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Page last updated : 15/05/2008

Sulphur dioxide - SO2

Source : CITEPA / CORALIE SECTEN format - last updated 28 February 2008

Survey period : since 1960

Emissions Variations
Emissions in 2006 : 452 kt Variation 2006 / 1980 : -86 %
  Variation 2006 / 1990 : -66 %
Maximum observed : 3 765 kt in 1973 Variation 2006 / maximum : -88 %
Minimum observed : 452 kt in 2006 Variation 2006 / minimum : 0 %

Main emitters in 2006 (top 5 of total emissions) :
  1 - Petroleum refining 23 %
2 - Electricity production 20 %
3 - Chemical industry 10 %
4 - Residential 8.0 %
5 - Non-metallic mineral and construction materials 7.5 %

Comments

In the year 2006, emissions reached their lowest levels since 1960 (452 kt). It represented 7.5% improvement compare to 2005.

The energy conversion sector was the main one contributing to SO2 emissions (48% of total emissions in mainland France in 2006), especially due to petroleum refining and electricity production.

Emissions have sharply decreased since 1980 (-86%, i.e. -2 761 kt) when between 1990 and 2006, they fell less sharply (-66%, i.e. -880 kt). All the sectors are concerned by this diminution.

Since 1980, the 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,
  • 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, 1998 and 2003 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 and domestic fuel since 1st January 2008 . This is consistent with the stringent target set under the NEC Directive for 2010, emissions requiring a reduction of about 17% compared to the current level.

 

 

  
 
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