Emissions of CO2 in the Netherlands showed a year-on-year decline of 3.8 percent in the second quarter of 2018, according to the statement released by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) on Tuesday.
Gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 2.9 percent at the same time according to the first estimate, the CBS noted.
"The decline was mainly the result of reduced natural gas consumption for heating. In addition, electricity imports were up and in-house production was lower, resulting in lower emissions by electricity companies," CBS said.
Compared to the same quarter in 2017, the second quarter of 2018 had milder weather conditions, especially in April and May, it noted adding that, when adjusted for this weather effect, CO2 emissions were lower by 0.8 percent.
"Due to the milder weather in the second quarter, less natural gas was used for heating of homes and office buildings. Households emitted over 6 percent less CO2 year-on-year. Their contribution to total CO2 emissions in in the second quarter stood at over 15 percent," the office explained.
CO2 emissions by energy and water companies as well as waste management installations in the second quarter were also nearly 7 percent lower year-on-year.
"This decline can mainly be attributed to both lower in-house production and higher electricity imports by electricity companies than in the previous year. One of the reasons was the temporary closure of a coal plant on account of periodic maintenance. In Q2 2018, energy companies accounted for 28 percent of total CO2 emissions," CBS argued.
- Higher CO2 emissions in agriculture, manufacturing and construction
CO2 emissions by the cluster agriculture, mining, manufacturing industry and construction were up by nearly 2 percent relative to second quarter of 2017, which accounted for 24.5 percent of total CO2 emissions.
CO2 emissions by the transport sector rose by more than 1 percent in the same period.
"This sector was responsible for almost 16 percent of total emissions. Aviation emissions increased most notably, by over 3 percent, mainly due to an increase in aviation activities," CBS said.
By Ebru Sengul
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr