fixed process emissions

1. Fixed Process Emissions

2. Issue Implementing the fixed process emission provisions in framework Recalling from Framework that: �Predefined fixed process emissions would have a 0% reduction in emission intensity from 2006 levels in 2010� �Fixed process emissions are emissions that are tied to production and for which there is no alternative technology that will reduce them. The only way to reduce these emissions is to reduce production.� �Fixed process emissions will have to be determined on the basis of the characteristics of firms and sectors.�

3. What are fixed process emissions Most industrial GHG emissions are from: Fuel combustion Burning of fossil fuels to produce energy Processes Chemical reactions in production processes or other releases of GHGs during the production process. Differing ability to reduce emissions Fuel combustion emissions can be reduced through fuel efficiency and the use of low emitting fuels Some process emissions can be reduced through the use of alternate processes and improved process control. Other process emissions are not controllable It is these process emissions that not controllable with alternate technologies that are considered fixed process emissions.

4. What are fixed process emissions: Example Cement Cement is made by heating calcium carbonate (CaCO3), found in limestone at high temperatures to produce clinker (mainly calcium oxide) the main ingredient of cement. In the process as calcium carbonate converts to calcium oxide (CaO), CO2 is released from the calcium carbonate. CaCO3? CaO + CO2. CO2 is released at a rate of 0.44t CO2/t Clinker. Combustion is the other reaction releasing CO2 in the process. Heat from combustion is needed to drive the reaction. This is not considered a fixed process emission because it is intended to produce energy for the process.

5. Fixed process emissions as estimated and presented in Framework

6. Framework: Background Estimates in Framework of fixed process emissions (winter 2007) were based on previous work by the departments. Have generally followed a narrow interpretation of what are fixed process emissions. Recognizing the risk of slippage on emission reductions if the interpretation is broadened. Department consulted with industry in the spring and summer of 2007 on fixed process emissions in their sectors.

7. Status Designation as fixed process emission is based on decision on whether facilities in that sector have the potential to reduce the process emission (for ex., through efficiencies, alternate technologies etc). Analysis is underway to confirm the specific fixed processes in each sector.

8. Annex : Initial list of fixed process emissions Iron Ore Pellets The calcination of limestone and dolomite added to pellets as fluxing agents Base Metals The calcination of limestone and dolomite used as fluxing agents Aluminum Hall-H�roult process: electrolytic reduction of alumina using carbon anodes Aluminia No fixed processes Cement and Lime The calcination of limestone and dolomite feedstocks

9. Annex: Initial list of fixed process emissions (cont.) Nitrogen Fertilizer Steam methane reforming to produce hydrogen used to make ammonia Titanium Dioxide Chloride process Petrochemical Industry (Ethylene oxide, terephthalic acid, methanol, cyclohexanol etc) Catalytic oxidation of hydrocarbons where 100% conversion to desired product is not possible due to undesirable and uncontrollable side reactions Oil Sands Steam methane reforming to produce hydrogen used to upgrade bitumen Petroleum Refining Steam methane reforming to produce hydrogen used in refining process