SOx and NOx Emissions

In 2008, NOx emissions increased for the second year in a row (+6.9% compared to 2007), despite a reduction (-17%) in gas flaring emissions which were responsible for the increase recorded in 2007 (+10%). Particularly significant for 2008 was the approximately 11% increase in NOx emissions recorded by the Exploration & Production sector - compared to a decrease in emissions for the other sectors - due to an increase in electricity production in Nigeria's Okpai plant. SO2 emissions continued to decrease (-9%) in all sectors as a result of the use of low-sulphur fuels.

The technologies adopted in the thermoelectric sector have allowed Eni to avoid approximately 80,000 tons/year in SO2 emissions and 20,000 tons/year of NOx emissions.

The installation of low-emissions turbines continued in the gas transmission sector as well. In Italy, this practice will allow an additional decrease in emissions for compression plants. The refining sector recorded a decrease in NOx and SO2 emissions due to lower production levels. After reducing the sulphur content of fuels and avoiding its emission into the atmosphere in past years (in anticipation of the European directive on fuels), Eni's production of Blu fuels has allowed the reduction of NOx emissions for the end customer by optimizing combustion through the use of specific additives.