Wind and hydropower are among the cleanest sources of electricity generation, based on lifetime carbon emissions. During its lifespan, wind power plants were estimated to generate around 10 grams of CO₂ per kilowatt hour generated, while hydropower had an average emission intensity of four grams of CO₂. In contrast, coal power plants emit roughly one kilogram of CO₂ per kilowatt hour produced.
CO₂ emissions from renewable-based power sources are associated with emissions during the manufacture process, as well as transportation and maintenance.
Electricity generation lifetime carbon emissions as of 2021, by source
(in grams of CO₂ per kilowatt hour)
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Energy Monitor. (September 22, 2021). Electricity generation lifetime carbon emissions as of 2021, by source (in grams of CO₂ per kilowatt hour) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 19, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1279251/electricity-generation-carbon-emissions-by-source/
Energy Monitor. "Electricity generation lifetime carbon emissions as of 2021, by source (in grams of CO₂ per kilowatt hour)." Chart. September 22, 2021. Statista. Accessed December 19, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1279251/electricity-generation-carbon-emissions-by-source/
Energy Monitor. (2021). Electricity generation lifetime carbon emissions as of 2021, by source (in grams of CO₂ per kilowatt hour). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 19, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1279251/electricity-generation-carbon-emissions-by-source/
Energy Monitor. "Electricity Generation Lifetime Carbon Emissions as of 2021, by Source (in Grams of Co₂ per Kilowatt Hour)." Statista, Statista Inc., 22 Sep 2021, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1279251/electricity-generation-carbon-emissions-by-source/
Energy Monitor, Electricity generation lifetime carbon emissions as of 2021, by source (in grams of CO₂ per kilowatt hour) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1279251/electricity-generation-carbon-emissions-by-source/ (last visited December 19, 2024)
Electricity generation lifetime carbon emissions as of 2021, by source (in grams of CO₂ per kilowatt hour) [Graph], Energy Monitor, September 22, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1279251/electricity-generation-carbon-emissions-by-source/
