Emissions of acidifying gases and ozone precursors, 1990-2008, preliminary figures

These are some of the results from the preliminary calculations of emissions to air, which are performed by Statistics Norway in cooperation with the Norwegian Pollution Authority (SFT). A thorough description of the emission figures can be found here .

Lower NO_x emissions, but further reductions needed

The Norwegian emissions of NO_x(nitrogen oxides) totalled 179 000 tonnes in 2008. This is approximately 15 000 tonnes, or 8 per cent less than in the preceding year. To meet the obligation for 2010 in the Gothenburg Protocol (156 000 tonnes), the emissions must be reduced by a further 22 600 tonnes. Accordingly, an annual reduction almost as large as from 2007 to 2008 is needed in 2009 and 2010. The decrease from 2007 is particularly due to a reduction in the use of fuels, such as auto diesel and marine diesel. In addition, renewal of the car fleet and strict exhaust requirements have led to emission reductions. Less flaring at the LNG installation (installation for receiving and processing natural gas) on Melkøya outside Hammerfest also contributes to the decrease in NO_X emissions. Half of the emission reduction from 2007 to 2008 was due to domestic sea transport and fisheries.

NMVOC emissions well below the obligation for 2010

Emissions of NMVOC (non-methane volatile organic compounds) totalled 170 700 tonnes in 2008. This is 14 per cent less than the preceding year and far below the obligation for 2010 in the Gothenburg Protocol (195 000 tonnes). From the peak in 2001, the emissions have been reduced by 57 per cent. A total of 85 per cent of the decrease from 2007 to 2008 is due to lower emissions from the loading and storing of oil on the continental shelf.

SO₂ emissions at stable, low level

Emissions of SO₂(sulphur dioxide) in 2008 were 20 200 tonnes, which is somewhat more than in 2007. The increase is primarily due to higher emissions from a ferroalloy producing plant. The SO₂ emissions seem to have settled at a level a little below the target in the Gothenburg Protocol (22 000 tonnes).

NH₃ emissions stable

Emissions of NH₃(ammonia) were unchanged from 2007 to 2008, at 22 600 tonnes. These emissions, which mainly stem from agriculture, have been at the same level for several years, and are just below the obligation in the Gothenburg Protocol (23 000 tonnes).

Preliminary figures

The figures presented in this article are preliminary, but are relatively reliable. This particularly applies to total emission figures. The sales statistics for petroleum products, based on reports from the oil companies on sales of oil products to different consumer groups, form the basis for calculating combustion emissions. Possible errors and insecurities in this statistics will have a direct effect on levels and trends in the emission statistics.

Detailed tables for 2008, including distributions between source and industry, will not be published until February 2010.

Documentation of the emission calculations

The Norwegian Emission Inventory 2008. Documentation of methodologies for estimating emissions of greenhouse gases and long-range transboundary air pollutants .

Tables:

• Table 1 Emissions to air by source. 1990
• Table 2 Emissions to air by source. 2006
• Table 3 Emissions to air by source. 2007*
• Table 4 Emissions to air of NOX, SO2, NH3 and NMVOC. 1973-2008*
• Table 5 Emissions to air of SO2, NOX, NH3 and NMVOC, by sector. 2007*