Best Available Techniques for Ukraine

How the EU Industrial Emissions Directive paves the way for a sustainable future in Ukraine with support from the IKI. 

Is it possible to lay the foundations for modern legislation on industrial pollution in times of war? And will any companies even be ready to start implementing such legislation? The answer to both questions seems to be a clear “yes.”

The Industrial Emissions Directive (Directive 2010/75/EU) is the most important piece of EU legislation for mitigating emissions from large industrial plants. It sets ecological requirements applicable in all EU member states according to the concept of Best Available Techniques (BAT). The directive addresses the environmental impact caused by industrial activities, aiming to reduce pollutant emissions, promote the use of Best Available Techniques and enhance resource efficiency. By providing a comprehensive framework for licensing and monitoring industrial emissions, this directive facilitates a harmonised approach across EU member states, leading to a significant reduction in environmental pollution. Ukraine is planning to implement this directive in its national legislation and improve industrial production practices accordingly. 

Benefits from implementing the Industrial Emissions Directive

Implementing the Industrial Emissions Directive brings substantial benefits for Ukraine. Firstly, it helps modernise the country's industrial sector by promoting the use of cleaner technologies, resulting in improved environmental outcomes and reduced emissions. In turn, this contributes to safeguarding public health and preserving the natural environment. Ukraine is planning to implement this directive in its national legislation and improve industrial production practices accordingly. Moreover, the implementation of Best Available Techniques as advocated by the Industrial Emissions Directive is particularly advantageous for Ukraine in light of the ongoing war in the country, as it provides a pathway for revitalising and modernising industrial infrastructure, contributing to post-war reconstruction efforts and fostering sustainable economic recovery.

Support from the International Climate Initiative (IKI) 

The IKI project “Best Available Techniques for Ukraine” supports the Ukrainian Government with 

• legal advisory services in connection with the directive,
• capacity building activities,
• the development of software for permitting processes,
• a grant program for a number of companies that are already planning the practical implementation of BAT at this early stage. 

The project is meant to demonstrate the feasibility of the implementation within Ukrainian industry and to show examples of successful modernisation. It can simultaneously serve as a blueprint for potential national and international support programmes in the future.

Project start under difficult conditions 

Despite the highly challenging framework conditions, the application process for the grants began in January 2023. It was conducted in two phases: the first phase established the eligibility of projects, while the second confirmed their suitability and allowed for a ranking of the projects. 25 applications in the first stage as well as many requests from companies underlined the great interest in the program among Ukrainian industrial firms. As expected, due to the limited experience with the Industrial Emissions Directive in Ukraine, a number of those did not meet the eligibility criteria, and others did not comply with all commercial criteria. The seven projects that comply with all criteria represent the most important Ukrainian industry sectors and are located in different regions of the country. After a final approval, a number of them will be able to demonstrate the feasibility of BAT implementation for air and water emissions as well as relating to energy efficiency and waste treatment. 

Tool for reducing emissions 

In conclusion, the Industrial Emissions Directive serves as a pivotal tool for reducing emissions from industrial plants, and its implementation holds great promise for Ukraine, offering a pathway towards cleaner and more sustainable industrial practices while fostering economic growth and post-war reconstruction.

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