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Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2139 of 4 June 2021 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council by establishing the technical screening criteria for determining the conditions under which an economic activity qualifies as contributing substantially to climate change mitigation or climate change adaptation and for determining whether that economic activity causes no significant harm to any of the other environmental objectives (Text with EEA relevance)

Type Delegated Regulation

Publication 2021-12-09

Last updated 2026-01-01

State In force

Department European Commission, FISMA

Source EUR-Lex

articles 4

Reform history JSON API

Construction and operation of facilities co-generating heat/cool and power from geothermal energy.

The economic activities in this category could be associated with several NACE codes, in particular D35.11 and D35.30 in accordance with the statistical classification of economic activities established by Regulation (EC) No 1893/2006.

Technical screening criteria


Substantial contribution to climate change adaptation	Substantial contribution to climate change adaptation
1. The economic activity has implemented physical and non-physical solutions (‘adaptation solutions’) that substantially reduce the most important physical climate risks that are material to that activity. 2. The physical climate risks that are material to the activity have been identified from those listed in Appendix A to this Annex by performing a robust climate risk and vulnerability assessment with the following steps: (a) screening of the activity to identify which physical climate risks from the list in Appendix A to this Annex may affect the performance of the economic activity during its expected lifetime; (b) where the activity is assessed to be at risk from one or more of the physical climate risks listed in Appendix A to this Annex, a climate risk and vulnerability assessment to assess the materiality of the physical climate risks on the economic activity; (c) an assessment of adaptation solutions that can reduce the identified physical climate risk. The climate risk and vulnerability assessment is proportionate to the scale of the activity and its expected lifespan, such that: (a) for activities with an expected lifespan of less than 10 years, the assessment is performed, at least by using climate projections at the smallest appropriate scale; (b) for all other activities, the assessment is performed using the highest available resolution, state-of-the-art climate projections across the existing range of future scenarios [^E0706] consistent with the expected lifetime of the activity, including, at least, 10 to 30 year climate projections scenarios for major investments. 3. The climate projections and assessment of impacts are based on best practice and available guidance and take into account the state-of-the-art science for vulnerability and risk analysis and related methodologies in line with the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports [^E0707], scientific peer-reviewed publications and open source [^E0708] or paying models. 4. The adaptation solutions implemented: (a) do not adversely affect the adaptation efforts or the level of resilience to physical climate risks of other people, of nature, of cultural heritage, of assets and of other economic activities; (b) favour nature-based solutions [^E0709] or rely on blue or green infrastructure [^E0710] to the extent possible; (c) are consistent with local, sectoral, regional or national adaptation plans and strategies; (d) are monitored and measured against pre-defined indicators and remedial action is considered where those indicators are not met; (e) where the solution implemented is physical and consists in an activity for which technical screening criteria have been specified in this Annex, the solution complies with the do no significant harm technical screening criteria for that activity.	1. The economic activity has implemented physical and non-physical solutions (‘adaptation solutions’) that substantially reduce the most important physical climate risks that are material to that activity. 2. The physical climate risks that are material to the activity have been identified from those listed in Appendix A to this Annex by performing a robust climate risk and vulnerability assessment with the following steps: (a) screening of the activity to identify which physical climate risks from the list in Appendix A to this Annex may affect the performance of the economic activity during its expected lifetime; (b) where the activity is assessed to be at risk from one or more of the physical climate risks listed in Appendix A to this Annex, a climate risk and vulnerability assessment to assess the materiality of the physical climate risks on the economic activity; (c) an assessment of adaptation solutions that can reduce the identified physical climate risk. The climate risk and vulnerability assessment is proportionate to the scale of the activity and its expected lifespan, such that: (a) for activities with an expected lifespan of less than 10 years, the assessment is performed, at least by using climate projections at the smallest appropriate scale; (b) for all other activities, the assessment is performed using the highest available resolution, state-of-the-art climate projections across the existing range of future scenarios [^E0706] consistent with the expected lifetime of the activity, including, at least, 10 to 30 year climate projections scenarios for major investments. 3. The climate projections and assessment of impacts are based on best practice and available guidance and take into account the state-of-the-art science for vulnerability and risk analysis and related methodologies in line with the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports [^E0707], scientific peer-reviewed publications and open source [^E0708] or paying models. 4. The adaptation solutions implemented: (a) do not adversely affect the adaptation efforts or the level of resilience to physical climate risks of other people, of nature, of cultural heritage, of assets and of other economic activities; (b) favour nature-based solutions [^E0709] or rely on blue or green infrastructure [^E0710] to the extent possible; (c) are consistent with local, sectoral, regional or national adaptation plans and strategies; (d) are monitored and measured against pre-defined indicators and remedial action is considered where those indicators are not met; (e) where the solution implemented is physical and consists in an activity for which technical screening criteria have been specified in this Annex, the solution complies with the do no significant harm technical screening criteria for that activity.
Do no significant harm (‘DNSH’)	Do no significant harm (‘DNSH’)
(1) Climate change mitigation	The direct GHG emissions of the activity are lower than 270 g CO2e/kWh.
(3) Sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources	The activity complies with the criteria set out in Appendix B to this Annex.
(4) Transition to a circular economy	N/A
(5) Pollution prevention and control	For the operation of high-enthalpy geothermal energy systems, adequate abatement systems are in place to reduce emission levels in order not to hamper the achievement of air quality limit values set out in Directives 2004/107/EC and 2008/50/EC.
(6) Protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems	The activity complies with the criteria set out in Appendix D to this Annex.

