ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS TRAINING

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

SPR 13017
Greenhouse effect
• Greenhouse gases:
• prevent some heat from escaping
the atmosphere
• allow incoming radiation to pass
through the Earth’s atmosphere.
• This is a natural process
and has kept the Earth's
temperature about 60 F°
warmer than it would
otherwise be.
• Current life on Earth could not
be sustained without the
natural greenhouse effect.
The Greenhouse Gas Effect is the natural process by
which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap
heat, helping to maintain the planet’s temperature
and making it hospitable for life. Without this effect,
the Earth's surface would be much colder. However,
human activities have significantly intensified this
natural process, leading to global warming and
climate change.
Greenhouse Effect

• The greenhouse effect is a process by which thermal radiation

from a planetary surface is absorbed by
atmospheric greenhouse gases, and is re-radiated in all
directions
• Since part of this re-radiation is back towards the surface and
the lower atmosphere, it results in an elevation of the average
surface temperature
Lets think about it…
• A green house is used to grow
plants and help in the winter.

• Greenhouses trap heat from

the sun, and the glass panels
keep heat from escaping.

• Thus, the greenhouse can keep

plants warm during the winter.

• Greenhouse gases trapped in

the Earth’s atmosphere have
the same effect.
Key Sources of GHGs
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
• Fuel combustion
• Methane (CH4)
• Landfills
• Oil and gas production
• Nitrous oxide (N20)
• Fuel combustion
• Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6)
• Magnesium production
• Electrical Transmission
DRAFT 8
Key Sources of GHGs (cont’d)
• Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
• HFC manufacture
• Semiconductor manufacturing
• Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
• Aluminum production
• Semiconductor manufacturing

DRAFT 9
 Carbon Dioxide
• Carbon Dioxide is one of the most abundant greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere.

Deforestation in Brazil has earned it a

spot as one of the leading carbon dioxide
emitting countries.
• The main source of CO2 is the burning of fossil fuels
 Methane Gas
Trash in landfills, animals, and deforestation all produce
methane gas.

60% of global methane emissions are related to human-

related activities
 Nitrous Oxide
Sources include:
• Nitric acid in fertilizers
• Animal manure management
• Sewage treatment
• Adipic acid for the production of nylon
Ozone
Fuel combustion is the main source of Ozone
 CFCs
CFC’s were once widely used
in aerosols and refrigerators

The use of CFC’s as a coolant

has been discontinued, but
the effects of the damage
done will persist for
thousands of years
Greenhouse Gases
Earth’s greenhouse gases:
• Water vapor (most
abundant)
• Carbon dioxide
• Methane
• Nitrous oxide
• Ozone
• CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) (least abundant)
Global Warming Potentials
(100 year time horizon)
Greenhouse gases GWP
Carbon dioxide (CO2) 1
Methane (CH4) 21
Nitrous Oxide (N2O) 310
Hydrofluorocarbons (e.g., HFC 134a) 1300
Perfluorcarbon (e.g., CF4) 6500
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) 23,900

16
 Impacts of Greenhouse Gas
Emissions
• Continued warming from the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs)
into the atmosphere is expected to have substantial impacts on
the environment, human health and the economy.
• Environmental impacts
• Overall average annual temperatures are expected to increase.
• Global warming will decrease snow, sea ice and glacier coverage,
resulting in rising sea levels and increased coastal flooding. Rising
temperatures will also thaw permafrost in the Arctic.
• Storms and heat waves are likely to increase in frequency and
severity.
• Many wild species will have difficulty adapting to a warmer climate
and will likely experience greater stress from diseases and invasive
species.
Effects of Global Warming
• Rising sea levels
• An increase in extreme weather
occurrences (hurricanes, tornadoes, flash
floods, tsunamis etc.)
• An increase in the occurrence of fires
• An increase in droughts
• Melting of the polar ice caps
• Greater variation in the fluctuation of
temperature
• The list goes on and on…
GHG Emissions
 Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Released from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil,
gas), deforestation, and industrial processes.
 Methane (CH₄): Emitted during the production and transport of
coal, oil, natural gas, and by livestock and other agricultural
practices.
 Nitrous Oxide (N₂O): Released from agricultural and industrial
activities, as well as combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste.
 Fluorinated Gases: Synthetic gases used in industrial applications
like refrigeration and air conditioning.
What are some solutions to the
greenhouse effect?
• We need the greenhouse effect to keep the earth warm. What we don't need is the accelerated greenhouse effect which we are
experiencing now.

