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UK ETS for
Energy‑from‑Waste

The UK ETS and why it matters for EfW

The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) is to include Energy‑from‑Waste (EfW) and waste incineration installations.

From 1 January 2026 until 31 December 2027, operators can take part in a voluntary Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) period. This allows operators to build their monitoring systems, test their data, and work with regulators before inclusion and carbon‑cost obligations become mandatory in 2028.

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Who Can Take Part in Voluntary MRV Period?

EfW or waste incineration installations likely to fall within the future scope of the UK ETS can participate. It includes sites meeting permitted capacity  thresholds: 

  • Non‑hazardous waste incineration (3+ tonnes per hour).
  • Hazardous waste incineration (10+ tonnes per day).
  • Low emitters (installations emitting <25 000 tCO2 per year, who are eligible for simplified requirements.

Excluded installations are, high‑temperature hazardous waste incinerators, installations below the capacity thresholds, landfill and anaerobic digestion sites and Northern Ireland EfW plants regulated under the EU ETS.

UK ETS Timeline for EfW.

Understanding the timeline is essential for planning ahead, budgeting and being prepared. EfW enters the full UK ETS in 2028 and no allowances needs to be surrendered before then, but accurate MRV is critical for future compliance. 

Helping EfW Operators navigate the UK ETS.

Swan Energy’s carbon consultants specialise in UK ETS compliance and provide the technical guidance, monitoring expertise and regulatory support EfW operators need to prepare with confidence.

We provide specialist consultancy services tailored to the waste and EfW sector, including:

  • Eligibility Assessments - Determine whether your installation is in scope based on capacity, emissions, and waste types.
  • METS Account Setup - Guidance through the METS registration and application process.
  • VMP Development - Prepare a fully compliant VMP including monitoring methodology and written procedures.
  • MRV Implementation - Hands-on support to establish data collection and missing-data procedures, and good reporting practices.
  • Verification Preparation - Ensure data and VMP is audit ready.
  • Ongoing Compliance Management -Offer full support including management of annual reporting, monitoring plan updates, regulator submissions and verification liaison.

How can we help?

Whether you operate an EfW facility, manage waste contracts or oversee local authority waste services, Swan Energy is well placed to help you prepare for the UK ETS and manage the transition with confidence.

We are experts in Greenhouse gas legislation and carbon reporting and have extensive knowledge and experience in the UK ETS. 

Get in touch to discuss how we can support your compliance, reporting and carbon‑strategy needs.

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Swan Energy Facts & Figures

90+ installations

We support over 90 UK installations with their mandatory energy reporting.

1 million tonnes CO2

Swan Energy reported over one million tonnes of CO2 for ETS clients in the 2024 reporting year.

£49.90/tonne Carbon Price

Average cost of Carbon. Data for 2025.

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We fully understand the requirements to meet the verification standards

We have Verifiers for a UKAS accredited verification body for the UK ETS working as part of the team. This means that as well as preparing reports for verification, we fully understand the requirements to meet the verification standard.

Swan Energy Know How

Do you have more questions about UK ETS? The Swan Energy team has lots of KNOW HOW and we are experts in this field. Tap into our bank of knowledge…

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Sarah Holbrook

Marketing Manager

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Sarah started working with the Swan Energy team in August 2018 as Marketing Manager and is responsible for raising the profile of Swan Energy in the market and helping to drive the strategic growth of the business. She takes the lead on marketing planning and activities.