LONDON, March 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- IntercontinentalExchange, a leading operator of global regulated futures exchanges, clearing houses and over-the-counter (OTC) markets, announced a new daily volume record for ICE ECX European Union Allowance (EUA) futures. On 15 March, 51,638 contracts traded on ICE Futures Europe, surpassing by more than 17% the previous record of 43,885 contracts traded on 16 December 2010.

ICE Futures Europe is the most liquid marketplace for trading carbon emission derivatives. The ICE ECX EUA futures contract is the benchmark for emissions pricing in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The ICE ECX EUA futures contract trades alongside other emissions products, including EUA options, and futures and options on Certified Emissions Reductions (CER) and Emission Reduction Unit (ERU) contracts issued under the Kyoto Protocol.