SmarterMarkets™ Carbon Frontiers 2025 Episode 2 | Alasdair Were, Head of Environmental Markets, Abaxx Exchange
Feb 15, 2025
In this discussion, Alasdair Were, Head of Environmental Markets at Abaxx Exchange, shares his expertise on the evolving energy transition. He delves into how recent policy changes and economic realities shape corporate and governmental strategies. Key topics include Europe's energy challenges amid geopolitical shifts, the importance of nuclear energy, and the evolving landscape of carbon finance. Alasdair also explores innovations in carbon offset futures and emphasizes the potential of carbon removal technologies like Direct Air Capture.
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Energy Transition Pragmatism
- The narrative around climate neutrality and carbon-neutral fuels has diminished, with more emphasis on biomethane and other climate-friendly fuels.
- The energy transition is expected to be lengthier and more complex than initially anticipated, requiring a more pragmatic approach to the energy mix.
Policy Pragmatism and Tariffs
- Policymakers are becoming more pragmatic, reducing CBAM participation and focusing on carbon intensity over economic value.
- Tariffs could potentially lead to the unshoring of supply chains and reduced environmental footprints due to nearshoring.
Evolving Market Dynamics
- The relationship between compliance and voluntary markets is evolving.
- Regional compliance markets are increasingly using voluntary credits.