(1)The Scottish Ministers must, by order, set a limit on the net amount of carbon units that may be credited to net Scottish emissions accounts during the periods mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (i) of subsection (2).
(2)The Scottish Ministers must set the limit—
(a)for the period 2010–2012, no later than 1 June 2010;
(b)for the period 2013–2017, no later than 31 December 2011;
(c)for the period 2018–2022, no later than 31 December 2016;
(d)for the period 2023–2027, no later than 31 December 2021;
(e)for the period 2028–2032, no later than 31 December 2026;
(f)for the period 2033–2037, no later than 31 December 2031;
(g)for the period 2038–2042, no later than 31 December 2036;
(h)for the period 2043–2047, no later than 31 December 2041;
(i)for the period 2048–2050, no later than 31 December 2046.
(3)The “net amount of carbon units” means C minus D, where—
“C” is the amount of carbon units credited to net Scottish emissions accounts during the period in accordance with regulations under section 13(5);
“D” is the amount of carbon units debited from net Scottish emissions accounts during the period in accordance with such regulations.
(4)An order under subsection (1) may provide that carbon units of a description specified in the order do not count towards the limit.
(5)If the limit for a period is not set by the corresponding date mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (i) of subsection (2), the Scottish Ministers must set the limit as soon as reasonably practicable afterwards.