Future scenarios include Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change representative concentration pathways RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0 and RCP8.5.

[^E0707]: (²)

Assessments Reports on Climate Change: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability, published periodically by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change produces, https://www.ipcc.ch/reports/.

[^E0708]: (³)

Such as Copernicus services managed by the European Commission.

Nature-based solutions are defined as ‘solutions that are inspired and supported by nature, which are cost-effective, simultaneously provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help build resilience. Such solutions bring more, and more diverse, nature and natural features and processes into cities, landscapes and seascapes, through locally adapted, resource-efficient and systemic interventions’. Therefore, nature-based solutions benefit biodiversity and support the delivery of a range of ecosystem services (version of 4.6.2021: https://ec.europa.eu/info/research-and-innovation/research-area/environment/nature-based-solutions_en/).

See Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: Green Infrastructure (GI) — Enhancing Europe’s Natural Capital (COM/2013/0249 final).

4.19. Cogeneration of heat/cool and power from renewable non-fossil gaseous and liquid fuels

Description of the activity

Construction and operation of combined heat/cool and power generation facilities using gaseous and liquid fuels of renewable origin. This activity does not include cogeneration of heat/cool and power from the exclusive use of biogas and bio-liquid fuels (see Section 4.20 of this Annex).

Technical screening criteria


Substantial contribution to climate change adaptation	Substantial contribution to climate change adaptation
1. The economic activity has implemented physical and non-physical solutions (‘adaptation solutions’) that substantially reduce the most important physical climate risks that are material to that activity. 2. The physical climate risks that are material to the activity have been identified from those listed in Appendix A to this Annex by performing a robust climate risk and vulnerability assessment with the following steps: (a) screening of the activity to identify which physical climate risks from the list in Appendix A to this Annex may affect the performance of the economic activity during its expected lifetime; (b) where the activity is assessed to be at risk from one or more of the physical climate risks listed in Appendix A to this Annex, a climate risk and vulnerability assessment to assess the materiality of the physical climate risks on the economic activity; (c) an assessment of adaptation solutions that can reduce the identified physical climate risk. The climate risk and vulnerability assessment is proportionate to the scale of the activity and its expected lifespan, such that: (a) for activities with an expected lifespan of less than 10 years, the assessment is performed, at least by using climate projections at the smallest appropriate scale; (b) for all other activities, the assessment is performed using the highest available resolution, state-of-the-art climate projections across the existing range of future scenarios [^E0711] consistent with the expected lifetime of the activity, including, at least, 10 to 30 year climate projections scenarios for major investments. 3. The climate projections and assessment of impacts are based on best practice and available guidance and take into account the state-of-the-art science for vulnerability and risk analysis and related methodologies in line with the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports [^E0712], scientific peer-reviewed publications and open source [^E0713] or paying models. 4. The adaptation solutions implemented: (a) do not adversely affect the adaptation efforts or the level of resilience to physical climate risks of other people, of nature, of cultural heritage, of assets and of other economic activities; (b) favour nature-based solutions [^E0714] or rely on blue or green infrastructure [^E0715] to the extent possible; (c) are consistent with local, sectoral, regional or national adaptation plans and strategies; (d) are monitored and measured against pre-defined indicators and remedial action is considered where those indicators are not met; (e) where the solution implemented is physical and consists in an activity for which technical screening criteria have been specified in this Annex, the solution complies with the do no significant harm technical screening criteria for that activity.	1. The economic activity has implemented physical and non-physical solutions (‘adaptation solutions’) that substantially reduce the most important physical climate risks that are material to that activity. 2. The physical climate risks that are material to the activity have been identified from those listed in Appendix A to this Annex by performing a robust climate risk and vulnerability assessment with the following steps: (a) screening of the activity to identify which physical climate risks from the list in Appendix A to this Annex may affect the performance of the economic activity during its expected lifetime; (b) where the activity is assessed to be at risk from one or more of the physical climate risks listed in Appendix A to this Annex, a climate risk and vulnerability assessment to assess the materiality of the physical climate risks on the economic activity; (c) an assessment of adaptation solutions that can reduce the identified physical climate risk. The climate risk and vulnerability assessment is proportionate to the scale of the activity and its expected lifespan, such that: (a) for activities with an expected lifespan of less than 10 years, the assessment is performed, at least by using climate projections at the smallest appropriate scale; (b) for all other activities, the assessment is performed using the highest available resolution, state-of-the-art climate projections across the existing range of future scenarios [^E0711] consistent with the expected lifetime of the activity, including, at least, 10 to 30 year climate projections scenarios for major investments. 3. The climate projections and assessment of impacts are based on best practice and available guidance and take into account the state-of-the-art science for vulnerability and risk analysis and related methodologies in line with the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports [^E0712], scientific peer-reviewed publications and open source [^E0713] or paying models. 4. The adaptation solutions implemented: (a) do not adversely affect the adaptation efforts or the level of resilience to physical climate risks of other people, of nature, of cultural heritage, of assets and of other economic activities; (b) favour nature-based solutions [^E0714] or rely on blue or green infrastructure [^E0715] to the extent possible; (c) are consistent with local, sectoral, regional or national adaptation plans and strategies; (d) are monitored and measured against pre-defined indicators and remedial action is considered where those indicators are not met; (e) where the solution implemented is physical and consists in an activity for which technical screening criteria have been specified in this Annex, the solution complies with the do no significant harm technical screening criteria for that activity.
Do no significant harm (‘DNSH’)	Do no significant harm (‘DNSH’)
(1) Climate change mitigation	The direct GHG emissions of the activity are lower than 270 g CO2e/kWh.
(3) Sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources	The activity complies with the criteria set out in Appendix B to this Annex.
(4) Transition to a circular economy	N/A
(5) Pollution prevention and control	Emissions are within or lower than the emission levels associated with the best available techniques (BAT-AEL) ranges set out in the latest relevant best available techniques (BAT) conclusions, including the best available techniques (BAT) conclusions for large combustion plants [^E0716]. No significant cross-media effects occur. For combustion plants with thermal input greater than 1 MW but below the thresholds for the BAT conclusions for large combustion plants to apply, emissions are below the emission limit values set out in Annex II, part 2, to Directive (EU) 2015/2193.
(6) Protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems	The activity complies with the criteria set out in Appendix D to this Annex.

