Examining the interactions of carbon, electricity, and natural gas markets

Abstract

This paper analyzes the relationship between the carbon, electricity and natural gas markets in Europe. To identify the origin and paths of price transmission among these markets, we employ the Diebold Yilmaz spillover approach. To investigate the multiscale response to price signals, we use the time-varying parameter stochastic volatility vector autoregression system. The results provide evidence that the market for natural gas plays a significant role in setting carbon prices, which are negative in the short-term and positive in the medium term. These effects can, however, be negated by the Russia–Ukraine conflict, and the resulting market for natural gas does not exert any such shocks on the electricity market. Since the conflict, the electricity market has become a major price transmitter and has produced short-term positive but medium-term negative effects on the carbon market. Our results suggest that short- and medium-term policies should focus on avoiding price distortions and stabilizing markets.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

carbon market / natural gas market / electricity market / response mechanism / price transmission

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Competing Interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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