Energy-related emissions of ozone precursors (ENER 005) - Assessment published Jan 2011

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Created : Aug 09, 2010 Published : Jan 14, 2011 Last modified : Jul 07, 2011 02:51 PM

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Apr 30, 2012 - Energy-related emissions of ozone precursors (ENER 005) - Assessment published Apr 2012
Aug 12, 2011 - Energy-related emissions of ozone precursors (ENER 005) - Assessment published Aug 2011

Generic metadata

Topics:

Energy

Energy (Primary topic)

Air pollution

Tags:

DPSIR: Pressure
Typology: Descriptive indicator (Type A – What is happening to the environment and to humans?)

Indicator codes

ENER 005

Dynamic

Temporal coverage:

1990-2007

Geographical coverage:

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Austria Belgium Bulgaria Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey United Kingdom

Contents

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Indicator definition

Emissions of TOFP in terms of NMVOC Equivalent. TOFP is the Tropospheric Ozone Forming Potential of each of the air pollutants that contribute to ozone formation in the troposphere i.e. ‘ground-level’ ozone.

Units

Emissions of TOFP in ktonnes

Key policy question: Are energy-related emissions of ozone precursors decreasing?

Key messages

Energy-related emissions account for 75% of all emissions of ozone precursors (CH4, CO, NMVOC, NOX) emissions from the EEA-32 in 2007. These emissions fell by 4.1% between 2006 and 2007 (and by 5.2% in the EU-27). Since 1990, these emissions have declined by 45% in the EU and 41% in EEA member countries. The largest reductions in emissions occurred in the road transport sector, largely as a result of the continued introduction of catalytic converters in new vehicles during this period. Energy production and use still remains a significant source of emissions for all these precursor pollutants. Reducing energy-related emissions of ozone precursors therefore is a key priority for reducing local and transboundary air pollution and in ensuring that the EU and individual countries meet emission ceiling targets under the National Emissions Ceilings Directive (NECD) and the UNECE Gothenburg Protocol.

Sectoral shares of tropospheric ozone precursors (energy and non-energy components) in total emissions, EU-27.

Note: The emissions of ozone precursors (NOx, NMVOC, CO and CH4) are each weighted by an ozone formation factor prior to aggregation to represent their respective ozone forming potentials. The relative impact of the combined contribution of NOx, NMVOC, CO and CH4 to ozone formation can be assessed based on their tropospheric ozone forming potentials (TOFP): nitrogen oxides 1.22, non-methane volatile organic compounds 1.0, carbon monoxide 0.11 and methane 0.014.

Data source:

EEA aggregated and gap filled air pollutant data (discontinued) provided by European Environment Agency (EEA)

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Overall change in emissions of ozone precursors by country, 1990-2007

Note: The graph shows the change in energy-related emissions of ozone precursors (NOx, NMVOC, CO and CH4) each weighted by an ozone formation factor prior to aggregation to represent their respective ozone forming potentials. The relative impact of the combined contribution of NOx, NMVOC, CO and CH4 to ozone formation can be assessed based on their tropospheric ozone forming potentials (TOFP): nitrogen oxides 1.22, non-methane volatile organic compounds 1.0, carbon monoxide 0.11 and methane 0.014 (de Leeuw 2002).

Data source:

EEA aggregated and gap filled air pollutant data (discontinued) provided by European Environment Agency (EEA)

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Changes (%) in emissions of ozone precursors by source category, 1990-2007, EEA-32 (weighted by tropospheric ozone forming potential)

Note: The graph above shows the emissions of ozone precursors (methane CH4; carbon monoxide CO; non-methane volatile organic compounds NMVOCs; and nitrogen oxides NOx) each weighted by a factor prior to aggregation to represent their respective tropospheric ozone formation potential (TOFP). The TOFP factors are: NOx 1.22, NMVOC 1, CO 0.11 and CH4 0.014 (de Leeuw 2002). Results are expressed in NMVOC equivalents (kilotonnes - kt). Data not available for Iceland (emissions of CO, NMVOC, NOx were not reported) and Malta (CO). 'Energy combustion' includes all energy-related emissions minus fugitive.

Data source:

EEA aggregated and gap filled air pollutant data (discontinued) provided by European Environment Agency (EEA)

Downloads and more info

Key assessment

In the EEA-32, total trophospheric ozone forming potentials (TOFP) emissions have decreased by 39% between 1990 and 2007 (and by 43% in the EU). All sources except international bunkers have decreased (see Figure 1). Energy-related emissions comprise the majority of TOFP emissions and accounted for 75 % of all TOFP emissions in 2007.

