Page last updated : 15/05/2008

Methane - CH₄

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

Survey period : since 1990

Comments

Emissions of CH₄ (LULUCF* excluded) reached 2 640 kt in 2006 in mainland France . CH₄ emissions from LULUCF* are due to absorption by forest soils and represent about 50 kt (2% of the sum of the sectors).

The major source of methane is agriculture/forestry with 74% (1 974 kt) of total emissions in 2006 without LULUCF* (enteric fermentation of ruminants and manure management). This sector represented 65% of total emissions in 1990, LULUCF* excluded (2 111 kt). Although agriculture/forestry emissions have decreased (-6.5%, i.e. -137 kt) between 1990 and 2006, the intensification of milk production (less cows with more efficiency), contributes to a higher level of the emissions in 2006 than in 1990 for this sector.

The main other sectors contributing to the CH 4 emissions LULUCF* excluded are in 2006 :

The other transports than road transport contribute to a negligible level (about 0.1% of the national total).

In the manufacturing industry sector, land filling is the first source for emissions (99% of this sector emissions, LULUCF* excluded, in 2006), but emissions from this sector increased until 1996, as a result of an increase in the quantities of waste generated. Thereafter, emissions fell and in 2006, reached a lower level than that of 1990 (respectively 467 kt and 553 kt), following the development and improvement of biogas recovery.

In the sector of energy conversion, it should be noted that coal mining and natural gas transport and distribution are significant sources. Emissions from these two last activities are also decreasing (-73% i.e. -249 kt during the 1990-2006 period) because of the progressive phasing-out of coal mining in France and the upgrading programme of the gas network.

Between 2005 and 2006, emissions have decreased of -1.5%, that is to say a diminution of 39 kt.

Therefore, a significant reduction in emissions is expected in the coming years (in agriculture and wastelands), potentially estimated to be 4 % of total emissions, LULUCF* excluded. ThisCH₄ emission decrease should significantly contribute to that induced by the Climate Plan.

* LULUCF : Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry