Whether your business is based in the UK, EU, US or Asia, changes to environmental rules and regulations are on the horizon for 2025.
From biogenic CO2 and emissions trading, carbon capture and dioxin measuring to mercury monitoring, BREF revisions and methane mitigation. We take a closer look at some of the environmental regulatory changes global businesses can expect for 2025 and beyond.
The rules around biogenic CO2 emissions in the UK are changing at the end of 2025. Legislation now states that biogenic CO2 emissions must be monitoring in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK-ETS) from 2026 until 2028. In 2028, all waste incineration plants and refuse derived fuel (RDF) plants will also be included in the UK’s Emissions Trading Scheme.
Monitoring biogenic CO2 emissions is already mandatory in Europe since 2024. The European Commission will perform a review by July 2026 to assess the feasibility of including municipal waste incineration (MWI) installations in the EU ETS from 2028.
Accurately reporting the biogenic CO2 fraction of emissions is not only vital for regulatory compliance, it also has the potential to reduce a business’s carbon footprint and capitalize on carbon credits. Continuous flue gas sampling Carbon-14 measurement, utilized by the AMESA-B, is an industry-recognized method for precise data gathering and analysis.
To find out more about Biogenic CO2, the challenges, financial advantages of accurate monitoring emissions, and real-life benefits, download our latest whitepaper. ‘Biogenic CO2 explained: Why accurate monitoring matters and how it can benefit businesses and the environment’ is available to read for free now.
In 2025, Germany’s Fuel Trading Act has set a fixed CO2 price of 55 Euros per tonne. This price will rise to 65 Euros per tonne in 2026.
In the rest of Europe, and the UK, trading price of biogenic CO2 per tonne of CO2 is also changing. In January 2025, EU Allowance (EUA) prices reached a seven-month high of 76.35 Euros per tonne, up from €64.67 in December 2024. While prices adjust to €74 per tonne a couple of days later, analysts have predicted varied projections for EUA prices.
Some suggest a decline, with forecasts predicting an average price of €50 per tonne and €55 in 2026. While other analysts expect prices to rise, with forecasts of €76.88 per tonne in 2025 and €92.48 in 2026. This theory is largely attributed to changes in policy measures aimed at reducing supply and achieving climate targets.
While the carbon capture project in the United States has been delayed due to a lack of funding, nine countries – in addition to the European Union – have introduced or announced their own strategies for industrial carbon management or roadmaps for carbon capture and storage (CCS) deployment.
Momentum for CCS is also growing in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, particularly in Australia, Japan, China, India and South Korea. Some countries within the APAC region have pledged to achieve net-zero emissions, with interim targets for 2030. Australia is building on their already announced legislated targets.
ENVEA has years’ experience in gas analysis, providing solutions for measuring capture efficiency and purity checks. Fourier Transform Infrared Analyzers (FTIR), such as the 700 FTIR Heated Sampler and 600SC FTIR deliver fast, accurate analysis of virtually any gas with an infrared absorption spectrum. Meanwhile, the ENVEA LAS 5000XD is an in-situ laser (TDLS) gas analyzer that offers high precision, calibration-free gas concentration measurement and a fast response time.
In China, the new standard for continuous long-term dioxin sampling will be implemented at the end of 2025.
Dioxins within waste-to-energy also came into sharp focus within the 2024 Revised Industrial Emissions Directive (IED 2.0). Dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, also known as PCDD) and furans (polychlorinated dibenzofurans) now need to be measured regularly, twice a year or by long-term sampling. PBDD (polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins) and PBDF (or polybrominated dibenzofurans) need to be monitored every three years, during start-up and shut-down periods, as these stages potentially release higher emissions.
To ensure samples are gathered accurately, and at the correct times, organizations are opting for long-term PCDD/F samplers, such as the AMESA-D. Utilizing the water-cooled probe method with Isokinetic sampling system that’s coupled with XAD-II adsorbent cartridge, the AMESA-D offers long-term sampling of dioxins (PCDD), furans (PCDF) and other persistent organic contaminants (also known as POPs).
The first deadline for the EU’s new legislation on methane mitigation is in May 2025. The new rules form part of the Global Methane Pledge, launched at COP26 in January 2025.
The EU’s 2024/1787 regulation states that by 5 May 2025, operators must submit a Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) program that outlines measurement technologies, methodologies and timelines. Type 2 measurements are also required for all assets, alongside annual Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) reports.
ENVEA has pioneered accurate and safe methane measurement solutions for years. Our latest, cutting-edge methane measuring technology, currently in development, will be available in 2026.
ENVEA creates innovative solutions for more efficient and sustainable operations. To find out how we can help your organization, speak to our team today.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal or other professional advice.
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