EU EMISSIONS TRADING SCHEME (EU ETS)
The EU ETS came into force in January 2005, the first
phase running from January 2005 to December 2007.
Subsequent phases will last five years, with Phase II
running from 2008-2012.
The scheme will be mandatory for those sectors
covered by the scheme's rules (click
here
to see a table of installations covered by the scheme). All
installations covered by the scheme must hold a greenhouse
gas permit, or will be liable to financial penalties.
Although the scheme may be expanded in the future to cover
other greenhouse gases, initially it only covers carbon
dioxide. Permit enquiries should be made to SEPA.
Application forms are available
here.
A number of Government departments have an interest and
a role to play in developing EU ETS policy in the UK. The
lead Government Department is the Department for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) working in
close partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry
(DTI). Other departments with an interest and involvement
in high level decision-making include HM Treasury, Cabinet
Office, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and
Department for Transport (DfT).
Implementation of the EU ETS is a devolved matter and
the Devolved Administrations of Scotland, Wales and
Northern Ireland are involved throughout the
decision-making process. References to the UK Government in
relation to the EU ETS therefore also covers the Devolved
Administrations.
The regulators also have a key role to play in EU ETS
implementation policy. In England and Wales that is the
Environment Agency (EA), in Scotland the Scottish
Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Northern Ireland the
Chief Inspector and for offshore installations the DTI.
Regulators have responsibility for permitting, monitoring,
reporting and verification of emissions and registry
administration. In addition, the Environment Agency is the
Registry Administrator for the UK and manages the registry
on a daily basis. The registry is a mandatory part of the
EU ETS and wider emission trading under the Kyoto
Protocol.
It is our intention to gather the information from the
various Government Departments and agencies mentioned
above, to allow easier access and ensure that operators can
get information when required. We will link into their
sites and also provide access to documents and news. Please
consult this web page regularly to keep up to date on
developments.