Trends in greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants from the energy sector, including emissions from transportation and households, have been monitored since 1990. Since 1990, its emissions have decreased by more than 65%. More information on emission trends from the energy sector - fossil fuels burning in Slovakia.
Trends in greenhouse gas emissions
The energy and fuel combustion sector is a significant source of emissions in the Slovak Republic. This sector includes all economic activities that use or burn fossil fuels, such as the energy industry (electricity and heat production), fuel combustion in manufacturing industries (industrial production and construction), transport (road and other types), households (heating and hot water preparation), services, and other small sources, as well as fugitive emissions from fuels.
The production of electricity and heat has generated a significant portion of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as pollutants. Historically, this has been mainly due to the use of lower-quality solid fuels such as brown coal (lignite). Environmental policy has supported the transition to nuclear, gas and biomass and increased energy efficiency, which has led to the so-called decoupling – growth in production while emissions in this sector have decreased.
Energy is the largest contributor to the total greenhouse gas emissions of the Slovak Republic. In 2023, the energy sector accounted for 69% of total emissions. It produces more than 78% of Slovakia’s total carbon dioxide emissions, mainly due to fossil fuel combustion.
Total greenhouse gas emissions
Trends in air pollutant emissions
Emissions from the energy sector are estimated and reported in both inventories – greenhouse gases and air pollutants. Although these are separate calculation models, the harmonization of input and output data is at a high level.
The energy industry is a significant source of air pollution in the Slovak Republic. The energy sector inventory covers emission sources from electricity and steam production (power plants and district heating systems), oil refining, and solid fuel (coke) production. The air pollutant inventory is prepared using the methodology described in the EMEP/EEA Air Pollutant Emission Inventory Guidebook 2023.
Total pollutant emissions
NOx and SOx emission trends
The energy sector is, in addition to GHG, also a significant emitter of various pollutants (e.g., sulfur oxides – SOx, nitrogen oxides – NOx). SOx emissions mainly come from iron and steel production (previously from electricity and steam production) and show a declining trend. NOx and SOx emissions from aluminum production (Slovalco) have decreased since 2021 when the company ceased primary aluminum production at the beginning of 2023, when the last electrolytic furnaces were also shut down due to high energy prices. Among the greatest successes of environmental measures is the significant reduction of sulfur emissions – SOx since 1990, also due to the decommissioning of coal-fired power plants in Vojany and Nováky.
NOx and SOx emission trends
The energy sector is, in addition to GHG, also a significant emitter of various pollutants (e.g., sulfur oxides – SOx, nitrogen oxides – NOx). SOx emissions mainly come from iron and steel production (previously from electricity and steam production) and show a declining trend. NOx and SOx emissions from aluminum production (Slovalco) have decreased since 2021 when the company ceased primary aluminum production at the beginning of 2023, when the last electrolytic furnaces were also shut down due to high energy prices. Among the greatest successes of environmental measures is the significant reduction of sulfur emissions – SOx since 1990, also due to the decommissioning of coal-fired power plants in Vojany and Nováky.
Particulate matter emission trends
Stationary residential fuel combustion is the main contributor to PM2.5, PM10, and TSP emissions. PM2.5 emissions (the trend for PM10 and TSP is very similar) have shown a declining trend since 1990, although the rate of decline has slowed and stabilized since 2005. In 2023, this category accounted for more than 71% of total PM2.5 emissions. One of the most significant milestones in reducing TSP is the definitive decommissioning of the coal-fired power plants in Nováky (2023) and Vojany (2024).
Particulate matter emission trends
Stationary residential fuel combustion is the main contributor to PM2.5, PM10, and TSP emissions. PM2.5 emissions (the trend for PM10 and TSP is very similar) have shown a declining trend since 1990, although the rate of decline has slowed and stabilized since 2005. In 2023, this category accounted for more than 71% of total PM2.5 emissions. One of the most significant milestones in reducing TSP is the definitive decommissioning of the coal-fired power plants in Nováky (2023) and Vojany (2024).
