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Emissions from large combustion plants in the EU decreased since 20024: sulphur dioxide (SO2) and dust by 94%, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 73%. Declines in emissions and improvements in environmental performance were largely driven by European policy, setting legally binding emission limit values. Fossil fuel usage decreased by 41% as energy production shifted to climate-friendly sources and coal no longer the primary fuel in large combustion plants. 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.

Figure 1. Emission of dust, nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide from large combustion plants in the EU-27

Emissions from large combustion plants (LCPs) decreased significantly in the EU during 2004-2023: SO2 and dust by 94% and NOx by 73%. This decrease is linked to two main influencing factors; 1) over the period 2007-2009, LCP operators had the combined impact of adapting their plants to new emission limit values from the LCP Directive and the financial crisis that started at the end of 2008, and 2) from 2015/2016 operators were required to comply with stricter limits set by the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED), which entered into force.

Declines in emissions correspond to a significant improvement in environmental performance across all LCP sizes, particularly among the very large ones, which, although including only 21% of LCPs, accounts for 70% of installed capacity. These reductions demonstrate the value of European policy in driving improvements in the environmental performance of LCPs. LCP operators are adopting pollution reduction measures, more efficient operating processes and end-of-pipe pollution abatement techniquesto comply with legislation.

In 2023, 3,263 LCPs, were covered by the scope of the IED. European countries rely to different degrees on combustion plants to meet their energy demands. However, generally, the number of plants in a given country is proportional to its size and population. Czechia and Slovakia did not report 2023 administrative data, and therefore the number of plants in Europe is estimated to be 3,406, taking into account the latest reported number from these two countries.

The fuel mix significantly impacts emissions, with coal and liquid fuels being major polluters. Shifting away from fossil fuels is crucial for climate mitigation. Emission reductions have been influenced by changes in the fuel mix, economic and societal shifts, international fuel prices, and industry initiatives.

In 2023, consumption of natural gas was higher than coal by 2% (based on energy input). The two fossil fuels combined are still very significant in the overall mix, covering almost 75% of the total fuel input of the combustion sector. Further emission reductions are expected in the coming years as a result of new, stricter IED permits, and energy and climate change mitigation policies, driving the use of renewable or cleaner fuels and aimed at achieving the EU’s ambition of becoming climate neutral by 2050.

Figure 2. Fuel consumption in the EU-27, per fuel type

Overall, LCP fuel consumption decreased by 40% since 2004. This is largely attributed to a decrease in the consumption of fossil fuels, particularly coal (by 54%) and liquid fuels (by 40%), mostly occurring after 2010. It may reflect a shift in Europe’s energy system from fossil fuels to renewable sources, with natural gas still playing a bridging role in this transition.

The impact of the war in Ukraine and a rise in natural gas prices in 2022 are reflected on the overall consumption for 2022 and 2023. The ratio between coal and natural gas consumption was 0.96 (from 1.03 in 2022 and almost 2.5 in 2015). The overall fuel consumption decreased by 10% from 2022 levels, the lowest reported since 2004 (about 6% less than the fuel consumption in 2020)

Despite this positive trend, the coal phase-out should be continuosly monitored as continous use of coal will have a negative impact on achieving the goals of the European Green Deal.

All EU countries reduced coal use over the reported period, although still accounts for more than 50% of fuel input in LCPs for four countries (Bulgaria, Estonia, Poland and Slovenia). Yet, there has been a steady increase in biomass consumption (58% since 2010). While this supports climate change mitigation goals, it results in releases of air pollutants, including particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds.