Guide to Environmental pressure from Energy supply

The environmental pressure generated by the energy supply consists mainly of the emission of substances to air. They include process emissions of methane from gas and oil production and combustion emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) from coal and gas used in electricity production. In addition, electricity plants use water for cooling purposes.

Index Environmental pressure from the Energy supply target sector

• Electricity plants in the Netherlands: production and environmental pressure, 1980-2002
• Emissions to air by the Energy supply target sector in the Netherlands, 1990-2002*
• Methane emissions by the Energy supply target sector, 1980-2002
• Radioactive substances, emissions by Dutch nuclear power plants, 1975-2001
• Cooling water consumption and heat discharges from Dutch electricity plants, 1981-1996
• Waste generation by mining and quarrying and electricity plants in the Netherlands: generation and processing, 1994-2002

Composition of Energy supply target sector

The Energy supply target sector (SIC 40) includes, in addition to electricity and heat production, the extraction of natural gas and oil and the distribution of energy carriers. Unless stated otherwise, refineries are part of the Industry target sector. Sustainable energy production is playing an increasingly important role in this target sector.

Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium

• Index Volume developments in the Energy supply target sector
• Index Environmental pressure by theme. The Energy supply target sector contributes to the following environmental themes: Climate Change - greenhouse effect and Acidification.
• Note on Composition of target sectors in Dutch environment policy
• Note on Uncertainties about emissions to air