Emissions to air, 2012, preliminary figures

The preliminary emission figures show that 52.9 million tonnes of greenhouse gases were emitted from Norwegian territory in 2012. This is 0.4 million tonnes, or 0.8 per cent, less than in 2011. Apart from 2009, when the emissions were reduced because of low economic activity, the emissions are the lowest since 1995. Emissions per NOK produced (fixed prices), known as emission intensity, continued to drop. As in the preceding year, 2012 saw both a higher activity level in the Norwegian economy and a decline in greenhouse gas emissions. The emissions in 2012 were nevertheless 5.1 per cent higher than in 1990.

Lower emissions from energy supply

In 2012, emissions from energy supply were reduced by 24 per cent or 0.5 million tonnes of CO ₂ equivalents, mainly as a result of very low activity at the gas power plants. Due to low electricity prices in 2011 and 2012, partly due to the record high production of hydro electricity, energy production at the gas power plants has not been profitable. Emissions from gas power plants will generally vary between years, as the activity is adapted to market conditions. In 2012, greenhouse gas emissions from energy supply amounted to 1.6 million tonnes of CO ₂ equivalents, which corresponds to 3 per cent of the total Norwegian emissions.

Reduced heating emissions

In 2012, emissions from heating dropped by 11 per cent from the preceding year, and were the lowest in the period from 1990. This can also be explained by very low electricity prices in 2012, which made electric heating more attractive than the use of oil products. Heating emissions have been almost halved from 1990 and amounted to 1.4 million tonnes of CO ₂ equivalents in 2012.

Higher emissions from oil and gas extraction

According to the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate, the production of oil and gas increased by 3 per cent from 2011 to 2012. This contributed to higher emissions from oil and gas production. Compared to the preceding year, the emissions rose by 0.5 per cent or 0.1 million tonnes of CO ₂ equivalents, amounting to 13.7 million tonnes of CO ₂ equivalents in 2012.

Since 2007, emissions from oil and gas extraction have been the major source of greenhouse gas emissions in Norway. Increased extraction and higher emissions from plants on shore in the period 1990-2012 resulted in the emissions in 2012 being 77 per cent higher than in 1990. This was nevertheless 9 per cent less than in the peak year 2007. In 2012, oil extraction and gas extraction were responsible for 26 per cent of the domestic greenhouse gas emissions, compared to 15 per cent in 1990.

Small emission rise for road traffic

A minor increase in fuel sales led to a corresponding rise in the calculated emissions from road traffic in 2012, which were 0.4 per cent higher than in 2011 and amounted to 10.1 million tonnes of CO ₂ equivalents. This corresponds to 19 per cent of the total Norwegian greenhouse gas emissions. The changeover from petrol to diesel cars from previous years continued in 2012 and is reflected in the emission figures. Emissions from road traffic have increased by 30 per cent since 1990 due to the growing number of vehicles and increased mileage. However, more energy-efficient vehicles, a changeover from petrol to diesel (which causes lower emissions per km) and the addition of bio fuels, have all helped lessen the growth in emissions from road traffic.

Steady emissions from manufacturing industries

The total greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing industries amounted to 11.8 million tonnes of CO ₂ equivalents in 2012, which is at the same level as in 2011. These emissions stem partly from combustion and partly from industrial processes. Since 1990, greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing industries have been reduced by 38 per cent. The decline in the period 1990-2012 is due to improved technology, less use of oil products and plant closures. The manufacturing industries’ share of total greenhouse gas emissions has been reduced from 38 per cent in 1990 to 22 per cent in 2012.

Emissions per capita

Emissions per capita of CO ₂ and total greenhouse gases amounted to 8.8 and 10.5 tonnes of CO ₂ equivalents respectively in 2012. Emissions per capita of total greenhouse gases have dropped by 11 per cent from 1990, whereas emissions per capita of CO ₂ have increased by 7 per cent. The emissions per capita of CO ₂ are at the same level as the average for nations in Western Europe.