Particulate matter emission trends
Stationary residential fuel combustion is the main contributor to PM2.5, PM10, and TSP emissions. PM2.5 emissions (the trend for PM10 and TSP is very similar) have shown a declining trend since 1990, although the rate of decline has slowed and stabilized since 2005. In 2023, this category accounted for more than 71% of total PM2.5 emissions. One of the most significant milestones in reducing TSP is the definitive decommissioning of the coal-fired power plants in Nováky (2023) and Vojany (2024).
NMVOC emission trends
NMVOC emissions are predominantly emitted by residential stationary sources. Nearly 30% of all NMVOC emissions come from the energy sector. The trend of NMVOC emissions is relatively stable, showing only slight fluctuations since 2005. NMVOC is also emitted during fuel refining and depends on the sulfur content in crude oil.
Other pollutants emission trends
Until 2005, the main source of lead (Pb) emissions was the incineration of municipal waste (MSW) for electricity or steam production. The modernization of incinerators has significantly reduced emissions. The ban on leaded fuels in transportation has caused a decline since 2000. Since 2006, the main source of Pb has been iron and steel production. Cadmium (Cd) emissions in the energy sector have only slightly decreased since 1990. Until 2005, incinerators for MSW significantly contributed to these emissions; since then, residential heating has become an important source. MSW incinerators had the greatest impact on PCDD/F emissions; their reconstruction has significantly reduced emissions. PAH emissions are mostly emitted from household heating. The emission trend of these pollutants in the energy sector has slightly decreased since 2005. The energy industry was previously one of the largest sources of PCDD/F emissions; however, these emissions significantly decreased in 2003 and 2006 due to technological improvements in combustion. CO emissions are emitted mostly by residential heating.
Particulate matter emission trends
Stationary residential fuel combustion is the main contributor to PM2.5, PM10, and TSP emissions. PM2.5 emissions (the trend for PM10 and TSP is very similar) have shown a declining trend since 1990, although the rate of decline has slowed and stabilized since 2005. In 2023, this category accounted for more than 71% of total PM2.5 emissions. One of the most significant milestones in reducing TSP is the definitive decommissioning of the coal-fired power plants in Nováky (2023) and Vojany (2024).
Other pollutants emission trends
Until 2005, the main source of lead (Pb) emissions was the incineration of municipal waste (MSW) for electricity or steam production. The modernization of incinerators has significantly reduced emissions. The ban on leaded fuels in transportation has caused a decline since 2000. Since 2006, the main source of Pb has been iron and steel production. Cadmium (Cd) emissions in the energy sector have only slightly decreased since 1990. Until 2005, incinerators for MSW significantly contributed to these emissions; since then, residential heating has become an important source. MSW incinerators had the greatest impact on PCDD/F emissions; their reconstruction has significantly reduced emissions. PAH emissions are mostly emitted from household heating. The emission trend of these pollutants in the energy sector has slightly decreased since 2005. The energy industry was previously one of the largest sources of PCDD/F emissions; however, these emissions significantly decreased in 2003 and 2006 due to technological improvements in combustion. CO emissions are emitted mostly by residential heating.
Other pollutants emission trends
Until 2005, the main source of lead (Pb) emissions was the incineration of municipal waste (MSW) for electricity or steam production. The modernization of incinerators has significantly reduced emissions. The ban on leaded fuels in transportation has caused a decline since 2000. Since 2006, the main source of Pb has been iron and steel production. Cadmium (Cd) emissions in the energy sector have only slightly decreased since 1990. Until 2005, incinerators for MSW significantly contributed to these emissions; since then, residential heating has become an important source. MSW incinerators had the greatest impact on PCDD/F emissions; their reconstruction has significantly reduced emissions. PAH emissions are mostly emitted from household heating. The emission trend of these pollutants in the energy sector has slightly decreased since 2005. The energy industry was previously one of the largest sources of PCDD/F emissions; however, these emissions significantly decreased in 2003 and 2006 due to technological improvements in combustion. CO emissions are emitted mostly by residential heating.