Future scenarios include Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change representative concentration pathways RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0 and RCP8.5.

Such as Copernicus services managed by the European Commission.

[^E0715]: (⁵)

[^E0716]: (⁶)

Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/1442.

4.20. Cogeneration of heat/cool and power from bioenergy

Description of the activity

Construction and operation of installations used for cogeneration of heat/cool and power exclusively from biomass, biogas, or bioliquids, excluding cogeneration from blending of renewable fuels with biogas or bioliquids (see Section 4.19 of this Annex).

The economic activities in this category could be associated with several NACE codes, in particular D35.11 and D35.30 in accordance with the statistical classification of economic activities established by Regulation (EC) No 1893/2006.

Technical screening criteria


1. The economic activity has implemented physical and non-physical solutions (‘adaptation solutions’) that substantially reduce the most important physical climate risks that are material to that activity. 2. The physical climate risks that are material to the activity have been identified from those listed in Appendix A to this Annex by performing a robust climate risk and vulnerability assessment with the following steps: (a) screening of the activity to identify which physical climate risks from the list in Appendix A to this Annex may affect the performance of the economic activity during its expected lifetime; (b) where the activity is assessed to be at risk from one or more of the physical climate risks listed in Appendix A to this Annex, a climate risk and vulnerability assessment to assess the materiality of the physical climate risks on the economic activity; (c) an assessment of adaptation solutions that can reduce the identified physical climate risk. The climate risk and vulnerability assessment is proportionate to the scale of the activity and its expected lifespan, such that: (a) for activities with an expected lifespan of less than 10 years, the assessment is performed, at least by using climate projections at the smallest appropriate scale; (b) for all other activities, the assessment is performed using the highest available resolution, state-of-the-art climate projections across the existing range of future scenarios [^E0717] consistent with the expected lifetime of the activity, including, at least, 10 to 30 year climate projections scenarios for major investments. 3. The climate projections and assessment of impacts are based on best practice and available guidance and take into account the state-of-the-art science for vulnerability and risk analysis and related methodologies in line with the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports [^E0718], scientific peer-reviewed publications and open source [^E0719] or paying models. 4. The adaptation solutions implemented: (a) do not adversely affect the adaptation efforts or the level of resilience to physical climate risks of other people, of nature, of cultural heritage, of assets and of other economic activities; (b) favour nature-based solutions [^E0720] or rely on blue or green infrastructure [^E0721] to the extent possible; (c) are consistent with local, sectoral, regional or national adaptation plans and strategies; (d) are monitored and measured against pre-defined indicators and remedial action is considered where those indicators are not met; (e) where the solution implemented is physical and consists in an activity for which technical screening criteria have been specified in this Annex, the solution complies with the do no significant harm technical screening criteria for that activity.	1. The economic activity has implemented physical and non-physical solutions (‘adaptation solutions’) that substantially reduce the most important physical climate risks that are material to that activity. 2. The physical climate risks that are material to the activity have been identified from those listed in Appendix A to this Annex by performing a robust climate risk and vulnerability assessment with the following steps: (a) screening of the activity to identify which physical climate risks from the list in Appendix A to this Annex may affect the performance of the economic activity during its expected lifetime; (b) where the activity is assessed to be at risk from one or more of the physical climate risks listed in Appendix A to this Annex, a climate risk and vulnerability assessment to assess the materiality of the physical climate risks on the economic activity; (c) an assessment of adaptation solutions that can reduce the identified physical climate risk. The climate risk and vulnerability assessment is proportionate to the scale of the activity and its expected lifespan, such that: (a) for activities with an expected lifespan of less than 10 years, the assessment is performed, at least by using climate projections at the smallest appropriate scale; (b) for all other activities, the assessment is performed using the highest available resolution, state-of-the-art climate projections across the existing range of future scenarios [^E0717] consistent with the expected lifetime of the activity, including, at least, 10 to 30 year climate projections scenarios for major investments. 3. The climate projections and assessment of impacts are based on best practice and available guidance and take into account the state-of-the-art science for vulnerability and risk analysis and related methodologies in line with the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports [^E0718], scientific peer-reviewed publications and open source [^E0719] or paying models. 4. The adaptation solutions implemented: (a) do not adversely affect the adaptation efforts or the level of resilience to physical climate risks of other people, of nature, of cultural heritage, of assets and of other economic activities; (b) favour nature-based solutions [^E0720] or rely on blue or green infrastructure [^E0721] to the extent possible; (c) are consistent with local, sectoral, regional or national adaptation plans and strategies; (d) are monitored and measured against pre-defined indicators and remedial action is considered where those indicators are not met; (e) where the solution implemented is physical and consists in an activity for which technical screening criteria have been specified in this Annex, the solution complies with the do no significant harm technical screening criteria for that activity.
Do no significant harm (‘DNSH’)	Do no significant harm (‘DNSH’)
(1) Climate change mitigation	The activity meets the requirements relating to sustainability, greenhouse gas emission savings and efficiency laid down in Article 29 of Directive 2018/2001.
(3) Sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources	The activity complies with the criteria set out in Appendix B to this Annex.
(4) Transition to a circular economy	N/A
(5) Pollution prevention and control	For installations falling within the scope of Directive 2010/75/EU, emissions are within or lower than the emission levels associated with the best available techniques (BAT-AEL) ranges set out in the latest relevant best available techniques (BAT) conclusions, including the best available techniques (BAT) conclusions for large combustion plants [^E0722], ensuring at the same time that no significant cross-media effects occur. For combustion plants with thermal input greater than 1 MW but below the thresholds for the BAT conclusions for large combustion plants to apply, emissions are below the emission limit values set out in Annex II, part 2, to Directive (EU) 2015/2193. For plants in zones or parts of zones not complying with the air quality limit values laid down in Directive 2008/50/EC, results of the information exchange [^E0723], which are published by the Commission in accordance with Article 6, paragraphs 9 and 10, of Directive (EU) 2015/2193 are taken into account. In case of anaerobic digestion of organic material, where the produced digestate is used as fertiliser or soil improver, either directly or after composting or any other treatment, it meets the requirements for fertilising materials set out in Component Material Categories (CMC) 4 and 5 in Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 or national rules on fertilisers or soil improvers for agricultural use. For anaerobic digestion plants treating over 100 tonnes per day, emissions to air and water are within or lower than the emission levels associated with the best available techniques (BAT-AEL) ranges set for anaerobic treatment of waste in the latest relevant best available techniques (BAT) conclusions, including the best available techniques (BAT) conclusions for waste treatment [^E0724]. No significant cross-media effects occur.
(6) Protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems	The activity complies with the criteria set out in Appendix D to this Annex.

