Unlike the emissions legislation for seafaring, where in only a few cases the national legislation complements the generally applicable international regulations of the IMO, the power plant sector is governed by a wide range of legislative requirements that vary considerably.

In the majority of developing and threshold countries which, due to their constantly-growing energy demands and the largely decentralised power supply, number among the key markets for MAN Diesel & Turbo’s power plants business, the projects are financed by the World Bank or its affiliated financial institutions. For this to happen, the World Bank’s environmental, health and safety guidelines must be complied with.

These very complex guidelines distinguish between small, medium-sized and large power plants and regulate both particle emissions and SOx and NOx emissions. The fuel used also plays a role here. The upper emission thresholds vary depending for example on whether liquid fossil fuels, gas or biofuels are used. Requirements for noise emissions and waste management are also included in the guidelines.

In the majority of countries, national legislation also applies that absolutely must be complied with. For example, the European Union currently operates according to a joint directive aimed at EU-wide regulation of emission levels for power plants.