Industrial SO 2 is the most important air pollutant in China. This paper outlines the technological impacts on industrial SO 2 emissions in China in terms of: amount, intensity, structure of energy consumption and structure of energy-intensive industries. It shows that industrial SO 2 emissions have linear growth alongside increases in energy consumption, particularly the rise in coal consumption. The contribution of technological factors to decreases in the intensity of energy consumption is 25%, while the structural factor is 75%. The power industry accounts for 52.6% of total industrial SO 2 . Optimisation of the structure of energy consumption can reduce SO 2 emissions by 1.98 million tonnes per year. We propose the following technological strategies for industrial SO 2 abatement: adjustment of the system and structure of thermal power generating units, acceleration of flue gas desulphurisation projects, transformation of industrial structures, development of eco-industries and a reduction in energy consumption per unit product. In addition, an effective way to abate industrial SO 2 emissions is to promote governance strategies to stricly enforce SO 2 emission standards, conduct emission trading, and formulate incentives for encouraging cleaner production and clean energy development.