The transport sector is the dominant source of ozone precursors and contributed 38% of total ozone precursor emissions in 2007 (see Figure 2). Road transport has decreased the most with a 57% reduction seen in the EU-27 from 1990 to 2007 (see Figure 1). Decreases in emissions from the transport sector have occurred largely due to the continued introduction of catalytic converters in passenger cars, which reduces emissions of CO and NOx.

Energy industries are a significant source of TOFP emissions, accounting for 11 %, of total TOFP emissions in 2007 (see Figure 2). This sector has reduced its emissions by over 35% in EEA-32 since 1990 (see Figure 1). The decreases in emissions from this sector (primarily NOx) can be attributed to a range of measures, including the increased use of abatement technologies (e.g. selective catalytic reduction (SCR), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), 3-way catalytic converters), fuel-switching from coal to gas prompted by the liberalisation of the energy market, the requirements of the IPPC and Large Combustion Plant Directives and improved technology efficiencies.

Concerning progress in individual countries, emissions of ozone precursors have decreased significantly in most EEA member countries, with the top reductions measured in Germany, Switzerland and the UK (see Figure 3). Emissions of ozone precursors increased by over 40% in Turkey, Finland and Liechtenstein between 1990 and 2007. In Turkey nearly half the increase in emissions was from non-road transport, with significant emissions increases also seen from energy industries and manufacturing and construction. Total emissions from Liechtenstein remained small across the period, but increases were seen in from household and services and fugitive emissions despite significant decrease from road transport emissions. Increases in emissions in Finland were primarily from road transport and manufacturing and construction.

Data sources

National emissions reported to the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP Convention)
provided by United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (Environment and Human Settlements Division, UNECE)

Justification for indicator selection

Tropospheric (ground level) ozone has adverse effects on human health and ecosystems. Emissions of total non-methane volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and methane contribute to the formation of ground level (i.e. tropospheric) ozone. High concentrations of ground level ozone have been shown to adversely affect the human respiratory system, and there is evidence that long-term exposure to raised ozone concentrations accelerates the decline in lung function with age and may impair the development of lung function. In the environment, high concentrations of ozone are harmful to crops and forests, decreasing yields, causing leaf damage and decreasing disease resistance. Ozone is also capable of causing damage to man made polymeric materials such as plastics and rubbers.

Scientific references:

No rationale references available

Policy context and targets

Context description

This indicator monitors the trend in emissions of energy-related ozone precursors. Emissions of NOx and NMVOCs are both covered by the EU National Emission Ceilings Directive (NECD; 2001/81/EC) and the Gothenburg protocol under the United Nations Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP Convention; UNECE 1999). Both these instruments contain emission ceilings targets that EU Member States and other countries must meet by 2010. Emission reduction targets for the new Member States have been specified in the Treaties of Accession to the European Union (2003 and 2005 -The Treaty of Accession 2003 of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. AA2003/ACT/Annex II/en 2072 / 2005 European Union Consolidated Versions of the Treaty on European Union and of the Treaty Establishing the European Community C 321 E/1) in order that they can comply with the National Emission Ceilings Directive. In addition, the Treaty of Accession for Bulgaria and Romania (2005 - http://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/pdf/eu27_nat_emission_ceilings_2010.pdf) also includes a new target for the EU-27 region as a whole. Targets for the new Member States are temporary and are without prejudice to the review of the NECD. A proposal for a revised NEC Directive (which will set 2020 emission ceiling targets for these ozone precursors pollutants), is expected in spring 2008. Targets for Bulgaria and Romania are provisional and not binding. Hence, the existing EU25 NECD Target has been used in the following analysis.

The NECD generally involves slightly stricter emission reduction targets than the Gothenburg Protocol. For example, during the period 1990-2010 the EU-15 has NOx emission reduction targets of 52 % and 51% under the NECD and Gothenburg Protocol respectively. For NMVOC, the EU-15 reduction required under the NECD is 55 %, under the Gothenburg reduction target the reduction required is 54 %.

