Do not weaken ETS, but accelerate technologies that make energy cheaper, cleaner and safer

The Minister of Environment of Bulgaria comments on the European carbon market, asserting that high energy costs are driven by infrastructure deficits rather than climate policy. Using 2025 price data, he argues that the solution lies in accelerating renewable integration and grid modernization.

One more contribution to the ETS debate.

If we look at average electricity spot prices in 2025, the most expensive market is Serbia, a country with no ETS, but also with a very low level of renewables.

That should be a useful reminder. High power prices are not solved by meddling with ETS. They are solved by building a stronger energy system.

The better formula is: more domestic renewables, stronger grids, storage, and real demand flexibility. That is the path to lower prices, greater resilience, and stronger energy security.

The real debate should not be whether to weaken ETS, but how to accelerate the technologies and infrastructure that make energy cheaper, cleaner and more secure.

This article is also published on LinkedIn, in English. illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability & Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.