| Natural gas and the environment |
| The generation, transmission and consumption of any energy impacts on the environment, but natural gas is better than average in this respect. The information below covers a range of subjects, and may be of benefit to your company. |
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| EU environmental legislation |
| Improving energy efficiency and ensuring better protection for the environment are key objectives of EU energy policy. Under the Kyoto Protocol, the EU has pledged to significantly reduce its CO2 emissions. One of the ways it wants to achieve this is through a system of quotas and charges. These are binding on a variety of industrial sectors, which together account for around 45% of greenhouse gas emissions. The CO2 section of this climate protection mechanism came into force in January 2005. |
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| How does climate protection work? |
| The EU has drawn up allocation plans for each country, specifying total authorized emission levels. Germany's allocation plan authorizes a maximum of 495 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year between 2005 and 2007. This applies to energy generators, refineries and the cement, paper, ceramics, glass and steel industries. Germany plans to cut its total greenhouse gas emissions by 21% (29). The Federal Government has presented an allocation plan for Germany authorizing 453 million tons of CO2 per year for the years 2008 to 2012. The EU commission asks for further reductions. |
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| What does this mean for your company? |
| Each industrial sector and facility concerned is allocated emission rights and given concrete specifications concerning CO2 emissions. Companies that exceed their authorised CO2 emission level can buy additional rights on the market. Companies that fail to meet their target must buy the necessary additional emission rights and are also fined for each excess tonne of CO2: the 'emission reduction' that has not been achieved must be made up. It is therefore advisable for you and your company to make long-term reductions in your CO2 emissions. Using natural gas as an energy source will help you to achieve this. |
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| Why choose natural gas? |
By choosing natural gas, you will be contributing to a better environment. You will also reduce your CO2 output thereby saving yourself money on emission rights. Here are a few facts:
- When burnt, natural gas releases less CO2 than any other fossil fuel. Compared with fuel oil, for example, the saving could be 25% for an equivalent heating value.
- Natural gas releases almost no soot when burnt. Particulate emissions are considerably lower than with other types of fuel.
- Due to its low sulphur content, natural gas releases almost no SO2 when burnt.
- The use of natural gas, particularly with modern low-NOx burner technology, results in lower nitrogen oxid (NOx) emissions than with other fuels.
- Natural gas enables the development of sophisticated applications and equipment with relatively low consumption and low maintenance costs.
- Natural gas is transported to customers in underground pipelines. There is no processing loss and no extra traffic on the roads.
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| Optimise your natural gas use! |
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- Want to find out what subsidies your company would be entitled to if it improved its environmental performance?
- Interested in a diagnosis of your operating processes in relation to your energy consumption?
- Like to find out more about technological developments that will help you to lower your gas consumption?
We would be happy to show you what natural gas can do for you. Contact your Account Manager or e-mail contact@distrigas.de |
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