• The only solution is to move entirely to renewable energy, so we stop burning fossil fuels. There are proven technologies working now.
What we need is the will to change.

• Some solutions to the greenhouse effect are reducing pollution and carbon emissions. Another way is to go green with our technologies,
like with power plants and transportation.

• There is no complete solution to the greenhouse effect, because we don't know how to remove carbon dioxide directly from the
atmosphere, but we only know how to not add any more CO 2 to the atmosphere.

• We have to stop adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. (This means cutting down on burning fossil fuels. Finding new ways of
producing electricity. Reducing our use of electricity till we do.)

• And we have to plant more trees, millions and millions more.

• As trees absorb and store more carbon dioxide it will help. Trees also helps in bringing rain.
Human Activities Intensifying the Greenhouse Effect
While the greenhouse effect is a natural process essential for life, human activities since
the Industrial Revolution have significantly increased the concentration of GHGs in the
atmosphere, amplifying this effect. This is primarily due to:
 Burning of Fossil Fuels: The use of coal, oil, and natural gas for energy production and
transportation releases large amounts of CO₂ into the atmosphere.
 Deforestation: Cutting down forests reduces the Earth’s capacity to absorb CO₂, as trees
play a crucial role in sequestering carbon.
 Industrial Processes: Factories and industries, especially cement, steel, and chemical
production, emit large quantities of GHGs.
 Agriculture: Livestock farming produces methane, and the use of synthetic fertilizers in
agriculture emits nitrous oxide.
Sources of GHG Emissions in the Workplace
 Energy Use: The biggest contributor comes from using electricity and
heating systems powered by fossil fuels.
 Transportation: Vehicles that rely on gasoline or diesel fuel emit
significant amounts of CO₂.
 Waste: Improper waste management, including the disposal of organic
materials like food waste, can lead to methane emissions in landfills.
 Industrial Processes: Manufacturing and other industrial processes can
produce large amounts of GHGs, especially if reliant on chemicals and
energy-intensive practices.
Why It Matters?
 Climate Impact: GHG emissions increase global temperatures,
which can lead to extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and
loss of biodiversity.
 Health Risks: Air pollution from GHGs can result in respiratory
problems, heart disease, and other health issues.
 Regulatory Compliance: Many industries are now subject to
regulations aimed at reducing GHG emissions. Non-compliance
can lead to penalties and reputational damage.
Ways to Reduce GHG Emissions in the Workplace
 Energy Efficiency: Upgrade lighting to energy-efficient LED bulbs. Insulate buildings to
reduce heating and cooling needs. Install energy-efficient appliances and machinery.
 Renewable Energy: Consider installing solar panels or purchasing energy from
renewable sources where feasible.
 Transportation: Promote carpooling, public transportation, or electric vehicles. Use
fuel-efficient vehicles for company operations.
 Waste Reduction: Implement recycling programs. Encourage reducing, reusing, and
recycling materials. Compost organic waste where possible.
 Equipment Maintenance: Regularly maintain equipment and vehicles to ensure they
operate efficiently, minimizing fuel and energy waste.
 Awareness and Training: Educate employees about the impact of GHG emissions and
how they can help reduce them.
 Help Prevent Climate
Change
Be energy efficient.
• Use fluorescent light bulbs.
• Drive less: walk, carpool
• Recycle and buy recycled
products
• Turn off electronic devices
when not in use
• Plant a tree
1. Global Warming:
o The Earth's average temperature has increased due to higher concentrations of GHGs. The planet has already
warmed by approximately 1.2°C (2.2°F) since the late 19th century, and further warming is projected.
2. Climate Change:
o Global warming leads to broader climate change, causing more frequent and severe weather events such as
heatwaves, droughts, floods, and storms.
3. Melting Ice and Rising Sea Levels:
o Warmer temperatures cause polar ice caps and glaciers to melt, contributing to rising sea levels. This threatens
coastal communities with flooding and erosion.
4. Ocean Acidification:
o The absorption of excess CO₂ by the oceans is leading to acidification, which harms marine ecosystems, particularly
