ETS glossary

Acidifying gases

Atmospheric species that can be transported over long distances and contribute to acidification, eutrophication and ground-level ozone production. The four air pollutants covered by the National Emission Ceiling (NEC) Directive (2001/81/EC)  are sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia and volatile organic compounds.

Emissions Trading Allowance

Permission to emit to the atmosphere, one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent, during a specified trading period. The allowance is only valid for the purpose of the Directive and can only transferable in accordance with the Directive.

Greenhouse Gases

Those gases listed in Annex II of the EU Emissions Trading Directive 2003/87/EC:

Carbon dioxide* (CO2) Methane (CH4) Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6)

*Only CO2 is involved in the initial phase of trading.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Permit

A permit issued in accordance with Articles 5 and 6 of S.I. 437 of 2004.

Installation

Any stationary technical unit where one or more activities listed in Schedule I of S.I. 437 of 2004 are carried out. Also any other directly associated activities that have a technical connection with the activities carried out on that site and which could have an effect on emissions and pollution.

New Entrant

1st Trading Period (2005 to 2007)
Any installation carrying out one or more of the activities listed in Schedule I of S.I. 437 of 2004 which has obtained:

  • A greenhouse gas emissions permit or
  • An update of its greenhouse gas emissions permit

because of a change in the nature or functioning or an extension of the installation after 31 March 2004.

2nd Trading Period (2008-2012)

Any installation carrying out one or more of the activities listed in Schedule I of S.I. 437 of 2004 which has obtained:

  • A greenhouse gas emissions permit or
  • An update of its greenhouse gas emissions permit

because of a change in the nature or functioning or an extension of the installation after 30 June 2006.

Operator

Anyone who operates or controls an installation or, where this is provided for in national legislation, to whom decisive economic power over the technical functioning of the installation has been delegated.