Emissions to air, by municipality, 1991-2008

Municipal emissions of the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) were approximately 36.3 million tonnes CO₂ equivalents in 2008. This is 4.9 million tonnes (15 per cent) more than in 1991. The growth in the greenhouse gas emissions has taken place in most municipalities and for most sources, such as road traffic, industry, oil and gas activity onshore and use of solvents. However, emissions from waste handling and heating (except manufacturing industry) have been reduced from 1991 to 2008.

New technology gave lower emissions of nitrous oxide

Greenhouse gas emissions from the manufacturing industry were reduced by almost 600 000 tonnes CO₂ equivalents from 2007 to 2008. Most of this reduction took place in the four municipalities Porsgrunn, Tysvær, Lindås and Meløy. Investments in catalysers, which reduces emissions of nitrous oxide from the production of mineral fertilizer, caused the reductions in Porsgrunn and Tysvær. In the two other municipalities, the reductions were due to reduced production activity.

In Hammerfest, the emissions decreased dramatically in 2008. In 2007, the natural gas liquefaction plant in the municipality had very high emissions due to initialisation problems. In 2008, the plant started ordinary activities, and emissions were reduced.

Road traffic still the most dominant source of NO_X emissions

NO_X emissions in the municipalities were almost 36 000 tonnes (30 per cent) lower in 2007 than in 1991. This was mainly due to reduced emissions from road traffic. Emissions have been steadily decreasing since 1991, when strict exhaust emission regulations were introduced for petrol vehicles. In spite of this, road traffic is still the most important source of NO_X emissions in the municipalities. In 2007, this source was responsible for 39 per cent of NO_X emissions. Other important sources are other mobile combustion (33 per cent), for example production machinery, and industry and mining (22 per cent).

Tables:

• Table 1 Emissions to air of greenhouse gases, by source and municipality. 2008. 1 000 tonnes CO₂ equivalents
• Table 2 Emissions to air of greenhouse gases, by source and municipality. 2008. Per cent
• Table 3 Emissions to air of greenhouse gases, by source and municipality. Percentual change 1991-2008*
• Table 4 Emissions to air of NO_X, by source and municipality. 2007. Tonnes
• Table 5 Emissions to air of NO_X, by source and municipality. 2007. Per cent
• Table 6 Source distribution in this work