In September 2005 the European Commission released a thematic strategy on air pollution. This strategy sets interim objectives for reducing air pollution impacts across Europe by 2020. Other directives influencing emissions of ozone precursors include:

The Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive (96/61/EC) aims to prevent or minimise pollution of water, air and soil by industrial effluent and other waste from industrial installations, including energy industries, by defining basic obligations for operating licences or permits and by introducing targets, or benchmarks, for energy efficiency. It also requires the application of Best Available Techniques (BAT) in new installations from now on (and for existing plants over the next 10 years according to national legislation).
The Large Combustion Plant Directive (2001/80/EC) sets emission limits for licensing of new plants and requires Member States to establish programmes for reducing total emissions.
Emissions from transport are controlled by a number of Directives. These include: emissions from passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (70/220/EEC, as last amended by Directive 2001/100/EC targeting CO, NMVOCs and NOx); quality of petrol and diesel fuels (98/70/EC) as last amended by Directive 2003/17/EC specifying lower sulphur contents of fuels, (but also indirectly targeting emissions of the primary pollutants CO, NMVOCs and NOx; emissions from non-road mobile machinery (97/68/EC) as amended by Directive 2002/88/EC specifying limits for CO, NMVOC and NOx emissions; and for heavy duty vehicles Directive 88/77/EEC as last amended by Directives 1999/96/EC (which provides the Euro 3 (from October 2000), Euro 4 (from October 2005) and Euro 5 (from October 2008) emission standards for CO, NMVOCs and NOx) and Directive 2001/27/EC (adapting to technical progress Directive 88/77/EEC).
The 1994 VOCs Directive (94/63/EC) applies to the operations, installations, vehicles and vessels used for storage, loading and transport of petrol from one terminal to another or from a terminal to a service station
There are no specific EU emission targets set for either carbon monoxide (CO) or methane (CH4). However, there are several Directives and Protocols that affect the emissions of CO and CH4. Carbon monoxide is covered by the second daughter Directive under the Air Quality Directive. This gives a limit of 10 mg m-3 for ambient air quality to be met by 2005. Methane is included in the basket of six greenhouse gases under the Kyoto protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), under which limits for greenhouse gas emissions for the period 2008-2012 have been agreed by certain countries.

Targets

Emissions of NOx and NMVOCs are covered by the EU National Emission Ceilings Directive (NECD) and the Gothenburg Protocol to the UNECE LRTAP Convention (UNECE 1999). Both instruments contain emission ceilings (limits) that countries must meet by 2010. See also CSI002

Methodology

Methodology for indicator calculation

Officially reported national total and sectoral emissions to UNECE/EMEP (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe/Co-operative programme for monitoring and evaluation of the long-range transmissions of air pollutants in Europe) Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP), submission 2007. CO2 emissions are from officially reported national total and sectoral emissions, reported to UNFCCC and EU Monitoring Mechanism, submission 2007 (National Annual Greenhouse Gas Inventories).Recommended methodologies for emission inventory data collection are compiled in the Joint EMEP/CORINAIR Atmospheric Emission Inventory Guidebook 3rd edition EEA Copenhagen EEA (2006) and Revised 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories IPCC (2006).
The relative impact of the combined contribution of NOx, NMVOC, CO and CH4 to ozone formation can be assessed based on their tropospheric ozone forming potentials (TOFP): nitrogen oxides 1.22, non-methane volatile organic compounds 1.0, carbon monoxide 0.11 and methane 0.014 (de Leeuw 2002).
Thus, total acid equivalent emission = w(SO2)*Em(SO2) + w(NOx)*Em(NOx) + w(NH3)*Em(NH3) where weight factors are given by:
w(SO2) = 2/64 acid eq/g = 31.25 acid eq/kg
w(NOx) = 1/46 acid eq/g = 21.74 acid eq/kg
w(NH3) = 1/17 acid eq/g = 58.82 acid eq/kg
Results are in NMVOC equivalents (kilotonnes - kt), except where specified. These factors are assumed to be representative for Europe as a whole; on the (very) local scale different factors might be estimated; see de Leeuw (2002) for a more extensive discussion on the uncertainties in these factors. Due to the variation in potential TOFP factors that might be determined on a local scale, the use such factors does not always have wide support or recognition in EU Member States. The energy supply sector includes public electricity and heat production, oil refining, production of solid fuels and fugitive emissions from fuels. The transport sector includes emissions from road and off-road sources (e.g. railways and vehicles used for agriculture and forestry). Industry (energy) relates to emissions from combustion processes used in the manufacturing industry including boilers, gas turbines and stationary engines. ‘Other (energy-related)’ covers energy use principally in the services and household sectors.

