Air

Air pollution is a health hazard. It also has a potential impact on the environment, since fine particulate matter, sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and other nitrogen oxides (NOx) can damage ecosystems, weaken plants by slowing down their growth, and contribute to the decline of certain animal species.

The Company’s activities generate fumes and emissions that can adversely affect air quality. That is why TotalEnergies is striving to limit such emissions by establishing a standard set of rules for all its affiliates. For example, we have set ourselves a target of reducing sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions. We are also taking action on our products by developing biofuels and helping accelerate the electrification of land-based mobility.

Environment indicators (XLS)

Taking action to limit sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions

SO₂ is a colorless gas that is released into the atmosphere by industrial processes, by the combustion of certain non-desulfurized petroleum products and natural gases, and naturally by volcanoes. It can cause environmentally dangerous acid rain. To reduce its impact, TotalEnergies has set itself a specific goal of reducing its SO₂ emissions. This goal is monitored on a regular basis.

We have equipped our sites that are affected by sulfur dioxide emissions with reduction systems that include organizational measures (management of the sulfur content in fuel, improved combustion processes, etc.) and site-specific technical measures. All refineries controlled by TotalEnergies are fitted with these types of systems.

We also carry out impact assessments for all the new facilities that we develop. If necessary, we take subsequent action to limit the effects of SO₂ emissions.

75%

Objective for reducing our sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions by 2030 compared to 2015

Find out how we reduce our SO₂ emissions

Developing and marketing alternative fuels

The combustion of fossil fuels in the transportation sector is one of the causes of air pollution. To help alleviate this, we are working to promote a less carbon-intensive form of mobility and encourage a reduction in fossil fuel use by developing biofuels and accelerating the electrification of vehicle fleets.

Biofuels are essential for developing greener forms of mobility. These include diesel from renewable sources, which is currently experiencing strong growth due to its technical advantages, i.e. it can be incorporated into fossil diesel without limitation and it can be certified as an aviation fuel.

Renewable diesel is produced entirely by hydroprocessing vegetable oils or circular feedstocks (animal fats, used cooking oils, etc.). In addition, its use lowers greenhouse gas emissions by over 50% compared to its fossil equivalent⁽¹⁾ and helps improve air quality by reducing particulate and nitrogen oxide emissions.

We are also helping to electrify land-based mobility by deploying recharging infrastructures and producing electric vehicle batteries.

Find out how we are taking action on our products and demand

⁽¹⁾ Reduction of at least 50% in greenhouse gas emissions compared with the fossil equivalent, using a life cycle analysis method described in the European RED II directive. The European directive n°2018/2001 on renewable energy precisely describes the method for calculating greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and use of a biofuel, and sets the value of the fossil equivalent. ↑

GGIP project in Iraq: recovering flared gas and reducing the impact on local air quality

As part of the Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP) that we are leading in Iraq, we have confirmed the terms of an agreement with the Iraqi government to recover flared gas on three oil fields to supply gas to power generation plants and build a seawater treatment plant to maintain oil field pressure. The project will also help improve Iraq’s self-sufficiency in gas.

Learn more about the GGIP project in Iraq