Emissions and energy use in large combustion plants in Europe

Between 2004 and 2020, emissions from large combustion plants in the EU decreased: sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and dust by 91%, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 68%. 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 26%, as energy production shifts to climate-friendly sources and coal is no longer the most used fuel in large combustion plants in Europe. 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. Read more...