Sulphur Dioxide

Sulphur dioxide (SO2 ) emissions result from the conversion of sulphur, found naturally in most fossil fuels, into sulphur dioxide. Sulphur dioxide has two main environmental effects. It is a contributor to downwind acid rain and to fine particulate smog.

NSPI's sulphur dioxide (SO2 ) emission cap, outlined in the provincial Air Quality Regulations, was reduced in 2005 from 145,000 tonnes to 108,750 (a 25% reduction). Since its inception in the mid 1990s, NSPI has always been in compliance with its emission cap including the reduced cap in 2005. NSPI is meeting the reduced cap primarily through increased use of lower sulphur fuels.

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Additional reductions are on the horizon as the regulations call for a further reduction of NSPI's cap to 72,500 tonnes (i.e., an additional 25% reduction) by 2010. NSPI will achieve compliance with these requirements by continuing to optimize its fuels.