Emissions from the Transport Sector

• The emission inventory from transport and mobile sources covers emissions generated from various categories of transport and off-road machinery. These are divided into the following groups:
  • Road transport: cars, vans, trucks, buses, mopeds, and motorcycles
  • Railways: locomotives and wagons
  • Domestic water navigation: domestic ferries, island and short-distance routes, and other maritime transport between Macedonian ports
  • Domestic civil aviation: flights between Macedonian airports
  • International civil aviation: international flights from Macedonia
  • Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries: off-road machinery and fishing vessels
  • Industry: construction and other industrial machinery and equipment
  • Residential sector: small gasoline-powered household machines
  • Commercial and institutional sector: port and airport equipment, forklifts, tractors, telescopic loaders, and other small machines
  • Other: military activities (flights and ground operations)

Data and Methodology

• The foundation of the inventory is fuel consumption data from national energy statistics. Additionally, detailed information is used for:
  • the composition and mileage of the vehicle fleet
  • railways
  • aviation
  • water navigation
  • off-road machinery

The emission factors are primarily taken from the EMEP/EEA Air Pollutant Emission Inventory Guidebook.

Road Transport

• Road transport is one of the largest sources of pollution in Macedonia.
  • In 2023, 48% of the total nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions originated from the transport sector.
  • The main reason for this is the age and composition of the vehicle fleet: nearly half of passenger vehicles meet Euro 3 standards or lower, meaning they emit more NOx compared to newer generations of vehicles.

Figure 1-5 Share of Passenger Cars, Light and Heavy-Duty Trucks, Buses, and Motorcycles in Total Emissions

Road Transport Emissions Data

The following charts show the distribution of emissions by vehicle category: passenger cars, light-duty vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, buses, and L-category vehicles.

NOx Emissions

• Nitrogen oxide emissions are more evenly distributed:
  • Passenger cars contribute 40%,
  • Light-duty vehicles: 26%,
  • Heavy-duty vehicles: 18%,
  • Buses: 16%.

CO Emissions

The majority of carbon monoxide emissions originate from passenger cars (70%). Light-duty vehicles contribute 12%, while heavy-duty vehicles and buses together account for around 16%.

NMVOC Emissions

More than half of non-methane volatile organic compound (NMVOC) emissions come from passenger cars (55%). Heavy-duty vehicles contribute 32%, while the remaining categories have a smaller share.

TSP Emissions

Passenger cars have the largest contribution to total suspended particles (TSP) emissions (56%), followed by light-duty vehicles (22%). Heavy-duty vehicles contribute 15%, and buses 7%.

BC Emissions

Black carbon (BC) emissions are led by passenger cars (55%). Light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles each contribute 19%, while buses account for 7%.

Calculation Methodology

Emissions from road transport are calculated using the Tier 3 methodology, fully compliant with European reporting standards. These calculations utilize the COPERT 5.8 model, which provides detailed and reliable results. The model is based on data regarding the structure and age of the vehicle fleet, average annual mileage, driving conditions, and fuel consumption. This approach ensures high accuracy and a realistic representation of emissions within the national inventory.

Impact on Air Quality

Nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from transport have a significant impact on the formation of ground-level ozone and the creation of secondary suspended particles, as well as on exceedances of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) limit values in urban areas. Diesel vehicles are a particularly important source of these emissions, and their impact becomes even more pronounced under conditions of increased traffic density. This leads to persistent air quality problems and serious negative consequences for public health.

Emissions of Particulate Matter from Brakes, Tires, and Road Surfaces

In addition to exhaust emissions, road transport also produces particulate matter emissions resulting from brake wear, tire wear, and road surface abrasion. In 2023, passenger cars contributed the most to brake wear emissions, followed by light-duty vehicles, trucks, buses, and motorcycles. Regarding emissions from tire wear and road abrasion, the highest values were also recorded for passenger cars, followed by trucks, light-duty vehicles, buses, and motorcycles.

Figure 10-13 Share of PM₁₀ Emissions from Tire Wear, Brake Wear, and Road Surface Abrasion by Vehicle Category