Base data, reported in SNAP, draft NFR or NFR are converted into EEA sector codes to obtain a common reporting format across all countries and pollutants:
- Energy industry: Emissions from public heat and electricity generation - Fugitive emissions: Emissions from extraction and distribution of solid fossil fuels and geothermal energy

- Industry (Energy): relates to emissions from combustion processes used in the manufacturing industry including boilers, gas turbines and stationary engines
- Industry (Processes): Emissions from production processes
- Road transport: light and heavy duty vehicles, passenger cars and motorcycles;
- Off-road transport: railways, domestic shipping, certain aircraft movements, and non-road mobile machinery used in agriculture, forestry;
- Agriculture: manure management, fertiliser application, field-burning of agricultural wastes
- Waste: incineration, waste-water management.
- Other (energy-related) covers energy use principally in the services and household sectors
- Other (Non Energy): Emissions from solvent and other product use.
The following table shows the conversion of NFR sector codes into EEA sector codes (EEA, 2006):
EEA classification Non-GHGs (NFR) GHGs (CRF)

0	National totals	National Total	National totals without LUCF (sector
1	Energy industries	1A1	1A1
3	Industry (Energy)	1A2	1A2
2	Fugitive emissions	1B	1B
11	Transport n.a.	n.a.	n.a.
7	Road transport	1A3b	1A3b
8	transport (non-road mobile machinery)	1A3 (excl 1A3b) + sector mapped to 8 in table below	1A3a, 1A3c, 1A3d, 1A3e
9	Industry (Processes)	2	2
4	Agriculture	4 + 5B	4
5	Waste	6	6
6	Other (Energy)	1A4a, 1A4b, 1A4b(i), 1A4c(i), 1A5a	1A4+1A5
10	Other (non-energy)	3+7	3+7
14	Unallocated	difference between NT and sum of sectors (1-12)
12	Energy Industries (Power Production 1A1a)	1A1a	1A1a
15	residential	n.a.	1A4 b
16	services, agriculture and other sectors	n.a.	1A4a + 1A4c + 1A5

Methodology for gap filling

EEA-ETC/ACC gap-filling methodology. To allow trend analysis, where countries have not reported data for one, or several years, data has been interpolated to derive annual emissions. If the reported data is missing either at the beginning or at the end of the time series period, the emission value has been considered to equal the first (or last) reported emission value. It is recognised that the use of gap-filling can potentially lead to artificial trends, but it is considered unavoidable if a comprehensive and comparable set of emissions data for European countries is required for policy analysis purposes. The gap-filled spreadsheet containing the data used in this indicator is available on the EEA dataservice website.

Methodology references

No methodology references available.

Uncertainties

Methodology uncertainty

The individual uncertainties of the estimates for individual gases are discussed in the respective EEA Air Pollution fact sheets for these gases. The trend is likely to be much more accurate than to individual absolute annual values - the annual values are not independent of each other.NOx emission estimates in Europe are thought to have an uncertainty of about +/-30%, as the NOx emitted comes both from the fuel burnt and the combustion air and so cannot be estimated accurately from fuel nitrogen alone. EMEP has compared modelled and measured concentrations throughout Europe (EMEP 1998). From these studies differences for individual monitoring stations of up to a factor of two have been found. This is consistent with an inventory of national annual emissions having an uncertainty of +/-30% (there are also uncertainties in the measurements and especially the modelling). Uncertainties in emissions of CO are likely to have a similar magnitude of uncertainty as for NOx. NMVOC emissions data have been verified by EMEP and others by means of comparison between modelled and measured concentration throughout Europe. From these studies total uncertainty ranges have been estimated to about +/-50%. Some main source categories are less uncertain.CH4 estimates are reasonably reliable as they are based on a few well-known emission sources. The IPCC believes that the uncertainty in CH4 emission estimates from all sources, in Europe, is likely to be about +/-20 %. CH4 emissions from some sources, such as rice fields, are much larger (possibly an order of magnitude), but are a minor emission source in Europe. In 2004, EU Member States reported uncertainties in their estimates of CH4 emissions from enteric fermentation as ranging between 0.5 % (UK) and 2.8 % (Ireland) of the total national GHG emissions (EEA 2004).

Data sets uncertainty

Available datasets do not include full time series for all years and/or sectors. Reporting to LRTAP Convention/EMEP and UNFCCC can be inconsistent for some countries in terms of precise sector definitions, missing data etc. Incomplete reporting and resulting intra- and extrapolation may obscure some trends.

Rationale uncertainty

No uncertainty has been specified

More information about this indicator

See this indicator specification for more details.

Contacts and ownership

EEA Contact Info

Cinzia Pastorello

Ownership

European Environment Agency (EEA)

EEA Management Plan

2009 2.9.1 (note: EEA internal system)

Dates

First draft created: 2010/08/09 18:27:36.656000 GMT+2

Publish date: 2011-01-14T01:00:00+02:00

Last modified: 2011/07/07 14:51:39.750000 GMT+2

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