The NOx Fund increases the urea support

Due to high energy prices, especially for gas, the price of urea has also increased considerably (gas is an important input factor in the production of ammonia and urea). This creates financial challenges for the companies that have SCR systems, which in turn might reduce the use of SCR and increase NOx emissions. The NOx Fund's incentives for the use of the facilities are therefore strengthened to avoid exceeding the emission ceilings and possible subsequent sanctions. The use of urea in SCR systems in NOx taxable shipping reduces NOx emissions by up to 10,000 tonnes per year. It is obvious that the business community will not achieve the goals in the NOx Agreement if emission units with SCR systems stop cleaning NOx due to an increase in the price of urea.

Triple the support rate

The NOx Fund increases the support rate from NOK 2.50 to NOK 7.50 per kilo urea. The NOx Fund has based on paid invoices submitted by users, and answers to the survey from both suppliers and users, determined the new support rate.

The set level is based on an overall assessment of:

• Today's price level (based on the highest and average prices) with the expectation of a continued price increase.
• The companies' own share and profitable operation of SCR facilities.

Submission of invoices for reimbursement of expenses for urea

To be able to follow price changes over time, the NOx Fund encourages to submit paid urea invoices for reimbursement as soon as possible after the invoice has been paid.

The change will take effect for the purchase of urea with delivery date from 1 April 2022.