N2O Emissions Trading – Implications for the European Fertiliser Industry

Keywords: Kyoto Protocol, N₂O emissions, IPPC, BAT, Emissions trading, Abatement.

Introduction.

Many regulators are of the opinion that N₂O emissions from nitric acid plants can be significantly reduced. Two regulatory approaches can have major implications for the industry in Europe. Firstly, the EU Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive will take effect from Oct 2007 for existing plants. This requires emission permits to be based on Best Available Techniques (BAT). Secondly, the EU Commission will shortly consider whether the Emission Trading Directive should be expanded to cover greenhouse gases other than CO₂, such as N₂O. This paper discusses pros and cons of these approaches, with emphasis on how emission trading with N₂O can be turned into a win-win situation for European governments and the fertiliser industry.

Tore K Jenssen, Yara International ASA, Oslo, Norway.

16 Pages, 1 Figure, 6 References.