Future scenarios include Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change representative concentration pathways RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0 and RCP8.5.

Such as Copernicus services managed by the European Commission.

[^E0721]: (⁵)

[^E0722]: (⁶)

Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/1442.

The final technology report resulting from the exchange of information with Member States, the industries concerned and non-governmental organisations contains technical information on best available technologies used in medium combustion plants to reduce their environmental impacts, and on the emission levels achievable with best available and emerging technologies and the related costs (version of 4.6.2021: https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/06f33a94-9829-4eee-b187-21bb783a0fbf/library/9a99a632-9ba8-4cc0-9679-08d929afda59/details).

Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1147.

4.21. Production of heat/cool from solar thermal heating

Description of the activity

Construction and operation of facilities producing heat/cool from solar thermal heating technology.

Where an economic activity is an integral element of the ‘Installation, maintenance and repair of renewable energy technologies’ as referred to in Section 7.6 of this Annex, the technical screening criteria specified in Section 7.6 apply.

The economic activities in this category could be associated with NACE code D35.30 in accordance with the statistical classification of economic activities established by Regulation (EC) No 1893/2006.

Technical screening criteria


Substantial contribution to climate change adaptation	Substantial contribution to climate change adaptation
1. The economic activity has implemented physical and non-physical solutions (‘adaptation solutions’) that substantially reduce the most important physical climate risks that are material to that activity. 2. The physical climate risks that are material to the activity have been identified from those listed in Appendix A to this Annex by performing a robust climate risk and vulnerability assessment with the following steps: (a) screening of the activity to identify which physical climate risks from the list in Appendix A to this Annex may affect the performance of the economic activity during its expected lifetime; (b) where the activity is assessed to be at risk from one or more of the physical climate risks listed in Appendix A to this Annex, a climate risk and vulnerability assessment to assess the materiality of the physical climate risks on the economic activity; (c) an assessment of adaptation solutions that can reduce the identified physical climate risk. The climate risk and vulnerability assessment is proportionate to the scale of the activity and its expected lifespan, such that: (a) for activities with an expected lifespan of less than 10 years, the assessment is performed, at least by using climate projections at the smallest appropriate scale; (b) for all other activities, the assessment is performed using the highest available resolution, state-of-the-art climate projections across the existing range of future scenarios [^E0725] consistent with the expected lifetime of the activity, including, at least, 10 to 30 year climate projections scenarios for major investments. 3. The climate projections and assessment of impacts are based on best practice and available guidance and take into account the state-of-the-art science for vulnerability and risk analysis and related methodologies in line with the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports [^E0726], scientific peer-reviewed publications and open source [^E0727] or paying models. 4. The adaptation solutions implemented: (a) do not adversely affect the adaptation efforts or the level of resilience to physical climate risks of other people, of nature, of cultural heritage, of assets and of other economic activities; (b) favour nature-based solutions [^E0728] or rely on blue or green infrastructure [^E0729] to the extent possible; (c) are consistent with local, sectoral, regional or national adaptation plans and strategies; (d) are monitored and measured against pre-defined indicators and remedial action is considered where those indicators are not met; (e) where the solution implemented is physical and consists in an activity for which technical screening criteria have been specified in this Annex, the solution complies with the do no significant harm technical screening criteria for that activity.	1. The economic activity has implemented physical and non-physical solutions (‘adaptation solutions’) that substantially reduce the most important physical climate risks that are material to that activity. 2. The physical climate risks that are material to the activity have been identified from those listed in Appendix A to this Annex by performing a robust climate risk and vulnerability assessment with the following steps: (a) screening of the activity to identify which physical climate risks from the list in Appendix A to this Annex may affect the performance of the economic activity during its expected lifetime; (b) where the activity is assessed to be at risk from one or more of the physical climate risks listed in Appendix A to this Annex, a climate risk and vulnerability assessment to assess the materiality of the physical climate risks on the economic activity; (c) an assessment of adaptation solutions that can reduce the identified physical climate risk. The climate risk and vulnerability assessment is proportionate to the scale of the activity and its expected lifespan, such that: (a) for activities with an expected lifespan of less than 10 years, the assessment is performed, at least by using climate projections at the smallest appropriate scale; (b) for all other activities, the assessment is performed using the highest available resolution, state-of-the-art climate projections across the existing range of future scenarios [^E0725] consistent with the expected lifetime of the activity, including, at least, 10 to 30 year climate projections scenarios for major investments. 3. The climate projections and assessment of impacts are based on best practice and available guidance and take into account the state-of-the-art science for vulnerability and risk analysis and related methodologies in line with the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports [^E0726], scientific peer-reviewed publications and open source [^E0727] or paying models. 4. The adaptation solutions implemented: (a) do not adversely affect the adaptation efforts or the level of resilience to physical climate risks of other people, of nature, of cultural heritage, of assets and of other economic activities; (b) favour nature-based solutions [^E0728] or rely on blue or green infrastructure [^E0729] to the extent possible; (c) are consistent with local, sectoral, regional or national adaptation plans and strategies; (d) are monitored and measured against pre-defined indicators and remedial action is considered where those indicators are not met; (e) where the solution implemented is physical and consists in an activity for which technical screening criteria have been specified in this Annex, the solution complies with the do no significant harm technical screening criteria for that activity.
Do no significant harm (‘DNSH’)	Do no significant harm (‘DNSH’)
(1) Climate change mitigation	N/A
