Sulphur dioxide has a serious impact on the environment, and international action has been taken to limit emissions. The number of countries imposing specific limits on emission from existing and new plant is growing. The European Commission has a Large Combustion Plants Directive, the United Nations has a sulphur protocol, the USA its Clean Air Act and the UK the Environmental Protection Act. This collection of papers reflects the interest in political, regulatory and economic aspects of desulphurization activities in Europe and USA, the impact of desulphurization on the oil industry and the challenges in the UK. There is a section on what has been happening in planning, design, construction, commissioning and operation at the large British power stations at Drax and Ratcliffe.