site.btaEmissions of Sulphur Oxides and Carbon Dioxide Decrease Most Notably in 2023

Emissions of sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, non-methane volatile organic compounds, methane, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ammonia and particulate matter in Bulgaria decreased in 2023 compared with 2022, the National Statistical Institute (NSI) reported on Tuesday. The most significant decreases were reported for sulphur oxides, down by 36% to 44,000 tonnes, and carbon dioxide, down by 26% to 34.5 million tonnes, which was due to a fall in the amounts of fuel used in the energy industry.

In 2022 compared with 2021, emissions of sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, non-methane volatile hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide increased, while the release of methane and carbon monoxide decreased, NSI said. The amounts of nitrous oxide and ammonia remained basically unchanged. Emissions of sulphur oxides in 2022 amounted to 73,000 t, nitrogen oxides 96,000 t, and non-methane volatile hydrocarbons 76,000 t.

In 2023, fuel combustion for the production of energy was the main source of emissions of carbon dioxide (58%) and sulphur oxides (85%). Emissions of non-methane volatile organic compounds came mainly from manufacturing processes (50%). Ammonia (98%), carbon monoxide (84%), nitrous oxide (96%), methane (82%), nitrogen oxides (70%) and particulate matter (between 82% and 84% for the various groups) were released mainly from other sources, including farming, transport, household fuel combustion, and waste and wastewater treatment.