Emission levels for power generators in the European Union

In the European Union (EU), power generators used in non-road applications such as construction machinery, agricultural machinery and mobile power generators (e.g. for construction sites, fire departments and event technology) are subject to strict emissions standards. These emission standards, also known as emissions standards, regulate the amount of pollutants that these power generators are allowed to emit, helping to reduce environmental impact and protect human health. From 1999 onwards, stricter emissions standards were gradually introduced in the EU, thus lowering the limit values ​​for nitrogen oxides (NOX), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM). The emissions levels are I, II, IIIA, IIIB, IV and V in accordance with EU Regulation (EU) 2016/1628 or formerly Directive 97/68EC for non-road mobile machinery (NRMM).

 

Emission level 2

 Emission Stage 2, also known as EU Stage II, is an early phase of emissions standards for off-road mobile machinery. It is designed to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter by setting stricter limits. According to EU Regulation 2016/1628, certain emission limit values ​​apply to emissions level 2 for various pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.

 

Emission level 3a

 Emission Stage 3a, also known as EU Stage IIIA, represents an evolution in emissions standards that aims to further improve air quality and strengthen environmental protection. This stage sets stricter limits on emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulates and requires advanced exhaust aftertreatment technologies.

 

Emission level 5

 Emission Stage 5, also known as EU Stage V, represents the current peak of emissions standards for off-road mobile machinery in the European Union, which also includes mobile power generators such as RENTAL units. It sets even stricter limits for emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulates, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide and requires the integration of state-of-the-art exhaust aftertreatment technologies.

 

The following is an overview of the limit values ​​for the individual emission levels:

(Source: SSM Information No. 15, Roger Stirnimann)

 

Conclusion

 Emission standards for off-road mobile machinery in the European Union play a crucial role in reducing environmental impact and protecting human health. Stages 2, 3a and 5 represent important milestones in the development of more stringent emissions standards and require engine manufacturers such as Yanmar, Kohler, FPT Iveco, Deutz, Hatz Diesel, Doosan, Perkins and Baudouin to integrate advanced technologies to meet these standards. By continually improving engine technologies and exhaust aftertreatment systems, these companies are helping to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

 

And worldwide?

 Emissions standards not only apply in the EU, stricter emissions guidelines have also been introduced in many other regions of the world.

The following is a graphic from Hatz Diesel on the global emissions guidelines:

Source: Hatz, https://www.hatz-diesel.com/produkte/technologien/stage-v/