Regulatory Exception Granted for Oil Refinery's Sulfur Dioxide Emissions

The PCK oil refinery located in Schwedt, northeastern Brandenburg, has received special permission to exceed established sulfur dioxide emission limits. This decision was issued by the State Office for the Environment following a review of objections against the relaxed standards. The German Environmental Aid organization has announced plans to contest this approval.

The increased sulfur dioxide emissions are attributed to the refinery's processing of approximately 20 different types of crude oil since the halt of Russian oil imports due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The new mix of crude oil has a higher sulfur content compared to the previously used Russian oil, which had been the sole source prior to the embargo.

The environmental agency acknowledged that the transition to alternative crude oils presents unique technical and logistical challenges that were unforeseen and cannot be easily modified in the short term. The agency's assessment indicated that without this exception, there is a significant risk to the viability and competitiveness of the refinery's operations. The authorization is valid until the end of 2027.

According to the agency, failing to grant the exception could lead to a partial or complete shutdown of the refinery, resulting in substantial economic repercussions for the local area as well as broader implications for the public. Currently, the solutions in place for supplying the refinery with suitable crude oil are considered temporary and primarily aimed at maintaining operations.

The PCK refinery applied for a waiver from the established emission limit for sulfur dioxide (SO2) based on daily average values. Under this new regulation, emissions can reach up to 1,000 milligrams per cubic meter of air on designated days. However, the overall annual emissions must not increase; hence, if higher levels are permitted on certain days, the refinery must operate at lower levels on other days.

The German Environmental Aid has expressed its intention to file an appeal against this exception and simultaneously submit a legal request to contest the immediate enforceability of this decision. One of their arguments is that the refinery should have proactively invested in effective desulfurization technology long before this point.

Sulfur dioxide, a significant contributor to air pollution, is primarily generated during combustion processes through the oxidation of sulfur found in fuels.