Last year the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) replaced the UK’s participation in the EU ETS. As part of this transition, a new UK system will soon be launched for permitting, monitoring, reporting and verification (PMRV) – replacing the existing ETSWAP system.
Recently the Environment Agency has written to all site operators participating in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme, setting out the timeline of the migration to the new UK PMRV system, with what steps need to be taken to aid this transition.
Firstly, any applications (new permit, variation, transfer, surrender etc.) must be submitted and paid for by the 31st of August. All relevant notifications must be submitted before the 30th of September, as access to the ETSWAP platform will close on October 1st.
If any permit variations are required during the month of September, a notification should be submitted with the appropriate details which will then be acknowledged along with instruction to make changes once the PMRV system becomes operational.
During the period between the closure of ETSWAP and PMRV coming online, any notifications or applications should be made through email to ethelp@environment-agency.gov.uk.
As part of UK Emissions Trading Scheme participation, all operators are required to hold all records submitted in at least the previous 10 years, to ensure that past data can be re-verified if required. The Environment Agency (EA) has advised that only the current permit and relevant supporting documents (for example uncertainty calculations) will be transferred from ETSWAP and so all other records must be downloaded before the 30th of September.
Swan Energy is currently in the process of downloading all historical data available from ETSWAP, on behalf of our clients, before the deadline. This will ensure our records remain up to date and accurate when the PMRV system becomes fully operational on the 5th of December.
The EA has recently sent a survey for each permit holder to confirm primary contact details. To access the link click here. All operators must respond by the 26th of August, so that the correct primary contact is given access to PMRV (the primary contact can then add other relevant users to each site).
For more details about the UK Emissions Trading Scheme, click here.
