Industrial Emissions Directive

The Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) is the EU's main framework for controlling emissions from industrial sites and improving their environmental performance. Its requirements are implemented through sector-specific reference documents known as Best Available Techniques Reference Documents (BREFs); for the refining sector, this is the Refining of Mineral Oil and Gas Best Available Techniques Reference Document (REF BREF), which sets out the best available techniques and supports competent authorities in establishing permit conditions for refineries. Its legally binding Best Available Techniques (BAT) conclusions can cover areas such as emissions into air and water, energy and water use, raw materials, chemicals and waste.

On 4 August 2024, the revised IED entered into force, providing a framework to guide the industrial investments needed to support Europe’s transformation towards a zero-pollution, competitive and climate-neutral economy by 2050. The revision also aims to encourage innovation, reward frontrunners and help create a level playing field in the EU market.

The revised framework is intended to provide long-term investment certainty, with the first new obligations for industry expected in the second half of the decade.

FuelsEurope’s position and recommendations 

FuelsEurope supports the Industrial Emissions Directive as the primary instrument for regulating emissions from industrial sites and promoting continuous improvements in environmental performance. In particular, three underlying principles of the Directive should continue to guide its implementation:

  • Best Available Techniques (BAT) conclusions supported by thorough data collection and enabling the derivation of meaningful BAT-associated emission levels. 
  • An integrated approach that protects the environment as a whole, including by addressing cross-media effects. 
  • Consideration of local environmental conditions and the technical characteristics of the installations concerned. 

FuelsEurope will continue to engage in the development of secondary legislation and guidance resulting from the revised IED, including the updated guidance for Best Available Techniques Reference Documents. The future REF BREF revision should strike an appropriate balance between environmental ambition, technical achievability, and the long-term competitiveness of the EU refining and fuel manufacturing industry.

As implementation progresses, regulatory requirements should be supported by robust impact assessments and meaningful stakeholder engagement. This will help ensure that environmental objectives are achieved while supporting the competitiveness of European industry. 

 

What is the Industrial Emissions Directive?

The Industrial Emissions Directive is the EU’s main framework for controlling emissions from industrial sites and improving their environmental performance. Its requirements are implemented through environmental permits supported by sector-specific Best Available Techniques Reference Documents.

How does the Industrial Emissions Directive apply to refineries?

For the refining sector, the relevant document is the Refining of Mineral Oil and Gas Best Available Techniques Reference Document, known as the REF BREF. It sets out Best Available Techniques and supports authorities when establishing permit conditions for refineries.

What is the REF BREF?

The REF BREF is the Best Available Techniques Reference Document for the Refining of Mineral Oil and Gas. It identifies Best Available Techniques for the refining sector and supports the environmental permitting of refineries under the Industrial Emissions Directive.

What is the relationship between the Industrial Emissions Directive and the REF BREF?

The Industrial Emissions Directive provides the EU framework for controlling industrial emissions, while the REF BREF applies that framework to the refining sector. The REF BREF sets out Best Available Techniques and supports authorities in establishing environmental permit conditions for refineries.

What is FuelsEurope’s position on the Industrial Emissions Directive?

FuelsEurope supports the Industrial Emissions Directive as the primary instrument for regulating emissions from industrial sites and promoting continuous improvements in environmental performance. FuelsEurope considers that implementation should remain based on Best Available Techniques conclusions, an integrated approach to environmental protection and consideration of local conditions and installation characteristics.

What does FuelsEurope recommend for the future REF BREF revision?

FuelsEurope considers that the future REF BREF revision should balance environmental ambition, technical achievability and the long-term competitiveness of the EU refining and fuel manufacturing industry. Regulatory requirements should also be supported by robust impact assessments and meaningful stakeholder engagement.