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Note 5 - Emission schemes and related environmental programmes

Emission trading and related schemes

In general, emission trading schemes (ETS) are mandated governmental schemes to control emission levels and enhance clean energy transition, allowing for the trading of emission certificates. In most ETS, governments set an emission cap for one or more sectors. Generally, entities in scope of the scheme are allowed to buy emission certificates to cover shortages or sell surplus emission certificates. In certain countries emissions are priced through a carbon tax. For Shell, the most significant carbon pricing mechanisms are established in Europe, Canada and Singapore.

Biofuel programmes

Biofuel programmes are mandated governmental schemes that set binding national targets on the share of renewables in fuel consumption or measures on reducing GHG emissions by fuel suppliers. Biofuels are blended with existing fuels such as gasoline and diesel to reduce net emissions. The share of biofuel in the total sales mix of fuel is used to comply with regulatory requirements. This can be achieved by the blending of biofuels in refineries and/or distribution depots (self-blending), through import of biofuels (for jurisdictions that grant biofuels certificates at the point of import) or by the purchasing of certificates from third parties (for jurisdictions that have a tradable biofuel certificates mechanism). Biofuel programmes also include regulatory requirements to pay a levy for the combustion of fossil fuels, based on CO2 emitted – mainly related to the German Fuel Emissions Trading Act (BEHG) applying since January 1, 2021.

Renewable power programmes

Renewable power programmes create a financial incentive to consume power that is sourced from renewable origins or require that a minimum percentage of power sold meets the green definition of the relevant standard. These regulations are typically accompanied by schemes supporting investments in the renewable technology. Renewable power programmes generally use certificates to monitor compliance, where renewable power certificates are granted for each MWh of energy generated that meets the predefined renewable criteria. Shell’s compliance obligation under renewable power programmes comes primarily from energy supply and results from regulations applying in Europe, North America and Australia.

Cost of emission schemes and related environmental programmes recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Income

 

 

 

$ million

 

2022

2021

2020

ETS and related schemes

493

331

150

Biofuels [A]

2,918

2,609

1,137

Renewable power

594

455

364

Total

4,005

3,395

1,651

[A]

Represents the cost of biofuel certificates required for compliance purposes over and above those generated from self-blending activities.

Purchased environmental certificates (presented under Other intangible assets, see Note 11) [A]

 

 

 

 

$ million

 

ETS and related schemes

Biofuels

Renewable power

Total

At January 1, 2022

284

2,362

101

2,747

Additions

385

1,485

468

2,338

Settlements

(256)

(2,142)

(398)

(2,796)

Other movements

27

(104)

(11)

(88)

At December 31, 2022

440

1,601

160

2,201

At January 1, 2021

157

780

76

1,013

Additions

292

2,450

405

3,147

Settlements

(115)

(754)

(355)

(1,224)

Other movements

(50)

(114)

(25)

(189)

At December 31, 2021

284

2,362

101

2,747

[A]

Relates to environmental certificates held for compliance purposes.

Obligation (presented under Other payables, see Note 19)

 

 

 

 

$ million

 

ETS and related schemes

Biofuels

Renewable power

Total

At January 1, 2022

 

 

 

 

Current

(270)

(3,262)

(273)

(3,805)

Non-current

(182)

(29)

(211)

 

(270)

(3,444)

(302)

(4,016)

Additions

(1,237)

(2,916)

(637)

(4,790)

Additions covered by government grants

776 [A]

 

 

776

Settlements

292

2,456

499

3,247

Other movements

(19)

58

34

73

 

(188)

(402)

(104)

(694)

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 2022

 

 

 

 

Current

(458)

(3,424)

(350)

(4,232)

Non-current

(422)

(56)

(478)

 

(458)

(3,846)

(406)

(4,710)

At January 1, 2021

 

 

 

 

Current

(154)

(1,549)

(290)

(1,993)

Non-current

(54)

(6)

(60)

 

(154)

(1,603)

(296)

(2,053)

Additions

(781)

(2,756)

(487)

(4,024)

Additions covered by government grants

456 [A]

 

 

456

Settlements

150

755

491

1,396

Other movements

59

160

(10)

209

 

(116)

(1,841)

(6)

(1,963)

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

Current

(270)

(3,262)

(273)

(3,805)

Non-current

(182)

(29)

(211)

 

(270)

(3,444)

(302)

(4,016)

[A]

Emission certificates that were allocated free of charge at an equivalent fair value at grant date.

Environmental certificates acquired that are held for compliance purposes are recognised at cost under intangible assets. In addition, a portfolio of environmental certificates is held for trading purposes and classified under inventory (see Note 2 and Note 16). Environmental certificates held for trading purposes can be redesignated for compliance purposes and then settle compliance obligations.

Cost recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Income represents the compliance cost associated with emissions or with products sold during the year. The liability at year-end represents the compliance cost recognised over current and past compliance periods to the extent not settled to date. Liabilities are settled in line with compliance periods, which depend on the scheme and may not coincide with the calendar year.

The figures present compliance schemes only, excluding voluntary activities.

CO2
carbon dioxide
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GHG
greenhouse gas
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MWh
megawatt hours
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