Industry

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The environmental performance of European industry has improved over the past decades. Changes have occurred for a number of reasons: stricter environmental regulation, improvements in energy efficiency, a general tendency for European industry to move away from certain heavy and more polluting types of manufacture, and companies' participation in voluntary schemes aiming to reduce their environmental impact. Despite these improvements, industry today is still responsible for a significant burden on our environment in terms of pollution and waste generated by the sector. More

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Ambitious emission limits for power plants would result in significant pollution cuts in the EU

News 12 Dec 2018

European Union (EU) Member States have an opportunity to set ambitious limits for pollutant emissions from power plants. According to a new European Environment Agency (EEA) analysis, published today, setting strict but realistic emission limits for the power sector could cut emissions of key pollutants by 79-91 % by 2030. These limits are in line with EU law that establishes a flexible range of requirements, from minimum to more ambitious targets.

Mercury pollution remains a problem in Europe and globally

News 19 Sep 2018

Historical and current emissions of mercury continue to present a significant risk to the environment and human health, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) report, published today. The main source of new mercury emissions in Europe is coal burning but about half of the mercury deposited in Europe’s environment originates from outside Europe.

Environmental pressures from industry’s heavy metal pollution decreasing

News 24 May 2018

Environmental pressures caused by heavy metal emissions from Europe's large industrial facilities decreased from 2010 to 2016, according to new data from the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR), released by the European Environment Agency (EEA). A small fraction of facilities was responsible for more than half of the environmental pressures linked to heavy metal pollution in 2016.

Ambitious emission limits for power plants would result in significant pollution cuts in the EU European Union (EU) Member States have an opportunity to set ambitious limits for pollutant emissions from power plants. According to a new European Environment Agency (EEA) analysis, published today, setting strict but realistic emission limits for the power sector could cut emissions of key pollutants by 79-91 % by 2030. These limits are in line with EU law that establishes a flexible range of requirements, from minimum to more ambitious targets.

Mercury pollution remains a problem in Europe and globally Historical and current emissions of mercury continue to present a significant risk to the environment and human health, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) report, published today. The main source of new mercury emissions in Europe is coal burning but about half of the mercury deposited in Europe’s environment originates from outside Europe.

$Environmental pressures caused by heavy metal emissions from Europe's large industrial facilities decreased from 2010 to 2016, according to new data from the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR), released by the European Environment Agency (EEA). A small fraction of facilities was responsible for more than half of the environmental pressures linked to heavy metal pollution in 2016.$ Environmental pressures from industry’s heavy metal pollution decreasing Environmental pressures caused by heavy metal emissions from Europe's large industrial facilities decreased from 2010 to 2016, according to new data from the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR), released by the European Environment Agency (EEA). A small fraction of facilities was responsible for more than half of the environmental pressures linked to heavy metal pollution in 2016.

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Greening the power sector: benefits of an ambitious implementation of Europe's environment and climate policies

Publication 12 Dec 2018

Europe's electricity generation still relies largely on fossil fuels as an energy source and thus contributes to emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2), dust and nitrogen oxides (NOx), among other pollutants. A new EEA assessment shows that with an ambitious implementation of new requirements under the EU Industrial Emissions Directive, Member States can significantly reduce pollutant emissions and thus minimise their potential harmful effects on the environment and human health. There is also a close link between future reductions in pollutant emissions and EU climate and energy policy, which drives growth in renewables and the switch towards cleaner fuels in the remaining power plants. A more fundamental restructuring of the power sector is, however, needed to meet the EU's long-term decarbonisation targets.

Mercury in Europe's environment

Publication 19 Sep 2018

This EEA report aims to increase understanding and knowledge of global mercury pollution among both policymakers and the general public. The report provides background information and context, before setting out the current status of global and European mercury pollution and the challenges that remain in addressing this global issue.

Ozone-depleting substances 2018

Publication 14 Sep 2018

Data reported by companies in 2018 on 2017 transactions on the production, import and export of ozone-depleting substances in the European Union.

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases from Europe's industry

Publication 24 May 2018

The European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR) ensures public access to information on pollutant releases to the environment from Europe’s largest facilities. Updated E-PRTR data have recently been published by the EEA, including information on pollutant releases to the environment from some 33 000 facilities in Europe for the period 2007-2016. This briefing, based on updated E-PRTR data for 2016, presents information on heavy metal releases to air and water. It applies an eco-toxicity approach (USEtox model) to illustrate spatially the combined environmental pressures on Europe’s environment caused by releases of the selected pollutants.

Greening the power sector: benefits of an ambitious implementation of Europe's environment and climate policies Europe's electricity generation still relies largely on fossil fuels as an energy source and thus contributes to emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2), dust and nitrogen oxides (NOx), among other pollutants. A new EEA assessment shows that with an ambitious implementation of new requirements under the EU Industrial Emissions Directive, Member States can significantly reduce pollutant emissions and thus minimise their potential harmful effects on the environment and human health. There is also a close link between future reductions in pollutant emissions and EU climate and energy policy, which drives growth in renewables and the switch towards cleaner fuels in the remaining power plants. A more fundamental restructuring of the power sector is, however, needed to meet the EU's long-term decarbonisation targets.

