Total annual sulfur dioxide emissions in France 1990-2021, by sector

Annual emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) in France were around 100 thousand metric tons in 2021, after decreasing considerably over the previous 30 years. Until 1994, SO₂ emissions were larger than one million metric tons per year. The largest share of SO₂ emissions was from the industry sectors, followed by transportation.
SO₂ is emitted by the combustion of fossil fuels containing sulfates and by industrial processes. The reduction of its emissions was caused by the replacement of fossil fuels with nuclear and renewable energy sources, by new national and international energy policies, and by the implementation of more effective industrial installation using fuels containing less sulfates.