Estimation of emissions and local emission factors in the region of Western Macedonia, Greece, Fresenius Environmental Bulletin

Έτος : 2008

Author : Solomou E.S., Sarigiannis D.A., Karabelas A.J., Amanatidou E., Moussiou C., Tsikardani E.

The Region of Western Macedonia in Greece is one of the most polluted areas in Europe due to large lignite – fired power plants with total installed capacity of approx. 4500 MW. The determination of emissions and emission factors for the region is an essential part of the EU-supported project SMAQ, aimed at developing methods for optimizing pollution abatement plans and for early warning of extreme pollution incidents. Using various data sources and the CORINAIR methodology, emissions and local emission factors have been estimated for the main industrial and non-industrial activities in that region. Biogenic sources such as animal husbandry and agricultural activities have been examined as well. The particular source sectors examined include power plants, lignite mining, road transport, central heating systems and agriculture. Calculated emission factors are based on data from the local pollution sources, while default values from CORINAIR or other sources are used to fill existing data gaps. An emissions inventory concerning major pollutants (PM, SO2, NOx, CO, N2O, VOC, CH4, NH3) was compiled for the period 2001 – 2004. As expected, the most significant pollutants are SO2 and NOx, followed by PM and CO, emitted from power plants. However, CO emissions due to road transportation are also quite significant. The information obtained is considered fairly complete and it is currently being used in conjunction with other data, model results as well as satellite images to develop a novel integrated system for efficient monitoring, assessment and management of air pollution in the Region of Western Macedonia.