Currently there are 43 plants in Estonia who could trade in greenhouse gas emissions. Owing to the recent Commission Decision, all of them will have the opportunity to participate in the EU emissions trading scheme from January 2005. Trading in CO2 allowances will be possible for plants engaged in the following activities: * energy production * production and processing of metals; * processing of mineral materials; * other activities such as pulp and paper manufacturing. Trading in CO2 allowances inside the European Union will be open from 1 January 2005. The basis for preparing and implementing the European emission trading scheme is a Decision of the Council of Europe of 2002 by which the Community and the Member States are jointly required to fulfil the obligation of reducing greenhouse gas emissions as provided in the Kyoto Protocol. Estonia ratified the Kyoto Protocol in September 2002, thus assuming the obligation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8% in 2008-2012 compared to 1990. By today, the prescribed reduction of CO2 emissions has been achieved by means of considerable restructuring in the Estonian economic sectors, mainly the energy sector, as well as the industry and agriculture sector. Pursuant to the Ambient Air Protection Act passed at the beginning of May, the three-year allocation plan accepted by the European Commission will be enacted by a Regulation of the Government of the Republic. The plan cannot be amended during the 2005-2007 trading period. A reserve has been established in the national allocation plan for new companies founded during the trading period, also called the new entrants. Estonia’s three-year national allocation plan for CO2 emission allowances was submitted to the European Commission in May this year. Further information: Allan Gromov Deputy Secretary General on International Co-operation, Ministry of the Environment Phone (+372) 6262 840; (+372) 50 11 485 Monika Kopti Press Representative, Ministry of the Environment Phone (+372) 626 2993; (+372) 521 2602 E-mail: |
