Global CO₂ emissions 1970-2023, by sector
The power industry is the largest contributor to global fossil carbon dioxide emissions by far. In 2023, power industry emissions increased by 1.6 percent to a record high of 14.9 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide (GtCO₂). This accounted for roughly 38 percent of global CO₂ emissions.
Where are power sector emissions highest?
China is the world's biggest power sector emitter. In 2023, Chinese power plants, the majority of which are coal-fired, released 5.5 GtCO₂ into the atmosphere. China's power sector emissions have risen five-fold since 2000, owing to the country's rapid economic growth. In comparison, power sector emissions in the U.S. - the sector's biggest emitter at the turn of the century - have fallen by almost 30 percent since 2000.
Emissions from coal combustion
The power sector is a major source of emissions due to coal being the most used source for electricity generation worldwide. Coal is the dirtiest of fossil fuels, and emits roughly twice as much CO₂ as natural gas when combusted. Coal-fired power accounts for almost 70 percent of global power sector emissions.