Governance & Policy
EU Industrial Emissions Directive
European Union directive controlling pollution from around fifty thousand large industrial installations through integrated permits based on best available techniques.
Definition
The Industrial Emissions Directive, Directive 2010/75/EU, requires large industrial and agricultural installations — power plants, refineries, chemical works, intensive farms — to hold an integrated permit covering emissions to air, water and land, waste and energy efficiency. Permit conditions must reflect best available techniques set out in EU-level reference documents, tightened further by a 2024 revision extending coverage and introducing environmental management systems.
Quick reference
At a glance
- Subject
- Governance & Policy
- Editorial status
- Editorial draft
- Definition status
- Established
- Last updated
- 19 August 2026
- Also known as
- IED · Directive 2010/75/EU
Overview
What it means
Europe's biggest polluters operate under technology-forcing permits updated as best available techniques evolve.
How it is used
Operators track BAT conclusions; regulators set permit limits; the 2024 revision brings mines and large battery plants into scope.
Why it matters
It is the EU's main instrument for industrial pollution prevention and a global reference for integrated permitting.
Review
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