The energy system’s switch over to low-carbon sources of generation has contributed to dramatic falls in emissions of heavily polluting sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx), according to the Environment Agency’s first report on England’s air quality.
The report, which was published today (27 July), highlights emissions of SO2 have dropped by 97 per cent since 1970. Over the same period NOx emissions have fallen by 72 per cent.
It says: “Reductions in the use of coal, improved gas scrubbers and the use of new technologies such as renewables have contributed in large part to the reductions in emissions of NOx, SOx and particulate matter in recent decades.”
The drop in SO2 reflects large reductions in the amounts of coal and fuel oil being burnt for energy generation and other purposes over the last four decades, according to the report.
SO2 is released by burning fuels containing sulphur, like coal. NOx is also emitted by transport and by combustion processes at industrial installations, including power stations.
But the report warns that the development of onshore oil and gas sites may lead to localised increases of some pollutants, like methane and NOx.
Despite overall improvements in air quality, it still contributes to around one in 20 deaths per annum in England, according to the agency.
NO2 limits are being breached in many urban locations where emissions of the gas are concentrated due to heavy traffic.
Responding to the Environment Agency’s report, Energy UK’s chief executive Lawrence Slade, said: “The energy sector’s transformation to cleaner sources of generation has seen it make huge cuts in pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides as well as the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
“The fact that the UK now gets half of its electricity from low carbon sources has contributed significantly to the improvements in air quality highlighted by the Environment Agency.”
But he warned there is still much to do to improve air quality, particularly in the transport sector.
“Other sectors like transport urgently need to follow suit as poor air quality is now a major health concern. It’s another reason why the energy industry is doing all it can to support the rollout of electric vehicles (EVs) to replace petrol and diesel vehicles and to do so in the most ambitious timescale possible.
“EVs offer not only transformative possibilities for the energy system and the UK economy but the chance to transform air quality in our towns and cities.”
The Environment Agency said a rise in ammonia emissions is having a damaging effect on wildlife and habitats. Unlike other main air pollutants, emissions of ammonia have increased since 2013.