Super-Emitter of the Most Damaging Greenhouse Gas Found in Germany
a day ago
- #Industrial Emissions
- #Greenhouse Gas
- #Environmental Regulation
- Scientists identified Solvay's chemical factory in Germany as a major source of SF₆ emissions, a greenhouse gas 24,000 times more potent than CO₂.
- SF₆ emissions have been underreported globally, with studies showing significant gaps between reported and actual atmospheric measurements.
- Solvay reported only 56 kg of SF₆ emissions in 2023, but scientists estimate actual emissions at 30 tons, equivalent to 700,000 tons of CO₂.
- SF₆ is used in various industries, including high-voltage electrical equipment, soundproof windows, and previously in Nike shoes.
- EU regulations are phasing out SF₆ in switchgear, but existing infrastructure will continue to use it for decades.
- Solvay's factory has a history of environmental controversies, including producing ozone-depleting substances and releasing PFAS chemicals.
- The German Environmental Agency and scientists are investigating the discrepancies in reported SF₆ emissions.
- SF₆ production may be a larger source of emissions than previously thought, raising concerns about underreporting in other countries.