The implementation of the National Emission Reduction Plan for large combustion plants and the deadline for the implementation of corresponding Directive 2010/75/EU must be extended until January 1, 2038, since its implementation within the established time frame, until 2028-2033, almost impossible, the European Business Association (EBA) said.

"We have to put ourselves in the place of an investor who supported the state’s need to modernize its energy system and relied on the financial support offered by it. Instead, we see a situation in which all Ukrainians have become hostages. We need to resume dialogue as soon as possible to overcome this crisis while it is not too late," Industrial Ecology and Sustainable Development Committee Coordinator of the European Business Association Olha Boiko said.

The EBA estimates total amount of investment required for the implementation of National Emission Reduction Plan at EUR 4.1 billion. At the same time, the largest share of investments (about 82%) should be made in 2021-2027. The association considers it almost impossible for the plant operators to make capital-intensive long-term investments in environmental measures provided by the National Emission Reduction Plan.

The association also proposes to develop and envisage sources and mechanisms for financing the National Emission Reduction Plan activities, update the list of facilities and review the sequence of project implementation for the installation of dust and gas treatment equipment and mechanisms.

The association recalled that the National Emission Reduction Plan aims to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 72% by 2033 and sulfur and dust emissions by 95% by 2028. In case of non-compliance with the requirements of the National Emission Reduction Plan, the large combustion plant operators will have to stop the work of power units.