Via the homepage of the Ministry of the Environment, electricity producers have the opportunity until 15 August 2011 to apply for free emission credits at the expense of which investments in the modernisation of the electricity sector can be made. Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus recommends that electricity producers be active in applying for free emission allowances that are intended for investments. “Electricity producers have the opportunity to request free emission allowances directed towards the modernization of the electricity sector and for covering investments to reduce the creation of air polluting greenhouse gases. It is an opportunity to invest in new and less polluting technology with the support of free emission allowances,” explained Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus. In order to receive free emission allowances the submitted investments must conform to the principles prescribed in the Ambient Air Protection Act and help in implementing the objectives of Estonia National Energy Development Plan Until 2020. A national investment plan shall be prepared from the applications conforming to the terms and conditions. The plan shall be submitted for approval to the Commission of the European Communities, which shall make a decision about the investment plans of Member States in the spring of 2012. The Minister of the Environment stressed that a reduction in the emission of greenhouse gasses is a very important objective for Estonia. “As a result, our own environment will become cleaner and, in addition, we will be making our own small contribution to halting climate change. The entry into use of new, environmentally friendly technologies, also means a more efficient and competitive economy. Estonians have never liked to waste or spoil something for no reason, which is why I believe that the need for more sustainable management is well understood. This is demonstrated by the fact that the share of renewable energy in our final consumption is already 20%," added Keit Pentus. In accordance with the Directive, Estonia is permitted to allocate during the transition period (2013-2019) free emission allowances to electricity producers located here and belonging to the European Union's emission credit trading system, which were active as of 31 December 2008 or began relevant investments by 31 December 2008, at the latest. When taking investments into consideration in the plan, the electricity producer may not only apply for investments to be implemented by it, but also to make proposals for the addition of other investments corresponding to the requirements of the Ambient Air Protection Act. Additional information about applications: http://www.envir.ee/1172278 |
