Electricity plants in the Netherlands: production and environmental pressure, 1980-2002
Emissions of sulphur and oxides of nitrogen from electricity plants fell sharply between 1980 and 2002. Emissions of carbon dioxide have increased since 1990.
Sharp decrease in emissions of SO2 and NOx from electricity plants
The reductions in emissions of SO2 was mainly the result of flue gas desulphurisation at coal-fired power stations. Reductions in emissions of NOx were achieved through changes to burners and furnaces and to catalytic flue gas cleaning in coal-fired power stations (Energiened, 2003).
Electricity plants contribute some 90% and 75% respectively to the total emissions of SO2 and NOx from the Energy supply sector.
Increase in CO2 emissions from electricity plants after 1990
CO2 emissions for 2002 are estimated at 40 billion kg, an increase of approximately 5% compared to 1990.
There were two reasons for the striking fall in CO2 emissions from electricity plants in 1999. The main reason was that producers used less coal for electricity generation in 1999. In addition, the high level of imported electricity in 1999 led to a fall in domestic electricity generation.
From 2000 onwards, imports of electricity stagnated. Electricity generation by the plants increased again as a result of the rising demand for electricity. More coal was also used as fuel. As a result, CO2 emissions from electricity plants increased by almost 20% in the period 2000 - 2002.
Policy relating to emissions from electricity generating companies
The government and the electricity generating companies have entered into a covenant to reduce emissions of SO2 and NOx. The covenant sets out emission ceilings of 35 million kg for NOx and 18 million kg for SO2 for 2000. Emissions in 2000 amounted to 30.8 ktonnes of NOx and 14 ktonnes of SO2, so that neither of the agreed emission ceilings have been reached (EnergieNed 2003). The signatories to the covenant have now indicated that continuation of the covenant is a natural step for SO2. The electricity generation companies are also involved in the reduction of NOx emissions from all large industrial sources in the Netherlands by means of a system of emissions trading.
Technical note
Emissions from energy generated outside the electricity plants (for example by industry's own generators) are not included in this indicator.
Composition of target sectors in Dutch environment policy
References
- CBS (2002). Statline, Elektriciteitsbalans. Statistics Netherlands, Voorburg/Heerlen.
- EnergieNed (2003). Resultaten van de bestrijding van SO2 - en NOx door de Nederlandse elektriciteitsproductiebedrijven, Arnhem.
Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium
- Fuel consumption and electricity generation by Dutch electricity generating stations, 1980-2002
- Availability and consumption of electricity in the Netherlands, 1995-2002
- Emissions to air by the Energy supply target sector in the Netherlands, 1990-2002*
- Guide to Environmental theme of Climate change (greenhouse effect)
- Guide to Environmental theme of Acidification and transboundary air pollution
Relevant information outside of the Environmental Data Compendium
- More information about production and the environmental pressure generated by electricity plants can be found on Statline (Statistics Netherlands). Recent emission data can be viewed in detail on the Data Warehouse of the 'Emissieregistratie'. This site also provides information about the methods for determining emission data and information about changes to methodology.
