Emissions of acidifying gases and ozone precursors, 1999, preliminary figures

Norway also failed to comply with the agreement to reduce emissions of Non-methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOC) by 1999. Emissions have increased by all of 25 per cent in relation to the 1989 level.

Emissions of NO_x increased by two per cent or 5 000 tonnes from 1998 to 1999. This is due in particular to increased burning of natural gas without using the energy (flaring) in connection with the production of oil and gas and increased ship traffic. Total emissions have increased by four per cent since 1990 and amounted to 228 000 tonnes. Emissions from coastal shipping, fishing and mobile oil rigs, and extraction of oil and gas have increased the most. Overall growth in emissions has, however, been held in check by stricter emission standards for road vehicles. Road traffic emissions have declined 30 per cent since 1990.

In December 1999 Norway signed a new protocol in Gothenburg, Sweden to limit emissions of long-range transboundary pollutants in Europe. Under this protocol, Norway is to reduce NO_x emissions to 156 000 tonnes or by c. 28 per cent from the 1990 level by 2010. Norwegian Pollution Control Authority's programme analysis shows that the most cost-effective measures for reaching the goal seem to be motor-related changes and catalytic filtering on ships, installation of low NO_x gas turbines in the North Sea, filtering of NO_x in the ferro-alloy industry, and operating road haulage vehicles more efficiently.

Emissions of NO_x by source. 1973-1999

Emissions of ammonia (NH₃) are included in the Gothenburg Protocol. Norway has pledged to stabilize these emissions at the 1990 level by 2010. The main source of emissions is the use of nitrogen and manure in agriculture. Overall emissions have increased 16 per cent since 1990. This is due in particular to increased emissions from agriculture, although emissions are also increasing as an undesired side effect of the fact that more cars are fitted with catalytic converters. Emissions declined from 1998 to 1999, largely because of reduced use of ammonia in treating straw.

Emissions of NH₃ by source. 1988-1999

NMVOC emissions were reduced by one per cent from 1998 to 1999 thanks to measures aimed at reducing emissions during the loading of oil onto ships from land terminals and a higher share of cars that satisfy stricter emission standards. Emissions from the loading of oil offshore increased by three per cent during the same period. Emissions have increased 14 per cent since 1990. Under the Gothenburg Protocol Norway has committed itself to reducing NMVOC emissions to 195 000 tonnes or by around 37 per cent from the 1990 level by 2010. The increase is due in particular to emissions from loading oil onto ships. If oil and gas production is excluded, emissions were reduced by 16 per cent, which also falls short of Norway's obligations. The most cost-effective measures are relating to loading and storing crude oil in the North Sea, refineries, emissions of solvents, and further measures at crude oil and gas terminals. Recycling of petrol fumes at large filling stations could also be a relevant step.

Emissions of NMVOC (Non-methane Volatile Organic Compounds) by source. 1973-1999

Statistics on emissions to air are compiled by Statistics Norway and the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority in collaboration. Final emission figures for 1999 broken down by source, industry and municipality will be ready towards the end of 2001. Preliminary figures on emissions of SO₂ in 1999 will be ready in June.