Sulphur Dioxide

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions result from the combustion of naturally occurring sulphur that is often present in fossil fuels. 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) and then further reduced to 72,500 tonnes in 2010. 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.