Under a business-as-usual scenario, coal-fired electric power emissions in the United States are projected to decrease by approximately 71 percent below 2022 levels by 2050. This would see emissions from this source drop to 244 million metric tons (MtCO₂). U.S. coal consumption for electricity generation has fallen considerably in recent years as the U.S. looks to phase-out this polluting energy source.
Projected energy-related carbon dioxide emissions from the electric power sector in the United States from 2022 to 2050, by fuel type
(in million metric tons)
According to the source, projections in the EIA reference case have been made under a business-as-usual trend estimate, given known technology and technological and demographic trends.
* Figures after 2022 are forecasts. Includes electricity-only and combined heat and power plants that have a regulatory status.
** Includes emissions from geothermal power and nonbiogenic emissions from municipal waste.
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EIA. (March 16, 2023). Projected energy-related carbon dioxide emissions from the electric power sector in the United States from 2022 to 2050, by fuel type (in million metric tons) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 30, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/184195/us-electric-power-sector-co2-emissions-2008-and-2035-by-fuel/
EIA. "Projected energy-related carbon dioxide emissions from the electric power sector in the United States from 2022 to 2050, by fuel type (in million metric tons)." Chart. March 16, 2023. Statista. Accessed December 30, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/184195/us-electric-power-sector-co2-emissions-2008-and-2035-by-fuel/
EIA. (2023). Projected energy-related carbon dioxide emissions from the electric power sector in the United States from 2022 to 2050, by fuel type (in million metric tons). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 30, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/184195/us-electric-power-sector-co2-emissions-2008-and-2035-by-fuel/
EIA. "Projected Energy-related Carbon Dioxide Emissions from The Electric Power Sector in The United States from 2022 to 2050, by Fuel Type (in Million Metric Tons)." Statista, Statista Inc., 16 Mar 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/184195/us-electric-power-sector-co2-emissions-2008-and-2035-by-fuel/
EIA, Projected energy-related carbon dioxide emissions from the electric power sector in the United States from 2022 to 2050, by fuel type (in million metric tons) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/184195/us-electric-power-sector-co2-emissions-2008-and-2035-by-fuel/ (last visited December 30, 2024)
Projected energy-related carbon dioxide emissions from the electric power sector in the United States from 2022 to 2050, by fuel type (in million metric tons) [Graph], EIA, March 16, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/184195/us-electric-power-sector-co2-emissions-2008-and-2035-by-fuel/