Mercury in Europe's environment This EEA report aims to increase understanding and knowledge of global mercury pollution among both policymakers and the general public. The report provides background information and context, before setting out the current status of global and European mercury pollution and the challenges that remain in addressing this global issue.

Ozone-depleting substances 2018 Data reported by companies in 2018 on 2017 transactions on the production, import and export of ozone-depleting substances in the European Union.

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases from Europe's industry The European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR) ensures public access to information on pollutant releases to the environment from Europe’s largest facilities. Updated E-PRTR data have recently been published by the EEA, including information on pollutant releases to the environment from some 33 000 facilities in Europe for the period 2007-2016. This briefing, based on updated E-PRTR data for 2016, presents information on heavy metal releases to air and water. It applies an eco-toxicity approach (USEtox model) to illustrate spatially the combined environmental pressures on Europe’s environment caused by releases of the selected pollutants.

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Industrial pollution data and info at your fingertips!

Video 15 Oct 2018

Industrial activities are part of our modern society and give us many benefits. However industrial pollution & mercury are problems which have an impact on our health and on the environment. The EU is at the forefront in taking action to address this pollution. Did you know there is key information available on industrial emissions around where you live?

Industrial pollution data and info at your fingertips! Industrial activities are part of our modern society and give us many benefits. However industrial pollution & mercury are problems which have an impact on our health and on the environment. The EU is at the forefront in taking action to address this pollution. Did you know there is key information available on industrial emissions around where you live?

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Total reported tonnage of hazardous and non-hazardous waste transfers for each E-PRTR activity sector (excluding waste management)

Data Visualization 14 Jan 2019

Percentage of reported transfers, by sector, which are transferred for recovery

Data Visualization 14 Jan 2019

Industrial waste in Europe

Indicator Assessment 14 Jan 2019

Total annual quantities of waste generation across industry remained generally static over the period 2010-2016. Taking the reported industry gross value added (GVA) into consideration, waste generation per unit of industrial output may be showing limited signs of decreasing. Data on E-PRTR waste movements (off-site transfers) from industrial sites does not indicate any significant downward trends in industrial waste transfers for hazardous or non-hazardous waste over the period 2007-2016. Based on E-PRTR data, the overall percentage of waste being transferred for recovery was actually lower in 2016 than in 2007. The recovery trend within different industry sectors is variable, but the data do not suggest substantial progress in increasing the fraction of waste recovery.

Reported data on large combustion plants covered by the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU)

Data 12 Dec 2018

The European Union established an inventory of emissions from large combustion plants in 2004. The inventory was governed by the Directive on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants (LCP Directive, 2001/80/EC) until 2015 year. As from 2016 reporting year, the reporting takes place according to the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU, Article 72). Large Combustion Plants are those with a rated thermal input equal to or greater than 50 MW, irrespective of the type of fuel used. Power plants, steel works or district heating plants are examples of these type of plants.

Indexed SO2, NOx and dust emissions from electricity generation, 2004-2015

Figure 12 Dec 2018

Indexed SO2, NOx and dust emissions from electricity generation for 2004 to 2015

Level of ambition with respect to SO2, Dust and NOx emission levels in the LCPD, the IPPCD and the IED

Figure 12 Dec 2018

The three graphs show the progression of emission limits in EU industrial emission policy over time. The example chosen is that emission limits for SO2, NOx and dust from existing large coal fired power plants.

Impact of mercury on European water quality

Infographic 03 Dec 2018

Persistent organic pollutant emissions

Indicator Assessment 16 Oct 2018

Emissions of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) decreased between 1990 and 2016 in the EEA-33, e.g. hexachlorobenzene (HCB) by 95 %, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by 75 %, dioxins and furans by around 70 % and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by 83 %. Although the majority of countries report that POP emissions fell during this period, some report that emissions increased. In 2016, the most significant sources of emissions for these POPs included the ‘Commercial, institutional and households’ (23 % of HCB, 26 % of dioxins and furans, 36 % of PAHs and 16 % of PCBs) and ‘Industrial processes and product use’ (41 % of HCB, 65 % of PCBs and 40 % of PAHs) sectors.

Trend in EU mercury emissions to air 1990 2016

Infographic 28 Sep 2018

European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) data from EUTL

Data 11 Sep 2018

Data about the EU emission trading system (ETS). The EU ETS data viewer provides aggregated data on emissions and allowances, by country, sector and year. The data mainly comes from the EU Transaction Log (EUTL). Additional information on auctioning and scope corrections is included.

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases to water, 2016

GIS Map Application 24 May 2018

This map illustrates the overall pressures to water from the aggregated releases of the eight heavy metals. Values (in kilograms) of the individual releases are first multiplied by a respective ‘eco-toxicity factor’, sourced from the USEtox model. Results are then aggregated, first by facility and then illustrated spatially using a standard heat map tool.

