The guidance documents for the 4th trading period of the CO2 emissions trading scheme are now available for download in English on the website of the European Commission.

The 9 guides provide assistance to plant operators on the following topics:

  • General overview of the allocation procedure
  • General allocation rules for existing installations
  • Data requirements
  • Notes on verification according to FAR (Free Allocation Rules)
  • Method report and plan
  • Cross-plant heat flows
  • Residual gases and process emissions
  • Sector-specific notes and explanations
  • Best practice guidance for small emitters under Article 27 of the amended Emissions Trading Directive

For German plant operators, the guidelines of the German Emissions Trading Authority are particularly relevant, as they also provide special information for German plant operators that goes beyond the content of the EU guidelines.