Second phase emissions guidance launched

It has been designed to help countries keep the plans simple and straightforward after experience with the NAPs covering the 2005 – 2007 period found that greater transparency and ease of implementation was needed.

All countries in the EU ETS must submit their draft plans by June 30th this year to cover the second phase of the scheme which runs from 2008 to 2012 and also coincides with the second phase of the Kyoto Protocol commitment, during which the emissions reduction targets must be met.

Because of this, most countries will have to make far bigger cuts in emissions during phase two than they have done during phase one.

To help, the new guidance document proposes a set of standardised tables for presenting important information, such as projected emissions, assumptions regarding fuel prices and the reductions expected from other policies and measures.

The guidance also includes details of which types of combustion installations should be covered, including so-called “small” installations.

The 30th of June is also the deadline for the Commission to report to the Council and Parliament on experience to date with the ETS as a whole and to make proposals as appropriate.

David Hopkins