the trading system only covers the EU. This is significant for Höganäs, whose main competitors are outside the EU.
Höganäs has been granted emission rights for its plants in Halmstad and Höganäs, and granting for 2008–2012 is considered sufficient.