May 14, 2012. Germany, which will sell more European Union carbon allowances starting next year, intends to increase grants of free permits to 15 percent of its emitters in the bloc's greenhouse-gas market. About 311 of 2,012 installations will get more free allowances next year than in 2012. A total of 527 emitters lost more than 90 percent of their free allowances. Seven hundred and forty-five emitters lost more than half their free allowances, while 426 lost from 50 percent to 90 percent. Germany will hand out about 1.4 billion metric tons of the permits to plants, including some operated by Volkswagen AG and BASF SE, in the eight years through 2020. That's 175 million tons a year on average and compares with 390 million tons of free allowances granted this year. Cement makers may continue to receive surplus carbon allowances, which they will be able to sell over the next few years, boosting cash flow and profits.