Projections of greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions from the transport sector are balanced until 2055. More information onemission projections from the fugitive emissions subsector in Slovakia.
Projections of greenhouse gas emissions
The main emphasis is on projections of greenhouse gases, particularly methane (CH4), in connection with activities related to natural gas. This is because methane is a significant greenhouse gas and leaks from the extraction, transport and distribution of natural gas are relevant to greenhouse gas reduction targets.
Under the WEM scenario, emissions are projected to decrease by 65-70% in 2030 compared to 2005 and by 80-85% compared to 1990. In 2050, a reduction of approximately 70-75% is expected compared to 2005 and 80-85% compared to 1990. Under the WAM scenario, a further reduction in emissions is projected, which depends on the impact of other sectors, such as transport or electricity generation, on emissions. Emissions are projected to decrease by an additional 1-5% in 2030 compared to the WEM scenario and compared to 2005, and by an additional 5-10% compared to 1990. In 2050, an additional reduction of approximately 5-10% is expected compared to 2005 and 6-11% compared to 1990.
Projected emissions are assessed in two scenarios:
- With Existing Measures (WEM) scenario
- Maintaining current fire prevention and dust control practices (e.g. water spraying in mines)
- After 2023, mines are considered closed, with only residual emissions from abandoned mines remaining
- With Additional Measures (WAM) scenario
- Investments in modern filtration units and electrification of mining and compressor equipment
- Phasing out coke production and other solid fuel sources
- Streamlining and reducing the amount of oil processed
- The LDAR (leak detection and repair) programme focuses on 1,200 km of pipelines
Fugitive Emissions
Projections of air pollutant emissions
Fugitive emissions in Slovakia have been decreasing in the long term due to the modernisation of technologies, improvement of calculation methodologies and the gradual closure of mining operations. Fugitive leaks from the extraction, transport and distribution of oil and natural gas account for approximately 1% of total emissions and have been decreasing slightly since 2000, as investments have been made in tighter pipelines, filtration systems and maintenance of compressor stations.
In the 1990s, the expansion of the natural gas distribution network and the growth in consumption led to an increase in fugitive emissions. However, after 2000, due to investments and the partial decline of mines, emissions decreased and stabilised at a level below 1% of total national emissions. A slow decline in these emissions is expected until 2050. At the same time, it is also important to consider the impact of other sectors, such as transport or electricity generation, on emissions in the fugitive emissions sector. For example, reducing the consumption of fossil fuels in transport may have an indirect impact on emissions from their extraction and distribution.
Projections of fugitive air pollutant emissions are also assessed under two scenarios, WEM and WAM.