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Page last updated : 15/06/2009

Sulphur dioxide - SO2

Source : CITEPA / CORALIE SECTEN format - last updated 18 February 2009

Survey period : since 1960

Emissions Variations
Emissions in 2007 : 435 kt Variation 2007 / 1980 : -86 %
  Variation 2007 / 1990 : -67 %
Maximum observed : 3 607 kt in 1973 Variation 2007 / maximum : -88 %
Minimum observed : 435 kt in 2007 Variation 2007 / minimum : 0 %

Main emitters in 2007 (top 5 of total emissions) :
  1 - Petroleum refining 22 %
2 - Electricity production 21 %
3 - Chemical industry 9.7 %
4 - Residential 7.6 %
5 - Non-metallic mineral and construction materials 7.0 %

Comments

In the year 2007, emissions reached their lowest levels since 1960 (435 kt). It represented 4% improvement compare to 2006.

The energy conversion sector was the main one contributing to SO2 emissions (48% of total emissions in mainland France in 2007), especially due to petroleum refining and electricity production.

Emissions have sharply decreased since 1980 (-86%, i.e. -2 723 kt) when between 1990 and 2007, they fell by
-67%, i.e. -902 kt. All the sectors are concerned by this diminution.

The sharp decrease is a result of :

  • the reduction in fossil fuel consumption following the implementation of the French nuclear power plant programme,
  • energy conservation measures,
  • environmental legislation, i.e. lower sulphur content in domestic fioul since 1 st January 2008 (Directive 99/32/EC – 26 April 1999),
  • productivity improvements in industry especially through the retrofitting of plants and the development of new technologies. Lower sulphur content in petroleum products in the last few years has enabled the most recent progress.

However, the levels observed in 1991 and 1998 are due to particular weather conditions (colder years) and/or technical events (lower availability of nuclear power plants, higher fossil fuel consumption) and/or particular events. It shows how sensitive emissions are in relation to this parameter, especially in energy conversion and residential/tertiary sectors.

The reduction trends should continue in the coming years due to more legislations for large combustion plants and lower sulphur content in petroleum products, such as diesel and gasoline in 2009. This is consistent with the stringent target set under the NEC Directive for 2010, emissions requiring a reduction of about 14% compared to the current level.

 

 

  
 
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