(3) Sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources	N/A
(4) Transition to a circular economy	The activity assesses availability of and, where feasible, uses equipment and components of high durability and recyclability and that are easy to dismantle and refurbish.
(5) Pollution prevention and control	N/A
(6) Protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems	The activity complies with the criteria set out in Appendix D to this Annex.

[^E0725]: (¹)

Future scenarios include Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change representative concentration pathways RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0 and RCP8.5.

[^E0726]: (²)

Such as Copernicus services managed by the European Commission.

[^E0729]: (⁵)

4.22. Production of heat/cool from geothermal energy

Description of the activity

Construction and operation of facilities that produce heat/cool from geothermal energy.

Technical screening criteria


Substantial contribution to climate change adaptation	Substantial contribution to climate change adaptation
1. The economic activity has implemented physical and non-physical solutions (‘adaptation solutions’) that substantially reduce the most important physical climate risks that are material to that activity. 2. The physical climate risks that are material to the activity have been identified from those listed in Appendix A to this Annex by performing a robust climate risk and vulnerability assessment with the following steps: (a) screening of the activity to identify which physical climate risks from the list in Appendix A to this Annex may affect the performance of the economic activity during its expected lifetime; (b) where the activity is assessed to be at risk from one or more of the physical climate risks listed in Appendix A to this Annex, a climate risk and vulnerability assessment to assess the materiality of the physical climate risks on the economic activity; (c) an assessment of adaptation solutions that can reduce the identified physical climate risk. The climate risk and vulnerability assessment is proportionate to the scale of the activity and its expected lifespan, such that: (a) for activities with an expected lifespan of less than 10 years, the assessment is performed, at least by using climate projections at the smallest appropriate scale; (b) for all other activities, the assessment is performed using the highest available resolution, state-of-the-art climate projections across the existing range of future scenarios [^E0730] consistent with the expected lifetime of the activity, including, at least, 10 to 30 year climate projections scenarios for major investments. 3. The climate projections and assessment of impacts are based on best practice and available guidance and take into account the state-of-the-art science for vulnerability and risk analysis and related methodologies in line with the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports [^E0731], scientific peer-reviewed publications and open source [^E0732] or paying models. 4. The adaptation solutions implemented: (a) do not adversely affect the adaptation efforts or the level of resilience to physical climate risks of other people, of nature, of cultural heritage, of assets and of other economic activities; (b) favour nature-based solutions [^E0733] or rely on blue or green infrastructure [^E0734] to the extent possible; (c) are consistent with local, sectoral, regional or national adaptation plans and strategies; (d) are monitored and measured against pre-defined indicators and remedial action is considered where those indicators are not met; (e) where the solution implemented is physical and consists in an activity for which technical screening criteria have been specified in this Annex, the solution complies with the do no significant harm technical screening criteria for that activity.	1. The economic activity has implemented physical and non-physical solutions (‘adaptation solutions’) that substantially reduce the most important physical climate risks that are material to that activity. 2. The physical climate risks that are material to the activity have been identified from those listed in Appendix A to this Annex by performing a robust climate risk and vulnerability assessment with the following steps: (a) screening of the activity to identify which physical climate risks from the list in Appendix A to this Annex may affect the performance of the economic activity during its expected lifetime; (b) where the activity is assessed to be at risk from one or more of the physical climate risks listed in Appendix A to this Annex, a climate risk and vulnerability assessment to assess the materiality of the physical climate risks on the economic activity; (c) an assessment of adaptation solutions that can reduce the identified physical climate risk. The climate risk and vulnerability assessment is proportionate to the scale of the activity and its expected lifespan, such that: (a) for activities with an expected lifespan of less than 10 years, the assessment is performed, at least by using climate projections at the smallest appropriate scale; (b) for all other activities, the assessment is performed using the highest available resolution, state-of-the-art climate projections across the existing range of future scenarios [^E0730] consistent with the expected lifetime of the activity, including, at least, 10 to 30 year climate projections scenarios for major investments. 3. The climate projections and assessment of impacts are based on best practice and available guidance and take into account the state-of-the-art science for vulnerability and risk analysis and related methodologies in line with the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports [^E0731], scientific peer-reviewed publications and open source [^E0732] or paying models. 4. The adaptation solutions implemented: (a) do not adversely affect the adaptation efforts or the level of resilience to physical climate risks of other people, of nature, of cultural heritage, of assets and of other economic activities; (b) favour nature-based solutions [^E0733] or rely on blue or green infrastructure [^E0734] to the extent possible; (c) are consistent with local, sectoral, regional or national adaptation plans and strategies; (d) are monitored and measured against pre-defined indicators and remedial action is considered where those indicators are not met; (e) where the solution implemented is physical and consists in an activity for which technical screening criteria have been specified in this Annex, the solution complies with the do no significant harm technical screening criteria for that activity.
Do no significant harm (‘DNSH’)	Do no significant harm (‘DNSH’)
(1) Climate change mitigation	The direct GHG emissions of the activity are lower than 270 g CO2e/kWh.
(3) Sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources	The activity complies with the criteria set out in Appendix B to this Annex.
(4) Transition to a circular economy	N/A
(5) Pollution prevention and control	For the operation of high-enthalpy geothermal energy systems, adequate abatement systems are in place to reduce emission levels in order not to hamper the achievement of air quality limit values set out in Directives 2004/107/EC and 2008/50/EC.
(6) Protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems	The activity complies with the criteria set out in Appendix D to this Annex.

