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Page last updated : 15/06/2009

Methane - CH4

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

Survey period : since 1990

Emissions (LULUCF* included) Variations
Emissions in 2007 : 2 562 kt Variation 2007 / 1990 : -18 %
Maximum observed : 3 125 kt in 1991 Variation 2007 / maximum : -18 %
Minimum observed : 2 562 kt in 2007 Variation 2007 / minimum : 0 %

Main emitters in 2007 (top 3 of total emissions LULUCF* excluded) :
 

1 - Livestock 79 %
2 - Waste treatment 13 %
3 - Extraction and distribution of gaseous fuels 3.5 %

Comments

Emissions of CH4 (LULUCF* excluded) reached 2 518 kt in 2007 in mainland France. CH4 emissions from LULUCF* are due to absorption by forest soils and represent about 44 kt (2% of the sum of the sectors).

The sectors contributing to the CH4 emissions, LULUCF* excluded, are in 2007 :

  • agriculture/forestry (80%)
  • manufacturing industry (13%),
  • energy conversion (4%),
  • residential/tertiary (3%),
  • road transport (less than 1%),
  • other transports (less than 1%).

During the 1990-2007 period, total emissions LULUCF excluded reduced of 18%, i.e. -538 kt.

The major sources of methane in agriculture/forestry were enteric fermentation of ruminants and manure management. Although agriculture/forestry emissions have decreased (-5.5%, i.e. -118 kt) between 1990 and 2007, the intensification of milk production (less cows with more efficiency) contributed to a higher level of the emissions in 2007 than in 1990 for this sector.

In the manufacturing industry sector, land filling is the first source for emissions (97% of this sector emissions, LULUCF* excluded, in 2007), but emissions from this sector increased until 1996, as a result of an increase in the quantities of waste generated. Thereafter, emissions tendency was to fell, 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 1990-2007 period) because of the progressive phasing-out of coal mining in France and the upgrading programme of the gas network.

Although emission level from road transport was very low, they fell of 75% (-12 kt) between 1990 and 2007.

Without any new measures, 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. This CH4 emission decrease should significantly contribute to that induced by the Climate Plan.

 

* LULUCF : Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry

 

 

  
 
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