Capping emissions from medium-sized combustion plants | WPN World People News

Proposed EU sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emission limits for medium-sized combustion plants, such as electricity generators or heating systems for domestic, residential or industrial use, were backed by MEPs on Wednesday. They had already been informally agreed with EU ministers. In areas where these emissions breach EU air quality standards, EU countries would be required to assess whether to introduce stricter limits.

"This legislation fills a legislative gap, a loophole that we have between the ecodesign directive, which sets out standards for combustion plants of less than 1MW and the industrial emissions directive, for those over 50MW. The emission limits were set at an ambitious level, in order gradually to improve air quality, with proper safeguards for the operation of existing plants, in particular small plants, of less than 5MW, operated mostly by SMEs or utility companies, which are important for heating schools, hospitals or universities", said Andrzej Grzyb (EPP, PL), who is steering the legislation through Parliament. Parliament endorsed the agreement negotiated with the Council by 623 votes to 70, with 12 abstentions.

For new plants, the limits would take effect within three years. For existing ones, with a thermal output above 5MW, the maximum emission values for sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and dust, as proposed by the European Commission, would come into force from 2025. The smallest plants, with a thermal input from 1 to 5 MW, most of which are operated by small or medium-sized enterprises, would have to comply with emission limit values from 2030.

The legislation does not prevent member states from enforcing tougher standards than are required by the directive. In negotiations, MEPs ensured that in areas in breach of EU air quality standards, national authorities would be required to assess whether to introduce stricter limits.

Source: European Parliament