Future scenarios include Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change representative concentration pathways RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0 and RCP8.5.

[^E0731]: (²)

[^E0732]: (³)

Such as Copernicus services managed by the European Commission.

4.23. Production of heat/cool from renewable non-fossil gaseous and liquid fuels

Description of the activity

Construction and operation of heat generation facilities that produce heating/cool using gaseous and liquid fuels of renewable origin. This activity does not include production of heat/cool from the exclusive use of biogas and bio-liquid fuels (see Section 4.24 of this Annex).

Technical screening criteria


Substantial contribution to climate change adaptation	Substantial contribution to climate change adaptation
1. The economic activity has implemented physical and non-physical solutions (‘adaptation solutions’) that substantially reduce the most important physical climate risks that are material to that activity. 2. The physical climate risks that are material to the activity have been identified from those listed in Appendix A to this Annex by performing a robust climate risk and vulnerability assessment with the following steps: (a) screening of the activity to identify which physical climate risks from the list in Appendix A to this Annex may affect the performance of the economic activity during its expected lifetime; (b) where the activity is assessed to be at risk from one or more of the physical climate risks listed in Appendix A to this Annex, a climate risk and vulnerability assessment to assess the materiality of the physical climate risks on the economic activity; (c) an assessment of adaptation solutions that can reduce the identified physical climate risk. The climate risk and vulnerability assessment is proportionate to the scale of the activity and its expected lifespan, such that: (a) for activities with an expected lifespan of less than 10 years, the assessment is performed, at least by using climate projections at the smallest appropriate scale; (b) for all other activities, the assessment is performed using the highest available resolution, state-of-the-art climate projections across the existing range of future scenarios [^E0735] consistent with the expected lifetime of the activity, including, at least, 10 to 30 year climate projections scenarios for major investments. 3. The climate projections and assessment of impacts are based on best practice and available guidance and take into account the state-of-the-art science for vulnerability and risk analysis and related methodologies in line with the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports [^E0736], scientific peer-reviewed publications and open source [^E0737] or paying models. 4. The adaptation solutions implemented: (a) do not adversely affect the adaptation efforts or the level of resilience to physical climate risks of other people, of nature, of cultural heritage, of assets and of other economic activities; (b) favour nature-based solutions [^E0738] or rely on blue or green infrastructure [^E0739] to the extent possible; (c) are consistent with local, sectoral, regional or national adaptation plans and strategies; (d) are monitored and measured against pre-defined indicators and remedial action is considered where those indicators are not met; (e) where the solution implemented is physical and consists in an activity for which technical screening criteria have been specified in this Annex, the solution complies with the do no significant harm technical screening criteria for that activity.	1. The economic activity has implemented physical and non-physical solutions (‘adaptation solutions’) that substantially reduce the most important physical climate risks that are material to that activity. 2. The physical climate risks that are material to the activity have been identified from those listed in Appendix A to this Annex by performing a robust climate risk and vulnerability assessment with the following steps: (a) screening of the activity to identify which physical climate risks from the list in Appendix A to this Annex may affect the performance of the economic activity during its expected lifetime; (b) where the activity is assessed to be at risk from one or more of the physical climate risks listed in Appendix A to this Annex, a climate risk and vulnerability assessment to assess the materiality of the physical climate risks on the economic activity; (c) an assessment of adaptation solutions that can reduce the identified physical climate risk. The climate risk and vulnerability assessment is proportionate to the scale of the activity and its expected lifespan, such that: (a) for activities with an expected lifespan of less than 10 years, the assessment is performed, at least by using climate projections at the smallest appropriate scale; (b) for all other activities, the assessment is performed using the highest available resolution, state-of-the-art climate projections across the existing range of future scenarios [^E0735] consistent with the expected lifetime of the activity, including, at least, 10 to 30 year climate projections scenarios for major investments. 3. The climate projections and assessment of impacts are based on best practice and available guidance and take into account the state-of-the-art science for vulnerability and risk analysis and related methodologies in line with the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports [^E0736], scientific peer-reviewed publications and open source [^E0737] or paying models. 4. The adaptation solutions implemented: (a) do not adversely affect the adaptation efforts or the level of resilience to physical climate risks of other people, of nature, of cultural heritage, of assets and of other economic activities; (b) favour nature-based solutions [^E0738] or rely on blue or green infrastructure [^E0739] to the extent possible; (c) are consistent with local, sectoral, regional or national adaptation plans and strategies; (d) are monitored and measured against pre-defined indicators and remedial action is considered where those indicators are not met; (e) where the solution implemented is physical and consists in an activity for which technical screening criteria have been specified in this Annex, the solution complies with the do no significant harm technical screening criteria for that activity.
Do no significant harm (‘DNSH’)	Do no significant harm (‘DNSH’)
(1) Climate change mitigation	The direct GHG emissions of the activity are lower than 270 g CO2e/kWh.
(3) Sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources	The activity complies with the criteria set out in Appendix B to this Annex.
(4) Transition to a circular economy	N/A
(5) Pollution prevention and control	Emissions are within or lower than the emission levels associated with the best available techniques (BAT-AEL) ranges set out in the latest relevant best available techniques (BAT) conclusions, including the best available techniques (BAT) conclusions for large combustion plants [^E0740]. No significant cross-media effects occur. For combustion plants with thermal input greater than 1 MW but below the thresholds for the BAT conclusions for large combustion plants to apply, emissions are below the Emission Limit Values set out in Annex II, part 2, to Directive (EU) 2015/2193.
(6) Protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems	The activity complies with the criteria set out in Appendix D to this Annex.

