Emissions of acidifying gases and ozone precursors, 1990-2005, final figures

These are some of the results of calculations carried out by Statistics Norway and the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority. The emission figures for NO _x have been adjusted down considerably compared to previous publications, due to methodological improvements. As a result, Norway is closer to the emission ceiling set in the Gothenburg Protocol (see box below).

In 2005, Norwegian emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO _X ) totalled 197 000 tonnes, a decline of 1.5 per cent compared with 2004. Even though this also represents a 7 per cent decrease since 1990, emissions must be cut by a further 21 per cent, or 41 000 tonnes, in order for Norway to fulfil its commitment under the Gothenburg Protocol and keep emissions below 156 000 tonnes by 2010. The required cut almost equals the total emissions from Norway's oil and gas activities (46 000 tonnes).

Domestic shipping and fishing, oil and gas activities and road traffic were together responsible for nearly 80 per cent of NO _x emissions in 2005. The remainder was mainly caused by the use of oil for heating purposes and other combustion, air traffic and the use of motorized equipment. Domestic sea transport and fishing was the largest source of NO _X emissions in 2005 and contributed to 37 per cent of the total (73 000 tonnes). The emissions from this source have risen considerably since 1990 and are now 13 per cent above the level of emissions in 1990. Of the remaining 73 000 tonnes, 23 000 tonnes were emitted from fishing vessels, the rest from coastal traffic, ferries, high-speed crafts, supply ships, mobile oil rigs etc.

Oil and gas activities accounted for 46 000 tonnes, or 24 per cent of the NO _x emissions in 2005. As is the case for domestic shipping and fishing, oil and gas activity is an important source of NO _x emissions for two reasons: Not only are emissions large, but they have also risen considerably since 1990. Emissions from oil and gas activities have increased by 65 per cent during the period 1990-2005.

Still, not all NO _x emissions show an upward trend. Even though Norwegian passenger cars cover more kilometres than ever, the emissions of NO _X have been cut by half since 1990. The main reason for this decline is that the use of catalytic converters was made mandatory in petrol-powered vehicles in 1989 and subsequent stricter regulations. As a result, emissions of NO _x have gradually declined. In 2005, road traffic accounted for 36 000 tonnes, or 18 per cent of total NO _x emissions. Emissions from heavy diesel-powered vehicles have also declined following the adoption of emission regulations from such sources in 1993.

The emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO ₂ ) were 24 000 tonnes in 2005. According to the Gothenburg Protocol, Norway must limit annual emissions of SO ₂ to 22 000 tonnes by 2010. Thus, the emissions still have to be reduced somewhat over the next years. The Norwegian authorities and the manufacturing industry have entered into an agreement in order to reach the emission ceiling for SO ₂ .

In 2005, the emissions of ammonia were 23 000 tonnes. This figure is identical to the emission ceiling set in the Gothenburg Protocol. If Norway manages to stabilise the emissions at this level, the protocol commitment on ammonia will be met.

Target for NMVOC within reach

The emissions of NMVOC (Non-Methane Volatile Organic Compounds) are not to exceed 195 000 tonnes in 2010. In 2005, the emissions fell to 222 000 tonnes, while they reached an all time high of 389 000 tonnes in 2001. The decline is primarily due to reduced emissions during loading and storing of crude oil offshore. These emissions have been reduced by almost two thirds since 2001, following regulations by the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority. Obligatory measures to reduce emissions of NMVOC are to be phased in during 2004-2007. By the end of 2007, 95 per cent of all loading and storing of crude oil offshore must take place using technology limiting the emissions of NMVOC.

Emissions of NMVOC from road traffic have also been greatly reduced. This decline is due to the regulations on exhaust emissions, especially the mandatory use of catalytic converters since 1989.

At present, the emission ceiling for NMVOC set in the Gothenburg Protocol is within reach, owing to the measures related to loading and storing of crude oil mentioned above and increased effect of emission regulation on petrol-powered vehicles.

Tables:

• Table 1 Emissions to air by source. 1990
• Table 2 Emissions to air by source. 2004
• Table 3 Emissions to air by source. 2005
• Table 4 Emissions to air of NOx, SO2, NH3 and NMVOC. 1973-2005*
• Table 5 Emissions to air of SO2, NOx, NH3 and NMVOC by sector. 2005