coral reefs and shellfish.
5. Disruption of Ecosystems:
o Changing temperatures and weather patterns disrupt ecosystems, endangering plant and animal species, and
contributing to biodiversity loss.
6. Health Impacts:
o The intensifying greenhouse effect contributes to poor air quality, heat stress, food and water scarcity, and the
spread of diseases, affecting human health.
Emissions Reduction Strategies:
1.Increase Plant Efficiency (e.g., combined-cycle
technology).
2.Reduce Methane Leaks in the supply chain.
3.Switch to Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) or hydrogen
blending.
4.Energy Storage and Demand Response to minimize the
need for gas generation during peak times.
5.Policy and Regulatory Measures to incentivize reductions.
6.Co-generation to improve overall efficiency.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from natural
gas-fired power plants primarily consist of
carbon dioxide (CO₂), along with smaller
amounts of methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide
(N₂O). Natural gas is often considered a cleaner
alternative to coal or oil, as it produces fewer
emissions per unit of energy generated.
Key Greenhouse Gases from Natural Gas Power Plants:
1. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
o Source: CO₂ is released when natural gas is burned to produce electricity. The combustion process combines carbon in the fuel with oxygen in the
air, producing CO₂ as a byproduct.
o Emission Level: Natural gas-fired power plants produce about 50-60% less CO₂ than coal-fired plants per unit of electricity. However, they still emit
significant amounts of CO₂. On average, a modern natural gas power plant emits approximately 450-550 grams of CO₂ per kilowatt-hour
(gCO₂/kWh) of electricity generated.
2. Methane (CH₄)
o Source: Methane is a potent greenhouse gas released during the extraction, processing, transportation, and storage of natural gas. While natural gas
combustion in power plants emits minimal methane, the entire supply chain (from production to delivery) results in methane leaks, often referred
to as "fugitive emissions."
o Impact: Methane has a much higher global warming potential than CO₂ (about 28-34 times more potent over 100 years). Even small leaks can
contribute significantly to overall GHG emissions.
o Emission Level: Although combustion-related methane emissions from power plants are minimal, upstream methane emissions (from extraction,
transport, and storage) can account for 1-3% of total natural gas system emissions. Reducing methane leaks in the natural gas supply chain is
critical for mitigating its impact on global warming.
3. Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)
o Source: Nitrous oxide is a minor byproduct of natural gas combustion. It is primarily released during the high-temperature combustion process.
o Impact: N₂O is about 298 times more potent than CO₂ in terms of global warming potential over a 100-year period, though its emissions from
natural gas power plants are relatively low.
o Emission Level: N₂O emissions from natural gas-fired power plants are typically minimal, contributing only a small fraction of overall GHG emissions.
Sources of greenhouse gas emissions that have been considered are from natural gas
combustion during the operational phase of the project. The calculated emission can be
summarised as:
● The overall GHG emissions from the operational phase are estimated to be 4.84MtCO2e
per year
● The potential GHG emissions from electricity production by the project are 4.78MtCO2
per year less than if the electricity was generated according to the current national grid
average emissions factor.
● The project is expected to produce around 324gCO2 per kWh, which is in line with the
typical performance from a new gas fired thermal power plant. This is at the lower end
of the typical ranges presented in Table 4 of the IFC Environmental, Health and Safety
Guidelines for Thermal Power Plants (325-439g CO2/kWh for CCGT).
The calculations were based on current project data, and the methodology and emission
factors taken from the plant technical specifications and World Bank guidance. This
assessment quantified the emissions associated with the plant running under design
 Greenhouse gas impacts
Sources of greenhouse gas emissions that have been considered are from natural gas combustion during the operation of the
plant. The calculated emission can be summarized as:
· The overall GHG emissions during pant operations are estimated to be 4.84MtCO2e per year
