Power generation CO2 intensity outlook by region 2050

The carbon intensity of electricity generation has fallen in all regions since the turn of the century, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming decades. As of 2020, the Asia-Pacific region had the highest CO₂ intensity from electricity generation of any region, at 599 grams of CO₂ per kilowatt-hour. Projections show that by 2050, should all NDCs be successfully achieved, the CO₂ intensity in the Asia-Pacific region will have decreased to 199 grams of CO₂ per kilowatt-hour. North America is forecast to have the lowest emissions intensity by 2050, at 19 grams of CO₂ per kilowatt-hour. The United States accounts for the majority of electric power emissions in North America.

Forecasted CO₂ intensity of electricity generation worldwide from 2000 to 2050, by region (in grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt hour)*

Characteristic	Asia-Pacific	CIS	Middle-East	Africa	Latin America	North America	Europe
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Release date

2022

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Region

Worldwide

Survey time period

2022

Supplementary notes

CO₂ intensity of electricity generation represents the amount of anthropogenic CO2 emissions associated to the generation of one kilowatt-hour of electricity.

Forecast is based on the successful achievement of NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) announced in the 2015 Paris agreement (not including most recent updates). Sustained economic development in emerging countries drives global energy demand, but NDCs play a key role in controlling the pace of growth. This scenario is compatible with a global temperature rise between 3 degrees Celsius and 4 degrees Celsius.

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