Defra Appoints Entec to Predict Emissions

Entec has been awarded a contract by the Global Atmosphere Division, Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to develop projected emissions of a number of non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gases in the UK. The results will be used to demonstrate UK progress against its legally binding target under the Kyoto Protocol and to help the government identify the most cost-effective mitigation options.

The UK’s target under the Kyoto Protocol is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 12.5% below base levels between 2008-2012. Carbon dioxide (CO2), although the best known, is only one of six greenhouse gases. Whilst non-CO2 gas emissions are much smaller than those of CO2, for several of them, their global warming potential is much greater.

Since the last projections were prepared, various developments have taken place, including the implementation of policies and measures in the UK Climate Change Programme and the publication of the Energy White Paper.

The UK now needs to revise the original projections to form the input to reviews of the Climate Change Programme, preparation of the fourth national communication to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and for the UK’s report on demonstrable progress.

Entec’s work will include an assessment of current policy options and their implications for future emissions of methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride, as well as emissions estimates derived up to 2020. Abatement cost curves will be developed for greenhouse gas emissions from each of the major sources, assisting the government to identify the most cost-effective mitigation options. The results of the project are due in August 2004.

Further information on climate change can be found on Defra’s website at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climatechange/

Or contact Entec’s Project Manager, Caspar Corden, on 020 7843 1432, email cordc@entecuk.co.uk

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