· The potential GHG emissions from electricity production by the plant are 4.78MtCO2 per year less than if the electricity
was generated according to the current national grid average emissions factor.
· The plant is expected to produce around 324gCO2 per kWh, which is in line with the typical performance from a new gas
fired thermal power plant. This is at the lower end of the typical ranges presented in Table 4 of the IFC Environmental,
Health and Safety Guidelines for Thermal Power Plants (325-439g CO2/kWh for CCGT).
The calculations were based on current data, and the methodology and emission factors taken from the plant technical
specifications and World Bank guidance. This assessment quantified the emissions associated with the plant running
under design conditions.
•An efficiency assessment should be conducted on a regular basis to identify any issues and implement the
corrective measures needed to improve efficiency. Such an assessment may identify issues such as steam leakages
or energy efficiency opportunities to alter the minimum and maximum temperatures within the system. The result
of the efficiency assessment may indicate that maintenance is required, or perhaps replacement of capital assets.
•It is essential to practice regular maintenance of assets to alleviate against impacts of negligence and degradation
of equipment over time, such as decreased energy efficiency, pressure and leakage losses throughout the system.
•Regular maintenance of the gas supply pipeline will also mitigate against the need to utilise the three back-up
diesel generators. To facilitate this, it is recommended to proactively engage with Sharjah Gas Co. (who have control
of gas pipeline maintenance) to discuss implementing maintenance on a regular basis. The combustion of diesel has
a greater carbon intensity than gas and is therefore likely to significantly increase operational emissions. Where
possible, the use of solar powered generators is preferred, or the purchase of low carbon or renewable energy
certified electricity for own use energy consumption.
•Operator training should be undertaken upon regular intervals for existing staff and should be mandatory for all
new employees. Bespoke training to the power plant will ensure operators are fully aware of best practice measures
to maximise efficiency.
•Ensure all monitoring procedures outlined within section 9.4 are being adhered to.
To mitigate against GHG emissions from transportation of employees and maintenance vehicles during operation,
the following measures should be implemented. Please also refer to the traffic management mitigation and control
plan in Section 5.8 for further information.
•Introduce a requirement to maintain all site vehicles in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction, with
catalytic convertors installed and maintained where applicable. Older vehicles to be replaced with more fuel-
efficient ones.
•Vehicles with alternative fuels, such as electric or hybrid, should be utilised where possible.
Mitigation and control measures
Impact Actions / mitigation measures Standards Responsibility Monitoring / KPI

Plant operation associated ● Operating the plant efficiently IFC PS3 EP10 Production Manager / Visual inspections
GHG emissions ● Environmental Engineer
Good maintenance practices, upgrades and fuel sourcing strategies Monitoring as per section
9.4
● The most significant options may be identifying how the plant fits with the UAE’s
wider decarbonisation strategy, and whether there are opportunities to operate
the facility to support the objectives set out in the UAE’s energy strategies and
climate change plans as part of a more flexible and efficient power network.
● Maintaining the efficiency of the plant by conducting periodic maintenance of
equipment
● Implement regular training program
● Quantification and reporting on GHG emissions during the operational phase of
the plant

Traffic related GHG ● See traffic management mitigation and control plan section 5.8.3
emissions
● Vehicle maintenance
● Consider utilising vehicles with alternative fuels
● Training
 Applicable Laws

· Performance Standard 3 of the 2012 edition of the IFC

Sustainability Framework (IFC, 2012)
· UAE National Climate Change Plan 2050
· UAE Energy Strategy for 2050
· UAE Green Agenda 2015-2030
 Records

· Annual report of direct stack emissions.

· Annual report of indirect emissions from the purchase of
electricity.
· Annual quantification of GHG emissions.
Thank You