Reducing Greenhouse Gases by Recovering Volatile Hydrocarbons at Petrol Stations

In this project, German and Chinese experts worked together to develop best-practice environmental technology that reduces emissions of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOC) and to introduce it across China. VOCs are emitted primarily when vehicles are refuelled. The project had a particular focus on the country’s heavily polluted conurbations. It advised the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection on developing an appropriate emissions reduction strategy and introducing new technologies. Training was also delivered to Chinese officials and technicians. The project demonstrated at one pilot petrol station how fitting this kind of technology not only has positive impacts on health and the environment, but also that it enables petrol recovery and is therefore worthwhile from an economic perspective.

Project data

Countries: China
IKI funding: 300,707.62 €
Duration: 12/2008 till 06/2012
Status: completed
Implementing organisation: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Political Partner: Ministry of Ecology and Environment - China
Implementing Partner: Ministry of Ecology and Environment - China

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State of implementation/results

Project completed
Pilot petrol station was retrofitted with German VOC recovery technologies; this helped avoid approx. 80 to 90 % of VOC emissions
Legally binding administrative provisions and a strategy for more widespread use of VOC recovery has been drawn up by the Chinese ministries; these contain concrete guidance on technology and carrying out the conversion, as well as on maintenance/monitoring
Training courses carried out on (1) application of the administrative provision for employees at the environmental authorities, and (2) checking and monitoring the systems for technical personnel

Latest Update:
12/2025