Other pollutants emission trends
Until 2005, the main source of lead (Pb) emissions was the incineration of municipal waste (MSW) for electricity or steam production. The modernization of incinerators has significantly reduced emissions. The ban on leaded fuels in transportation has caused a decline since 2000. Since 2006, the main source of Pb has been iron and steel production. Cadmium (Cd) emissions in the energy sector have only slightly decreased since 1990. Until 2005, incinerators for MSW significantly contributed to these emissions; since then, residential heating has become an important source. MSW incinerators had the greatest impact on PCDD/F emissions; their reconstruction has significantly reduced emissions. PAH emissions are mostly emitted from household heating. The emission trend of these pollutants in the energy sector has slightly decreased since 2005. The energy industry was previously one of the largest sources of PCDD/F emissions; however, these emissions significantly decreased in 2003 and 2006 due to technological improvements in combustion. CO emissions are emitted mostly by residential heating.
Other pollutants emission trends
Until 2005, the main source of lead (Pb) emissions was the incineration of municipal waste (MSW) for electricity or steam production. The modernization of incinerators has significantly reduced emissions. The ban on leaded fuels in transportation has caused a decline since 2000. Since 2006, the main source of Pb has been iron and steel production. Cadmium (Cd) emissions in the energy sector have only slightly decreased since 1990. Until 2005, incinerators for MSW significantly contributed to these emissions; since then, residential heating has become an important source. MSW incinerators had the greatest impact on PCDD/F emissions; their reconstruction has significantly reduced emissions. PAH emissions are mostly emitted from household heating. The emission trend of these pollutants in the energy sector has slightly decreased since 2005. The energy industry was previously one of the largest sources of PCDD/F emissions; however, these emissions significantly decreased in 2003 and 2006 due to technological improvements in combustion. CO emissions are emitted mostly by residential heating.
Other pollutants emission trends
Until 2005, the main source of lead (Pb) emissions was the incineration of municipal waste (MSW) for electricity or steam production. The modernization of incinerators has significantly reduced emissions. The ban on leaded fuels in transportation has caused a decline since 2000. Since 2006, the main source of Pb has been iron and steel production. Cadmium (Cd) emissions in the energy sector have only slightly decreased since 1990. Until 2005, incinerators for MSW significantly contributed to these emissions; since then, residential heating has become an important source. MSW incinerators had the greatest impact on PCDD/F emissions; their reconstruction has significantly reduced emissions. PAH emissions are mostly emitted from household heating. The emission trend of these pollutants in the energy sector has slightly decreased since 2005. The energy industry was previously one of the largest sources of PCDD/F emissions; however, these emissions significantly decreased in 2003 and 2006 due to technological improvements in combustion. CO emissions are emitted mostly by residential heating.
Other pollutants emission trends
Until 2005, the main source of lead (Pb) emissions was the incineration of municipal waste (MSW) for electricity or steam production. The modernization of incinerators has significantly reduced emissions. The ban on leaded fuels in transportation has caused a decline since 2000. Since 2006, the main source of Pb has been iron and steel production. Cadmium (Cd) emissions in the energy sector have only slightly decreased since 1990. Until 2005, incinerators for MSW significantly contributed to these emissions; since then, residential heating has become an important source. MSW incinerators had the greatest impact on PCDD/F emissions; their reconstruction has significantly reduced emissions. PAH emissions are mostly emitted from household heating. The emission trend of these pollutants in the energy sector has slightly decreased since 2005. The energy industry was previously one of the largest sources of PCDD/F emissions; however, these emissions significantly decreased in 2003 and 2006 due to technological improvements in combustion. CO emissions are emitted mostly by residential heating.
