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Curbing Price Fluctuations in Cap-and-Trade Auctions

Author

Listed:
  • Thomas D. Jeitschko
  • Pallavi Pal
Abstract
In recent years, a significant problem with the carbon credit market has been higher than initially predicted price volatility. It is essential to study the market in a repeated-period dynamic setting to identify the factors enabling high fluctuations in prices. In this paper, we examine the dynamic auction design and propose a method to curb price volatility through a flexible supply cap. The equilibrium analysis shows that modifying the cap on per period supply can decrease price fluctuations. Currently, the government or the auctioneer sets a per-period limit on the supply, which reduces at a fixed rate over time. However, this paper suggests that a flexible cap on the per-period supply would be a better alternative. Specifically, we show that correlating the supply rate with expected future demand results in a more stable price.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas D. Jeitschko & Pallavi Pal, 2022. "Curbing Price Fluctuations in Cap-and-Trade Auctions," CESifo Working Paper Series 9978, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_9978
    as

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    dynamic mechanism design; auctions; emissions permits; environmental regulation; climate change;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D43 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
    • L11 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Production, Pricing, and Market Structure; Size Distribution of Firms
    • L42 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - Vertical Restraints; Resale Price Maintenance; Quantity Discounts

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