The new Industrial Emissions Directive (IED 2.0) entered into force on Sunday, August 4, 2024. This directive, which is the main EU instrument for regulating pollutant emissions from industrial installations and intensive rearing of pigs and poultry, replaces the previous Directive 2010/75/EU. Its objectives include reducing emissions into air, water, and soil, as well as preventing waste generation from large industrial and livestock installations.
The revised directive, in line with the ambitions set out in the European Green Deal, promotes innovation through the newly established Innovation Centre for Industrial Transformation and Emissions (INCITE), and encourages resource efficiency and decarbonisation, guiding European industry towards the goal of zero pollution by 2050.
The updated rules include stricter emission limit values for all environmental media. It is expected that the implementation of this directive will reduce emissions of key pollutants, such as PM2.5, SO2, NOx, and NMVOC (non-methane volatile organic compounds), by up to 40% compared to 2020 levels. The directive introduces new permitting rules, including the application of the Industrial Emissions Portal Regulation (IEPR), which will enable public access to relevant information and improve reporting. Additionally, the revised directive imposes stricter penalties for environmental violations and increases the powers of competent authorities to suspend the operation of non-compliant installations. For the first time in EU legislation, citizens are granted the right to seek compensation for damages to their health caused by illegal pollution.
IED 2.0 also covers additional sources of pollution, such as metal mining and large-scale battery production. The inclusion of these sectors under the directive’s scope is expected to reduce their negative environmental impact, thereby improving public acceptance and reducing investment risks. The directive also foresees the adoption of Best Available Techniques (BAT) Conclusions for waste landfills.
Member States have 22 months to transpose these provisions into their national legislation, while the new operating rules for farms are expected to become applicable between 2030 and 2032, depending on their size. Reporting on data to the new Industrial Emissions Portal is expected to begin in 2028.