Other pollutants emission trends
Until 2005, the main source of lead (Pb) emissions was the incineration of municipal waste (MSW) for electricity or steam production. The modernization of incinerators has significantly reduced emissions. The ban on leaded fuels in transportation has caused a decline since 2000. Since 2006, the main source of Pb has been iron and steel production. Cadmium (Cd) emissions in the energy sector have only slightly decreased since 1990. Until 2005, incinerators for MSW significantly contributed to these emissions; since then, residential heating has become an important source. MSW incinerators had the greatest impact on PCDD/F emissions; their reconstruction has significantly reduced emissions. PAH emissions are mostly emitted from household heating. The emission trend of these pollutants in the energy sector has slightly decreased since 2005. The energy industry was previously one of the largest sources of PCDD/F emissions; however, these emissions significantly decreased in 2003 and 2006 due to technological improvements in combustion. CO emissions are emitted mostly by residential heating.
Other pollutants emission trends
Until 2005, the main source of lead (Pb) emissions was the incineration of municipal waste (MSW) for electricity or steam production. The modernization of incinerators has significantly reduced emissions. The ban on leaded fuels in transportation has caused a decline since 2000. Since 2006, the main source of Pb has been iron and steel production. Cadmium (Cd) emissions in the energy sector have only slightly decreased since 1990. Until 2005, incinerators for MSW significantly contributed to these emissions; since then, residential heating has become an important source. MSW incinerators had the greatest impact on PCDD/F emissions; their reconstruction has significantly reduced emissions. PAH emissions are mostly emitted from household heating. The emission trend of these pollutants in the energy sector has slightly decreased since 2005. The energy industry was previously one of the largest sources of PCDD/F emissions; however, these emissions significantly decreased in 2003 and 2006 due to technological improvements in combustion. CO emissions are emitted mostly by residential heating.
Other pollutants emission trends
Until 2005, the main source of lead (Pb) emissions was the incineration of municipal waste (MSW) for electricity or steam production. The modernization of incinerators has significantly reduced emissions. The ban on leaded fuels in transportation has caused a decline since 2000. Since 2006, the main source of Pb has been iron and steel production. Cadmium (Cd) emissions in the energy sector have only slightly decreased since 1990. Until 2005, incinerators for MSW significantly contributed to these emissions; since then, residential heating has become an important source. MSW incinerators had the greatest impact on PCDD/F emissions; their reconstruction has significantly reduced emissions. PAH emissions are mostly emitted from household heating. The emission trend of these pollutants in the energy sector has slightly decreased since 2005. The energy industry was previously one of the largest sources of PCDD/F emissions; however, these emissions significantly decreased in 2003 and 2006 due to technological improvements in combustion. CO emissions are emitted mostly by residential heating.
Other pollutants emission trends
Until 2005, the main source of lead (Pb) emissions was the incineration of municipal waste (MSW) for electricity or steam production. The modernization of incinerators has significantly reduced emissions. The ban on leaded fuels in transportation has caused a decline since 2000. Since 2006, the main source of Pb has been iron and steel production. Cadmium (Cd) emissions in the energy sector have only slightly decreased since 1990. Until 2005, incinerators for MSW significantly contributed to these emissions; since then, residential heating has become an important source. MSW incinerators had the greatest impact on PCDD/F emissions; their reconstruction has significantly reduced emissions. PAH emissions are mostly emitted from household heating. The emission trend of these pollutants in the energy sector has slightly decreased since 2005. The energy industry was previously one of the largest sources of PCDD/F emissions; however, these emissions significantly decreased in 2003 and 2006 due to technological improvements in combustion. CO emissions are emitted mostly by residential heating.
Other pollutants emission trends
Until 2005, the main source of lead (Pb) emissions was the incineration of municipal waste (MSW) for electricity or steam production. The modernization of incinerators has significantly reduced emissions. The ban on leaded fuels in transportation has caused a decline since 2000. Since 2006, the main source of Pb has been iron and steel production. Cadmium (Cd) emissions in the energy sector have only slightly decreased since 1990. Until 2005, incinerators for MSW significantly contributed to these emissions; since then, residential heating has become an important source. MSW incinerators had the greatest impact on PCDD/F emissions; their reconstruction has significantly reduced emissions. PAH emissions are mostly emitted from household heating. The emission trend of these pollutants in the energy sector has slightly decreased since 2005. The energy industry was previously one of the largest sources of PCDD/F emissions; however, these emissions significantly decreased in 2003 and 2006 due to technological improvements in combustion. CO emissions are emitted mostly by residential heating.
