The Fuel Emissions Trading Act (BEHG) imposes a CO2 tax on certain fuels. Energy-intensive surface finishing companies are also affected by this. The Verband für die Oberflächenveredelung von Aluminium e. V. (VOA) therefore submitted applications for the BEHG Carbon Leakage Regulation (BECV) to secure aid for its members to offset rising energy costs.
The basis for selecting companies eligible for aid under the BECV is the EU emissions trading sector list. VOA managing director Dr. Alexa A. Becker: "Unfortunately, the sectors relevant to our industry - '25.61.12.30 Plasticizing of metals including powder coating' and '25.61.22.50 Anodic oxidation of metals' have not yet been included in the BECV list. Thus, there is currently also no entitlement to subsidy payment for VOA member companies." However, the German Emissions Trading Authority (DEHst) is conducting a subsequent recognition procedure to prevent globally active companies that are not yet eligible for aid under BECV from moving away from Germany as a business location due to rising CO2 prices.