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Emissions of Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxides from Large Combustion Plants14: 1996-2005
Annual emissions (thousand tonnes)
Source | SO 2 | NO x |
|---|
Electricity supply | 1996 | 2000 | 200515 | 1996 | 2000 | 2005 15 |
|---|
Refinery | 11.3 | 6.0 | 1.4 | 2.9 | 2.9 | 1.9 |
|---|
Other industry | 3.8 | 2.3 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 3.4 | 2.7 |
|---|
Sulphur dioxide (SO 2) and oxides of nitrogen (NO x) affect human health through respiratory damage, and ecosystem health through acidification. SO 2 and NO x are released into the atmosphere through the combustion of fossil fuels. In 2005, large combustion plants ( LCPs) accounted for 83% of the SO 2 emissions and 63% of NO x emissions in the UK. 3
The Large Combustion Plants Directive (since revised by 2001/80/EC) called for a 60% reduction in SO 2 emissions by 2003 and a 30% reduction in NO x emissions by 1998, from a 1980 baseline. By 2002, UK emissions for SO 2 and NO x were 78% and 64% respectively below 1980 levels. 3 In Scotland, SO 2 emissions from the electricity supply industry fell between 1996 and 1999, but rose in 2000. This was due to the increased use of coal-fired power stations, necessary to offset the reduced capacity of the nuclear sector because of refurbishment work at certain plants.
Acid deposition is a transboundary problem. In 1994, it was estimated that 81% of sulphur deposited in Scotland was emitted in other parts of Europe. 16 Similarly, most Scottish emissions are deposited elsewhere.
SOURCE: SCOTTISH ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AGENCY
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