Climate neutrality by 2050 : part 2: atmospheric data on SF6 and NF3 in Europe and Germany : final report / by Prof. Dr. Andreas Engel, Katharina Meixner (Goethe Universität Frankfurt Am Main. Institut für Atmosphäre und Umwelt, Frankfurt/M.) ; on behalf of the German Environment Agency ; edited by: Section III 1.4 Substances-related Product Issues - Dr. Cornelia Elsner

Abstract

SF6 and NF3 are long-lived greenhouse gases with extremely high global warming potentials. Their use, especially in switchgear and in the semiconductor industry, has led to a significant rise in their atmospheric mixing ratios globally. Regular measurements of both substances were established at the Taunus Observatory of Goethe University Frankfurt. The measurements are fully incorporated into the AGAGE network. As part of the project, extensive data on SF₆ in Germany were compiled and analysed from various sources. The total emissions derived from the modeling calculations for Germany are in good agreement with the total emissions reported to the UNFCCC. This suggests that the reported values may not adequately reflect the distribution of actual emissions, particularly if emissions from point sources are not considered in the official reports.