Emissions of acidifying gases and ozone precursors, 1990-2010, preliminary figures

These are the results in new calculations of preliminary figures for 2010 in the Norwegian emission inventory, which is compiled by Statistics Norway in collaboration with the Climate and Pollution Agency.

The emissions of the acidifying substances NO_X, SO₂, NH₃ rose by 4 per cent in 2010, measured as acid equivalents . This was mainly due to the increase in SO₂ emissions, which rose by 16 per cent. NO_X emissions went up four per cent, while NH₃ emissions fell less than one per cent.

Emissions of NMVOC (non-methane volatile organic compounds) continued the decline of recent years, and were reduced by 4.5 per cent in 2010. The emissions of carbon monoxide were about the same as in 2009.

NO_x emissions increased slightly …

Emissions of NO_x(nitrogen oxides) increased by 4.5 per cent. Higher activity in the production of iron, steel and ferro-alloys contributed most to the increase. Other sources, such as coastal traffic, motorised equipment and energy supply were also important contributors to the increase.

Technical measures have been introduced to reduce NO_X emissions, but they have not been sufficient to compensate for the increase in activities.

Important sources of these emissions in 2010 were road traffic (20 per cent), other transport and motorised equipment (39 per cent), and combustion in oil and gas-related activities (27 per cent).

… SO₂ emissions increased substantially …

About 70 per cent of the SO₂ emissions derive from the manufacturing industries. These emissions increased by 16 per cent in 2010, mainly due to higher activities in the production of iron, steel and ferro-alloys. Total SO₂ emissions are still well below target, and were also lower than in 2008.

… NH₃ and CO emissions were stable …

Around 90 per cent of NH₃ emissions derive from agriculture, and most of this is from manure. The emissions from manure increased slightly, while emissions from use of fertilisers went down 20 per cent. This was due to changes in the types of fertilisers used. Total emissions were about the same as the year before.

Increased input of coal and coke in manufacturing industries brought about an increase in the emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), but this increase was counteracted by a decrease in emissions from petrol cars.

… while NMVOCs fell

The consistent trend in the last 10 years of reduced emissions of NMVOCs also continued in 2010, with a reduction of more than 4 per cent. Improved loading technology offshore has been the main cause, but in 2010 the reductions are linked to reduced production and consequently less oil loaded. Fewer petrol cars also contributed to smaller emissions.

See also emissions of greenhouse gases and national accounts and the environment published today.

Tables:

• Table 1 Emissions to air by source. 1990
• Table 2 Emissions to air, by source. 2008
• Table 3 Emissions to air, by source. 2009*
• Table 4 Emissions to air of NO_X, SO₂, NH₃, NMVOCs and CO. 1973-2010*
• Table 5 Emissions to air of SO₂, NO_X, NH₃, NMVOCsand CO, by industry. 2009. Tonnes
• Table 6 Emissions to air of SO₂, NO_X, NH₃, NMVOCsand CO by industry. 2010*. Tonnes