Ready for Tier 4 Regulations Today…But What About Tomorrow?

At this point, almost every generator operator is compliant with Tier 4 regulations and existing standards for on-site and remote power generation. These rigorous standards have created a framework designed to significantly reduce sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate emissions. For years, generator operators have followed the evolution of these standards and prepared their businesses accordingly.

But what about tomorrow? Is your business prepared for the regulations that may be on the horizon? There is already discussion about “Euro 7” and the EU’s continued push for ever-stricter emissions standards towards a goal of absolute zero. At the present time, EU regulators are discussing plans for new sets of standards that would help them achieve a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal.

It is a goal that EU regulators want to achieve in steps starting as early as 2025. At that time, the roadmap calls for standards that allow for the lowest possible emissions based on present technology. By 2030, they aim for “ultra low” emissions. At 2035, it would require zero emissions for cars, vans, and heavy duty vehicles up to 25 tons. At 2040, that standard would enclude all heavy duty vehicles.

By comparison, Tier 4 standards are mild compared to the effect Euro 7 and other proposed regulations could have on the power generation industry. As with Tier 4, these new standards would apply to diesel power generators. Anyone wishing to sell or operate a generator in a governed territory would be required to comply.

In short, these proposed standards will impact every industry in the EU, and the ripples will spread around the world as manufacturers phase out outdated equipment that doesn’t meet the new compliance standards. And, while new environmental regulations in the US are unlikely under the present administration, the regulatory pause is subject to voters’ will. In coming elections, they may elect legislative bodies that seek to address sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions and ammonia and other known pollutants. These aren’t currently addressed under Tier 4 regulations or Euro 5, but European regulators have already signaled a willingness to include them in future proposals.

The bottom line is that assuming the march toward stricter regulations is over is a mistake, and it is wise to plan for even tighter emissions standards in the future. Whether the operator works in heavy industry or emergency services, it’s advisable to keep a steady eye on regulatory proposals coming out of Washington, Brussels, etc. While they may seem far fetched and distant possibilities, time moves quickly. Not being prepared for tomorrow is a costly mistake that can leave your equipment idling and operations floundering.

For more about proposed regulations that could impact portable or standby power generation, contact Gen-Tech Power Generation Specialists at 800-625-8324. Our teams watch these closely, and we are happy to tell you how our clients are using today to prepare their businesses for tomorrow’s possibilities.

Posted Under: Tier 4 Regulations