Future scenarios include Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change representative concentration pathways RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0 and RCP8.5.

Such as Copernicus services managed by the European Commission.

[^E0739]: (⁵)

[^E0740]: (⁶)

Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/1442.

4.24. Production of heat/cool from bioenergy

Description of the activity

Construction and operation of facilities that produce heat/cool exclusively from biomass, biogas or bioliquids, excluding production of heat/cool from blending of renewable fuels with biogas or bioliquids (see Section 4.23 of this Annex).

Technical screening criteria


Substantial contribution to climate change adaptation	Substantial contribution to climate change adaptation
1. The economic activity has implemented physical and non-physical solutions (‘adaptation solutions’) that substantially reduce the most important physical climate risks that are material to that activity. 2. The physical climate risks that are material to the activity have been identified from those listed in Appendix A to this Annex by performing a robust climate risk and vulnerability assessment with the following steps: (a) screening of the activity to identify which physical climate risks from the list in Appendix A to this Annex may affect the performance of the economic activity during its expected lifetime; (b) where the activity is assessed to be at risk from one or more of the physical climate risks listed in Appendix A to this Annex, a climate risk and vulnerability assessment to assess the materiality of the physical climate risks on the economic activity; (c) an assessment of adaptation solutions that can reduce the identified physical climate risk. The climate risk and vulnerability assessment is proportionate to the scale of the activity and its expected lifespan, such that: (a) for activities with an expected lifespan of less than 10 years, the assessment is performed, at least by using climate projections at the smallest appropriate scale; (b) for all other activities, the assessment is performed using the highest available resolution, state-of-the-art climate projections across the existing range of future scenarios [^E0741] consistent with the expected lifetime of the activity, including, at least, 10 to 30 year climate projections scenarios for major investments. 3. The climate projections and assessment of impacts are based on best practice and available guidance and take into account the state-of-the-art science for vulnerability and risk analysis and related methodologies in line with the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports [^E0742], scientific peer-reviewed publications and open source [^E0743] or paying models. 4. The adaptation solutions implemented: (a) do not adversely affect the adaptation efforts or the level of resilience to physical climate risks of other people, of nature, of cultural heritage, of assets and of other economic activities; (b) favour nature-based solutions [^E0744] or rely on blue or green infrastructure [^E0745] to the extent possible; (c) are consistent with local, sectoral, regional or national adaptation plans and strategies; (d) are monitored and measured against pre-defined indicators and remedial action is considered where those indicators are not met; (e) where the solution implemented is physical and consists in an activity for which technical screening criteria have been specified in this Annex, the solution complies with the do no significant harm technical screening criteria for that activity.	1. The economic activity has implemented physical and non-physical solutions (‘adaptation solutions’) that substantially reduce the most important physical climate risks that are material to that activity. 2. The physical climate risks that are material to the activity have been identified from those listed in Appendix A to this Annex by performing a robust climate risk and vulnerability assessment with the following steps: (a) screening of the activity to identify which physical climate risks from the list in Appendix A to this Annex may affect the performance of the economic activity during its expected lifetime; (b) where the activity is assessed to be at risk from one or more of the physical climate risks listed in Appendix A to this Annex, a climate risk and vulnerability assessment to assess the materiality of the physical climate risks on the economic activity; (c) an assessment of adaptation solutions that can reduce the identified physical climate risk. The climate risk and vulnerability assessment is proportionate to the scale of the activity and its expected lifespan, such that: (a) for activities with an expected lifespan of less than 10 years, the assessment is performed, at least by using climate projections at the smallest appropriate scale; (b) for all other activities, the assessment is performed using the highest available resolution, state-of-the-art climate projections across the existing range of future scenarios [^E0741] consistent with the expected lifetime of the activity, including, at least, 10 to 30 year climate projections scenarios for major investments. 