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases to air, 2016

GIS Map Application 24 May 2018

This map illustrates the overall pressures to air from the aggregated releases of the eight heavy metals. Values (in kilograms) of the individual releases are first multiplied by a respective ‘eco-toxicity factor’, sourced from the USEtox model. Results are then aggregated, first by facility and then illustrated spatially using a standard heat map tool.

Towns and industrial activities in the Arctic

Figure 14 Jun 2017

Major activities already exist in the European Arctic, including high population density, infrastructure and economic engagement both on-shore and off-shore.

Selected raw materials: world use and rare earth elements, germanium and tantalum

Figure 17 Dec 2010

For the graph: 2006 and projected 2030 world use of neodymium, germanium and tantalum. The technologies responsible for the growth in use of these materials by 2030 are indicated in red. For the map: The bars show estimated reserves of rare earth elements, germanium and tantalum.

Total reported tonnage of hazardous and non-hazardous waste transfers for each E-PRTR activity sector (excluding waste management)

Percentage of reported transfers, by sector, which are transferred for recovery

$Total annual quantities of waste generation across industry remained generally static over the period 2010-2016. Taking the reported industry gross value added (GVA) into consideration, waste generation per unit of industrial output may be showing limited signs of decreasing. Data on E-PRTR waste movements (off-site transfers) from industrial sites does not indicate any significant downward trends in industrial waste transfers for hazardous or non-hazardous waste over the period 2007-2016. Based on E-PRTR data, the overall percentage of waste being transferred for recovery was actually lower in 2016 than in 2007. The recovery trend within different industry sectors is variable, but the data do not suggest substantial progress in increasing the fraction of waste recovery.$ Industrial waste in Europe Total annual quantities of waste generation across industry remained generally static over the period 2010-2016. Taking the reported industry gross value added (GVA) into consideration, waste generation per unit of industrial output may be showing limited signs of decreasing. Data on E-PRTR waste movements (off-site transfers) from industrial sites does not indicate any significant downward trends in industrial waste transfers for hazardous or non-hazardous waste over the period 2007-2016. Based on E-PRTR data, the overall percentage of waste being transferred for recovery was actually lower in 2016 than in 2007. The recovery trend within different industry sectors is variable, but the data do not suggest substantial progress in increasing the fraction of waste recovery.

Reported data on large combustion plants covered by the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU) The European Union established an inventory of emissions from large combustion plants in 2004. The inventory was governed by the Directive on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants (LCP Directive, 2001/80/EC) until 2015 year. As from 2016 reporting year, the reporting takes place according to the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU, Article 72). Large Combustion Plants are those with a rated thermal input equal to or greater than 50 MW, irrespective of the type of fuel used. Power plants, steel works or district heating plants are examples of these type of plants.

Indexed SO2, NOx and dust emissions from electricity generation, 2004-2015 Indexed SO2, NOx and dust emissions from electricity generation for 2004 to 2015

Level of ambition with respect to SO2, Dust and NOx emission levels in the LCPD, the IPPCD and the IED The three graphs show the progression of emission limits in EU industrial emission policy over time. The example chosen is that emission limits for SO2, NOx and dust from existing large coal fired power plants.

Impact of mercury on European water quality

Persistent organic pollutant emissions Emissions of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) decreased between 1990 and 2016 in the EEA-33, e.g. hexachlorobenzene (HCB) by 95 %, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by 75 %, dioxins and furans by around 70 % and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by 83 %. Although the majority of countries report that POP emissions fell during this period, some report that emissions increased. In 2016, the most significant sources of emissions for these POPs included the ‘Commercial, institutional and households’ (23 % of HCB, 26 % of dioxins and furans, 36 % of PAHs and 16 % of PCBs) and ‘Industrial processes and product use’ (41 % of HCB, 65 % of PCBs and 40 % of PAHs) sectors.

Trend in EU mercury emissions to air 1990 2016

European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) data from EUTL Data about the EU emission trading system (ETS). The EU ETS data viewer provides aggregated data on emissions and allowances, by country, sector and year. The data mainly comes from the EU Transaction Log (EUTL). Additional information on auctioning and scope corrections is included.

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases to water, 2016 This map illustrates the overall pressures to water from the aggregated releases of the eight heavy metals. Values (in kilograms) of the individual releases are first multiplied by a respective ‘eco-toxicity factor’, sourced from the USEtox model. Results are then aggregated, first by facility and then illustrated spatially using a standard heat map tool.

Environmental pressures of heavy metal releases to air, 2016 This map illustrates the overall pressures to air from the aggregated releases of the eight heavy metals. Values (in kilograms) of the individual releases are first multiplied by a respective ‘eco-toxicity factor’, sourced from the USEtox model. Results are then aggregated, first by facility and then illustrated spatially using a standard heat map tool.