Emissions to air, 1990-2010, preliminary figures

These are some of the results found in the new, preliminary emission figures estimated by Statistics Norway in cooperation with the Climate and Pollution Agency.

The total Norwegian greenhouse gas emissions were 2.5 million tonnes higher in 2010 than in 2009. The large increase should be regarded in relation to the emission reductions in 2008 and 2009, caused by the financial crisis. Increased economic activity in 2010 contributed to higher emissions from manufacturing industries and transport. In addition, a cold winter with high electricity prices led to an increase in emissions from heating. There were only minor changes from 2009 to 2010 in emissions from agriculture and oil and gas-related activities.

Large increase in emissions from metal production

The total greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing industries and mining rose by somewhat more than 0.6 million tonnes (5.4 per cent) from 2009 to 2010. However, the emissions were 7 million tonnes lower than in 1990. The emissions from these industries have had a decreasing trend during the last 20 years. In 2008 and 2009, however, there was a strong emission decline, primarily due to the financial crisis, which also led to reduced demand for goods.

Since autumn 2009, there has been a growth in demand both at home and abroad, which has brought about higher production in many manufacturing industries. This has caused higher greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from production of ferroalloys. This production is the source of CO₂ emissions when carboniferous products, such as coal and coke, are used as reducing agents.

Renewed growth in transport emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions from road traffic increased by 0.3 million tonnes (3.5 per cent) in 2010, amounting to 10.1 million tonnes. These emissions were somewhat more than 30 per cent higher in 2010 than in 1990, but went through a temporary decline in 2008 and 2009. In particular, the transport of goods was affected by the agitated financial market. According to Statistics Norway’s survey on lorry transport, the transport labour (includes both amount transported and distance covered) was reduced from the fourth quarter of 2008 to the second quarter of 2009. In total, the transport labour for vans was somewhat more than 7 per cent higher in 2010 than in the preceding year. The rise in greenhouse gas emissions from all road traffic caused almost a return to the level before 2008. More energy efficient vehicles, a changeover from petrol to auto diesel and intermixture of bio fuels may have helped to diminish the emission growth somewhat.

Emissions from other transport, such as air and sea transport and motorised equipment (construction machines, tractors etc.) also increased strongly in 2010. For the time being, these emissions are burdened with much uncertainty.

New power plan contributed to higher emissions

In 2009, greenhouse gas emissions from energy supply increased strongly due to high activity at the Kårstø gas power plant. In 2010, the start-up of the new power plant at Mongstad caused a further emission increase. This plant mainly delivers electricity and heat to the Mongstad refinery. The commissioning of gas power and district heating plants has resulted in emissions from energy supply being six times higher in 2010 than in 1990.

High heating emissions in 2010

Low temperatures and high electricity prices led to more use of heating oils and kerosene in 2010, which also caused higher emissions from heating than in the preceding year. Electricity is continually being used more for heating purposes. In 2009, heating oil contributed to 4 per cent of the total energy use in households, compared to almost 8 per cent in 1993 (see Statistics Norway’s survey on energy consumption in households ).

Peak figures for CO₂, less nitrous oxides

While total greenhouse gas emissions have increased by 8 per cent from 1990, emissions of CO₂ have grown by more than 30 per cent. The strong growth in oil and gas production in the 1990s is the main cause of the emission increase. In 2010, the emissions of this gas grew by 2.6 million tonnes, amounting to 45.4 million tonnes. This is the highest emission figure in the period where emissions have been calculated, i.e. from 1973.

The emissions of methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases showed only minor changes from 2009 to 2010. Emissions of nitrous oxide from the manufacturing industries have been reduced several years running due to the introduction of environmental technology in the production of fertilisers. A change in technology also contributed to lower emissions of nitrous oxide in 2010, although there was a large production increase.

Tables:

• Table 1 Emissions to air by source. 1990
• Table 2 Emissions to air by source. 2009*
• Table 3 Emissions to air of greenhouse gases. 1973-2010*
• Table 4 Emissions to air of greenhouse gases by industry. 1990, 2009 and 2010*. 1 000 tonnes CO₂ equivalents. Change in per cent