Other pollutants emission trends
Until 2005, the main source of lead (Pb) emissions was the incineration of municipal waste (MSW) for electricity or steam production. The modernization of incinerators has significantly reduced emissions. The ban on leaded fuels in transportation has caused a decline since 2000. Since 2006, the main source of Pb has been iron and steel production. Cadmium (Cd) emissions in the energy sector have only slightly decreased since 1990. Until 2005, incinerators for MSW significantly contributed to these emissions; since then, residential heating has become an important source. MSW incinerators had the greatest impact on PCDD/F emissions; their reconstruction has significantly reduced emissions. PAH emissions are mostly emitted from household heating. The emission trend of these pollutants in the energy sector has slightly decreased since 2005. The energy industry was previously one of the largest sources of PCDD/F emissions; however, these emissions significantly decreased in 2003 and 2006 due to technological improvements in combustion. CO emissions are emitted mostly by residential heating.
Other pollutants emission trends
Until 2005, the main source of lead (Pb) emissions was the incineration of municipal waste (MSW) for electricity or steam production. The modernization of incinerators has significantly reduced emissions. The ban on leaded fuels in transportation has caused a decline since 2000. Since 2006, the main source of Pb has been iron and steel production. Cadmium (Cd) emissions in the energy sector have only slightly decreased since 1990. Until 2005, incinerators for MSW significantly contributed to these emissions; since then, residential heating has become an important source. MSW incinerators had the greatest impact on PCDD/F emissions; their reconstruction has significantly reduced emissions. PAH emissions are mostly emitted from household heating. The emission trend of these pollutants in the energy sector has slightly decreased since 2005. The energy industry was previously one of the largest sources of PCDD/F emissions; however, these emissions significantly decreased in 2003 and 2006 due to technological improvements in combustion. CO emissions are emitted mostly by residential heating.
Other pollutants emission trends
Until 2005, the main source of lead (Pb) emissions was the incineration of municipal waste (MSW) for electricity or steam production. The modernization of incinerators has significantly reduced emissions. The ban on leaded fuels in transportation has caused a decline since 2000. Since 2006, the main source of Pb has been iron and steel production. Cadmium (Cd) emissions in the energy sector have only slightly decreased since 1990. Until 2005, incinerators for MSW significantly contributed to these emissions; since then, residential heating has become an important source. MSW incinerators had the greatest impact on PCDD/F emissions; their reconstruction has significantly reduced emissions. PAH emissions are mostly emitted from household heating. The emission trend of these pollutants in the energy sector has slightly decreased since 2005. The energy industry was previously one of the largest sources of PCDD/F emissions; however, these emissions significantly decreased in 2003 and 2006 due to technological improvements in combustion. CO emissions are emitted mostly by residential heating.
Other pollutants emission trends
Until 2005, the main source of lead (Pb) emissions was the incineration of municipal waste (MSW) for electricity or steam production. The modernization of incinerators has significantly reduced emissions. The ban on leaded fuels in transportation has caused a decline since 2000. Since 2006, the main source of Pb has been iron and steel production. Cadmium (Cd) emissions in the energy sector have only slightly decreased since 1990. Until 2005, incinerators for MSW significantly contributed to these emissions; since then, residential heating has become an important source. MSW incinerators had the greatest impact on PCDD/F emissions; their reconstruction has significantly reduced emissions. PAH emissions are mostly emitted from household heating. The emission trend of these pollutants in the energy sector has slightly decreased since 2005. The energy industry was previously one of the largest sources of PCDD/F emissions; however, these emissions significantly decreased in 2003 and 2006 due to technological improvements in combustion. CO emissions are emitted mostly by residential heating.
