Emissions and energy use in large combustion plants in Europe, aggregated level assessment

Key messages

(18 May 2021)

Between 2004 and 2019, emissions from large combustion plants in the EU decreased: SO₂ by 89%, nitrogen oxides by 60% and dust by 88%. Declines in emissions and improvements in environmental performance were largely driven by European policy, which sets legally binding emission limit values. The amount of fossil fuels used decreased by 23%, as energy production shifts to climate-friendly sources. Stricter emission limit values and policies aimed at increasing the use of renewable or cleaner fuels are expected to drive further declines in combustion plant emissions in coming years.

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