Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Ecology and Environment has issued a notification detailing the responsibilities and obligations of key emission units in the carbon emission trading market, which will include the power generation, steel, cement, and aluminum smelting industries by 2026, as part of China's dual carbon goals [1][2]. Group 1: Key Emission Units and Coverage - By 2026, the carbon market will include approximately 3,700 key emission units, covering around 8 billion tons of carbon emissions, which accounts for over 60% of the national carbon emissions [2]. - The eight key industries, including power generation, steel, construction materials, non-ferrous metals, petrochemicals, chemicals, paper, and aviation, contribute to about 75% of China's carbon dioxide emissions [2][5]. Group 2: Compliance Requirements - The four core industries (power generation, steel, cement, aluminum smelting) must complete a full compliance process, including listing, monthly verification, annual reporting, and quota management [2][4]. - The notification outlines specific deadlines for key emission units, such as the publication of the 2027 key emission unit list by October 31, 2026, and the submission of greenhouse gas emission reports by March 31, 2026 [3][4]. Group 3: Additional Industry Management - Industries like petrochemicals and chemicals are required to submit annual emission reports but are not yet involved in quota trading and compliance [5]. - Companies in these sectors with annual emissions of 26,000 tons of CO2 equivalent must participate in the annual reporting process, with the same reporting deadline of March 31, 2026 [5][6]. Group 4: Future Preparedness - Industries not yet included in the carbon market should focus on preparing for future compliance by enhancing their reporting and verification capabilities [6]. - It is recommended that these companies establish carbon asset management departments and develop carbon reduction plans to ensure readiness for future inclusion in the carbon market [6].

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China has issued a notification regarding the management of the national carbon emission trading market for 2026, focusing on key emission units in the power generation, steel, cement, and aluminum smelting industries, with specific guidelines for data management, quota allocation, and compliance [1][19]. Group 1: Key Emission Unit Management - Provincial ecological environment departments are required to establish a list of key emission units for 2027, including those with annual direct emissions of 26,000 tons of CO2 equivalent [20][21]. - The list of key emission units must be published by October 31, 2026, through the national carbon market management platform and provincial websites [21][2]. Group 2: Data Quality Management - Provincial departments must implement data quality management for greenhouse gas emissions in the specified industries, following the technical specifications set by the Ministry [3][21]. - By December 31, 2026, a data quality control plan must be developed for the key emission units [4][21]. - Monthly carbon emission data must be stored electronically within 40 days after each month ends [5][22]. Group 3: Reporting and Verification - Key emission units must submit their 2025 greenhouse gas emission reports by March 31, 2026 [6][23]. - Technical audits of these reports must be completed by June 30, 2026, for the power generation sector, and by July 31, 2026, for the steel, cement, and aluminum sectors [7][23]. Group 4: Quota Allocation and Compliance - Quotas for carbon emissions will be pre-allocated to key emission units in the steel, cement, and aluminum sectors by April 10, 2026, and to the power generation sector by June 30, 2026 [8][25]. - By September 20, 2026, the final allocation of quotas based on verification results must be completed [9][26]. - Compliance with the quota must be fulfilled by December 31, 2026 [10][27]. Group 5: Management of Other Key Industries - Other industries such as petrochemicals, chemicals, construction materials, non-ferrous metals, paper, and civil aviation with emissions of 26,000 tons of CO2 equivalent must also report their emissions [11][28]. - Reports from these industries must be submitted by March 31, 2026, and verified by December 31, 2026 [12][28]. Group 6: Strengthening Implementation - Local ecological environment departments are urged to enhance their management capabilities and training related to carbon emission data quality and quota compliance [30][31]. - Strict enforcement of regulations regarding carbon market data quality and compliance is emphasized to prevent fraudulent activities [31].