MEPs have backed proposals to limit sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and dust emissions from medium-sized combustion plants, such as electricity generators or heating systems for domestic, residential or industrial use.
The European commission estimates there are about 143,000 combustion plants with a thermal input of between 1MW and 50MW but, unlike their larger and smaller counterparts, their emissions are not regulated at EU level. Under the plans, the limits for new plants would take effect within three years.
For existing ones, with a thermal output above 5MW, the maximum emission values for SO2, NOx and dust 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. EU council ministers still need to approve the new limits.
