Stationary Combustion
The burning of fuel in fixed equipment — such as boilers, furnaces, kilns, and generators — to produce heat, steam, or power. The primary Scope 1 emission source for most manufacturing facilities.
Stationary combustion refers to the burning of fossil fuels or biomass in fixed (stationary) equipment for the purpose of generating heat, steam, or electricity. Under IPCC 2006 Guidelines, it is classified under Category 1A — Fuel Combustion Activities, with manufacturing industries falling under subcategory 1A2.
Common stationary combustion sources in manufacturing
- Steam boilers (coal, natural gas, furnace oil, biomass)
- Thermic fluid heaters (furnace oil, natural gas)
- Process furnaces and kilns (natural gas, coal)
- Heat-setting and drying equipment (natural gas, LPG)
- Diesel standby generators
- Captive power plants
Calculation approach
Stationary combustion emissions = Fuel consumed × Net calorific value × Emission factor
The emission factor has three components: CO2 (dominant), CH4 (small), and N2O (small). All three are converted to CO2 equivalent using IPCC GWP values and summed for total Scope 1 from stationary sources.
Data requirement
Monthly fuel consumption records from purchase invoices or fuel meters. For coal, fuel quality (calorific value) from supplier certificates improves calculation accuracy.