3. The climate projections and assessment of impacts are based on best practice and available guidance and take into account the state-of-the-art science for vulnerability and risk analysis and related methodologies in line with the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports [^E0742], scientific peer-reviewed publications and open source [^E0743] or paying models. 4. The adaptation solutions implemented: (a) do not adversely affect the adaptation efforts or the level of resilience to physical climate risks of other people, of nature, of cultural heritage, of assets and of other economic activities; (b) favour nature-based solutions [^E0744] or rely on blue or green infrastructure [^E0745] to the extent possible; (c) are consistent with local, sectoral, regional or national adaptation plans and strategies; (d) are monitored and measured against pre-defined indicators and remedial action is considered where those indicators are not met; (e) where the solution implemented is physical and consists in an activity for which technical screening criteria have been specified in this Annex, the solution complies with the do no significant harm technical screening criteria for that activity.
Do no significant harm (‘DNSH’)	Do no significant harm (‘DNSH’)
(1) Climate change mitigation	The activity meets the requirements relating to sustainability, greenhouse gas emission savings and efficiency laid down in Article 29 of Directive 2018/2001.
(3) Sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources	The activity complies with the criteria set out in Appendix B to this Annex.
(4) Transition to a circular economy	N/A
(5) Pollution prevention and control	For installations falling within the scope of Directive 2010/75/EU, emissions are within or lower than the emission levels associated with the best available techniques (BAT-AEL) ranges set out in the latest relevant best available techniques (BAT) conclusions, including the best available techniques (BAT) conclusions for large combustion plants [^E0746], ensuring at the same time that no significant cross-media effects occur. For combustion plants with thermal input greater than 1 MW but below the thresholds for the BAT conclusions for large combustion plants to apply, emissions are below the emission limit values set out in Annex II, part 2, to Directive (EU) 2015/2193. For plants in zones or parts of zones not complying with the air quality limit values laid down in Directive 2008/50/EC, results of the information exchange [^E0747], which are published by the Commission in accordance with Article 6, paragraphs 9 and 10 of Directive (EU) 2015/2193 are taken into account. For anaerobic digestion of organic material, where the produced digestate is used as fertiliser or soil improver, either directly or after composting or any other treatment, it meets the requirements for fertilising materials set out in Component Material Categories (CMC) 4 and 5 in Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 or national rules on fertilisers or soil improvers for agricultural use. For anaerobic digestion plants treating over 100 tonnes per day, emissions to air and water are within or lower than the emission levels associated with the best available techniques (BAT-AEL) ranges set for anaerobic treatment of waste in the latest relevant best available techniques (BAT) conclusions, including the best available techniques (BAT) conclusions for waste treatment [^E0748]. No significant cross-media effects occur.
(6) Protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems	The activity complies with the criteria set out in Appendix D to this Annex.

Future scenarios include Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change representative concentration pathways RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0 and RCP8.5.

Such as Copernicus services managed by the European Commission.

[^E0744]: (⁴)

[^E0745]: (⁵)

Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/1442.

[^E0748]: (⁸)

Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1147.

4.25. Production of heat/cool using waste heat

Description of the activity

Construction and operation of facilities that produce heat/cool using waste heat.

Technical screening criteria

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[^E0707]: (2)

[^E0708]: (3)

4.19. Cogeneration of heat/cool and power from renewable non-fossil gaseous and liquid fuels

[^E0715]: (5)

[^E0716]: (6)

The economic activities in this category could be associated with several NACE codes, in particular D35.11 and D35.30 in accordance with the statistical classification of economic activities established by Regulation (EC) No 1893/2006.

[^E0721]: (5)

[^E0722]: (6)

4.21. Production of heat/cool from solar thermal heating

[^E0725]: (1)

[^E0726]: (2)

[^E0729]: (5)

[^E0731]: (2)

[^E0732]: (3)

4.23. Production of heat/cool from renewable non-fossil gaseous and liquid fuels

[^E0739]: (5)

[^E0740]: (6)

Construction and operation of facilities that produce heat/cool exclusively from biomass, biogas or bioliquids, excluding production of heat/cool from blending of renewable fuels with biogas or bioliquids (see Section 4.23 of this Annex).

[^E0744]: (4)

[^E0745]: (5)

[^E0748]: (8)

[^E0707]: (²)

[^E0708]: (³)

[^E0715]: (⁵)

[^E0716]: (⁶)

[^E0721]: (⁵)

[^E0722]: (⁶)

[^E0725]: (¹)

[^E0726]: (²)

[^E0729]: (⁵)

[^E0731]: (²)

[^E0732]: (³)

[^E0739]: (⁵)

[^E0740]: (⁶)

[^E0744]: (⁴)

[^E0745]: (⁵)

[^E0748]: (⁸)