Global CO₂ emissions 1970-2022, by sector
The power industry is the largest contributor to global carbon dioxide emissions by far. In 2022, global power industry emissions increased by one percent from 2021 levels to reach a record high of 14.7 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 2022, Chinese power plants, the majority of which are coal-fired, released almost five GtCO₂ into the atmosphere. China's power sector emissions have risen five-fold since 2000, owing to the country's rapid economic growth over the past two decades. By comparison, power sector emissions in the U.S. have fallen by more than 20 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.
