Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the removal of sulphur dioxide from waste gases which process comprises contacting a waste gas containing sulphur dioxide with an aqueous solution containing sulphuric acid, hydrogen bromide and bromide to form sulphuric acid and hydrogen bromide; catalytically oxidizing in the vapor phase the hydrogen bromide formed to bromine and thereafter recycling the bromine to the first step of the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for flue gas desulphurization using the following reaction:SO.sub.2 +Br.sub.2 +2 H.sub.2 O.fwdarw.H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 +2 HBrThe hydrobromic acid thus formed is split up by electrolysis into hydrogen and bromine. The sulphuric acid thus produced is brought to a saleable concentration rate of at least 90% in two successive concentrators (1, 2), the post-concentrator being fed with high temperature flue gases which are withdrawn immediately behind the economizer of the power plant.A partial flow of the flue gases to be cleaned traverses a heat exchanger (6), in which the cleaned flue gases are reheated to a temperature level which is compatible with the chimney requirements.