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Glossary termPublished inIED 2.0

Emission levels associated with the best available techniques

Also known as BAT-AELs, met de beste beschikbare technieken geassocieerde emissieniveaus

What does "Emission levels associated with the best available techniques" mean under the IED?

The range of emission levels obtained under normal operating conditions using a best available technique or a combination of best available techniques, as described in BAT conclusions, expressed as an average over a given period of time, under specified reference conditions

Defined in / by

Last updated: 14 October 2026.

The ranges permits are measured against

BAT-AELs are the ranges in BAT conclusions that emission limit values are set against. They describe what installations achieve under normal operating conditions with best available techniques, expressed as an average over a given period of time under specified reference conditions.

Since Directive (EU) 2024/1785, Article 15(3) requires the competent authority to set the strictest achievable emission limit values by applying BAT in the installation. Article 15(5) allows emission limit values higher than the BAT-AELs only in specific cases, after an assessment of achieving the BAT-AELs, on grounds that include the geographical location or the local environmental conditions of the installation, and never where compliance with environmental quality standards could be put at risk.

Derogations granted under Article 15(5) before 1 July 2026 remain valid until the competent authority reassesses them, at the latest four years from 1 July 2026 or at the reconsideration of the permit under Article 21, whichever is earlier (Article 3(6) of Directive (EU) 2024/1785). The definition has not changed since 2010. Its 2024 counterparts are the environmental performance levels associated with the best available techniques, for resource use, and the emission levels associated with emerging techniques.

Questions and answers

Is a BAT-AEL a limit value?

No. It is a range of emission levels described in BAT conclusions. The binding number is the emission limit value in the permit.

Can a permit allow emissions above the BAT-AELs?

Only through a derogation under Article 15(5), in specific cases and after an assessment, and never where compliance with environmental quality standards could be put at risk.

Regulations

  • Industrial Emissions Directive (IED 2.0)

    The revised Industrial Emissions Directive is Directive (EU) 2024/1785. Member States had to transpose it by 1 July 2026, and none had notified full transposition by 25 September 2026. Operators need an environmental management system by 1 July 2027, and large pig and poultry farms follow from 2030. The Dutch bill is before the Eerste Kamer.

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