Air emissions

Some of the noteworthy initiatives that allowed us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in 2020: 

• at Grupa Azoty S.A., the catalyst baskets of the double-pressure nitric acid unit were sealed, which helped reduce emissions of nitrous oxide;
• in Kędzierzyn-Koźle, in TKIV and TKV units, packages of catalytic gauzes were replaced and the layer of catalyst for reducing nitrous oxide was filled up;
• at Grupa Azoty Puławy, new catalytic and catchment gauze packages were mounted on the nitric acid unit. Moreover, the units for CO₂ absorption in potassium carbonate solutions on lines 2 and 3 of the ammonia 1 unit were upgraded, as was circulation water network for the nitrate and UAN units. The upper part of the boiler and economiser were also replaced at the nitric acid unit. 

Total direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and volume expressed as CO₂ equivalent [t] (Scope 1) for the entire Grupa Azoty Group were 7.396 million tonnes of CO₂e. The four key Group companies account for 99% of Scope 1 emissions: 7.326 million tonnes of CO₂e.

Total direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and volume expressed as CO2 equivalent, by GHG category [t] ¹

¹ The increase in carbon dioxide emissions at Grupa Azoty Police is attributable to an over half-year emergency shutdown of ammonia line A and a two-month shutdown of ammonia line B in 2019.

In 2018, catalyst baskets were sealed at the dual-pressure nitric acid unit, which contributed to an over 60% year-on-year decrease in emissions of nitrous oxide at Grupa Azoty S.A. in 2019. Additionally, in 2019, the supplier of catalytic gauzes was changed and catalyst baskets were replaced with new ones. Modernisation consisted in:

• change in the sealing of catalyst baskets in ammonia oxidisers (December 2018);
• mounting of catalyst baskets with upgraded structure and use of a new Low N2O low-emission catalyst (June 2019).

The Group’s total indirect greenhouse gas emissions were 2.036 million tonnes of CO₂e. The four key Group companies are responsible for 76% of the Scope 2 emissions: 1.547 million tonnes of CO₂e.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity*

CO₂ and N₂O emissions against the ETS benchmark and BAT recommendations [t]

* The calculation methodology has been updated so historical data is not included. The intensity ratio refers only to emissions from the ammonia production unit.

Reduction of GHG emissions [MgCO₂e]

¹ Present value.
² The value refers to 2019.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and other significant air emissions, by type of substance (Mg)

¹ Cyclohexanone.
² Chlorine and its inorganic compounds.
³ Sulfur trioxide, hydrogen cyanide, benzene, aromatic hydrocarbons, hydrated lime dust, fertilizer dust, chlorine, mercury, nickel, chromium, lead, zinc, copper, cadmium, arsenic, PCDD/PCDF and PAH.