The European Energy Exchange AG (EEX) in Leipzig won the tender for the emissions trading auctioning platform in Germany. On this preliminary platform, German emission allowances (EUAs) for the third trading period (2013-2020) will be auctioned at least until March 2013.

Alongside "early auctions" for the third trading period, there will also be aviation emission allowances to be auctioned. A permanent trading platform will be established by 2013. The Federal Environment Agency is expected to launch a Europe-wide tender for the permanent platform before the end of 2012. The earlier tender was for a preliminary platform where auctions can be carried out for 2012 and 2013.

The legal framework for auctions has been reset at European level when the EU Auctioning Regulation came into force on 19/11/2010. For competitive reasons, Germany had decided not to be part of a common European auctioning platform but to commission its own auctioning platform.

Through the European Publications Office, the Federal Environment Agency launched a Europe-wide public procurement process on behalf of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, resulting in awarding the contract to the successful bidder, the EEX. However, before the auctions begin, the platform must undergo an assessment process by the EU Commission. After approval, it will appear in the Annex to the EU Auctioning Regulation.

The German Emissions Trading Authority (DEHSt)

The German Emissions Trading Authority at the Federal Environment Agency is the national authority entrusted with the implementation of emissions trading for stationary installations and for the aviation industry. Its mandate includes management of the allocation and issuance of emission allowances, revision of emissions reports and operation of the emissions trading registry. It is also in charge of the administration of the project-based mechanisms Joint Implementation and Clean Development Mechanism.