Other pollutants emission trends
Until 2005, the main source of lead (Pb) emissions was the incineration of municipal waste (MSW) for electricity or steam production. The modernization of incinerators has significantly reduced emissions. The ban on leaded fuels in transportation has caused a decline since 2000. Since 2006, the main source of Pb has been iron and steel production. Cadmium (Cd) emissions in the energy sector have only slightly decreased since 1990. Until 2005, incinerators for MSW significantly contributed to these emissions; since then, residential heating has become an important source. MSW incinerators had the greatest impact on PCDD/F emissions; their reconstruction has significantly reduced emissions. PAH emissions are mostly emitted from household heating. The emission trend of these pollutants in the energy sector has slightly decreased since 2005. The energy industry was previously one of the largest sources of PCDD/F emissions; however, these emissions significantly decreased in 2003 and 2006 due to technological improvements in combustion. CO emissions are emitted mostly by residential heating.
Other pollutants emission trends
Until 2005, the main source of lead (Pb) emissions was the incineration of municipal waste (MSW) for electricity or steam production. The modernization of incinerators has significantly reduced emissions. The ban on leaded fuels in transportation has caused a decline since 2000. Since 2006, the main source of Pb has been iron and steel production. Cadmium (Cd) emissions in the energy sector have only slightly decreased since 1990. Until 2005, incinerators for MSW significantly contributed to these emissions; since then, residential heating has become an important source. MSW incinerators had the greatest impact on PCDD/F emissions; their reconstruction has significantly reduced emissions. PAH emissions are mostly emitted from household heating. The emission trend of these pollutants in the energy sector has slightly decreased since 2005. The energy industry was previously one of the largest sources of PCDD/F emissions; however, these emissions significantly decreased in 2003 and 2006 due to technological improvements in combustion. CO emissions are emitted mostly by residential heating.
Emission trends by category
Energy (1.A) is still the largest source of total greenhouse gas emissions in Slovakia. Category 1.A.1 – Energy industry (electricity and heat production, refineries, fuel production) is the second largest emitter of GHG in the energy sector after transport (1.A.3).
Category 1.A.2 – Industrial energy includes the combustion of fuels in industry (e.g. iron and steel production, chemicals, cement). Subcategory 1.A.2.a (iron and steel production, mainly U.S. Steel Košice) accounts for over 40% of emissions in this category. Total emissions in category 1.A.2 have decreased by more than 60% since 1990. Categories 1.A.4 and 1.A.5 include emissions from households, buildings and other small sources. While subcategories 1.A.4.a and 1.A.4.c (small sources in services, agriculture, forestry) are less significant. Subcategory 1.A.4.b (household heating) is a significant source. Emissions from these categories have decreased by more than 60% since 1990, mainly due to improved thermal insulation of buildings and reduced energy consumption. Category 1.A.4 is described in the household tab.
Emissions by category
Emission trends by fuel type
Trends in greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants from the energy sector by fuel type have been monitored since 1990. More information on emissions trends from the energy sector – combustion by types of fossil fuels in Slovakia.
Structural changes and the implementation of economic instruments, such as emissions trading, have played a significant role in reducing emissions from electricity and heat production in Slovakia. An important factor has been the significant change in the fuel mix of energy and industrial enterprises over the past few years. In the early 1990s, Slovakia was an energy- and emission-intensive country with a developed heavy industry, dependent on the import of fossil fuels such as anthracite, coal, coke, lignite, oil, and natural gas. The industrial composition included heavy machinery, metallurgy, the chemical industry, non-ferrous metal production, and refining. These sectors consumed substantial amounts of solid and liquid fuels and produced greenhouse gas emissions of up to 56,000 Gg CO2 equivalent. Due to economic and structural transformation and the modernization of industrial enterprises, many non-economical and energy-intensive (non-ecological) operations were shut down, and those that remained underwent a significant change in their fuel mix. This is reflected in the decline of solid and liquid fuels since 1990 and the increase in the consumption of natural gas, renewable sources, and waste fuels (such as heat from waste incineration). The overall reduction in the combustion of non-ecological fuels has led to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50%. The decline in solid fuels is continuous and visible in many facilities categorized in this sector. The most significant decline in solid fuels has been caused by the gradual decommissioning of the largest Slovak thermal power plants in Nováky and Vojany. The decline in solid fuels is ongoing and evident in many facilities within this category.