Changes in Greek industry and their effect on air pollutant emissions

Energy use in Greek Industry, fuel mix changes and contribution of major sectors from 1960
to 2004 are presented and analysed. Energy related air pollutant emissions are estimated and
presented too.
Energy use in Industry has shown a growing trend. Residual fuel oil was the predominant
energy form, but with decreasing share, while electricity had a remarkable and steadily
increasing share, reflecting changes in industrial equipment towards more automated
production processes. Natural Gas started to contribute to energy mix in late ’90s. Emissions
followed energy’s growth but with lower rates, since ‘dirty fuels’ use grew slower than
electricity, which is a ‘clean fuel’ in final uses. Sectors with the greater contribution in energy
use and air pollutant emissions were ‘Basic Metals’ and ‘Chemical’ from 1960 to 1975, while
after 1985 ‘Non-metallic Minerals’ and ‘Energy’ sectors had the greater contribution.
More than 50% of the countries industrial units are located close to Athens. In 2003, Attica’s
share to total industry’s emissions was lower than the share of industries, while neighbouring
prefectures’ share was higher. The share of ‘dirty’ industries is higher in the neighbouring to
Attica prefectures, while in Attica the share of industries using mainly electricity (‘clean’ final
energy form) is higher.
The enlargement of natural gas penetration together with energy saving measures will affect
positive any emission reduction policy.