Geoscience FAQ
How much of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions are associated with electricity generation?
Information preserved from U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Energy Information Administration FAQs:
"In 2017, emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) by the U.S. electric power sector were 1,744 million metric tons, or about 34% of the total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions of 5,140 million metric tons.1
CO2 emissions from U.S. electric power sector by source, 2017
Source Million Metric Tons Share of Total Coal 1,207 69% Natural gas 506 29% Petroleum 19 1% Other3 12 <1% Total 1,744 1 Preliminary data for 2017.
2 Includes CO2 emissions from the combustion of miscellaneous waste materials made from fossil fuels and by some types of geothermal power generation."
Learn More:
- Historical and most recent available U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions by source and sector (Data), Energy Information Administration
Statistics from the Monthly Energy Review on carbon dioxide emissions by source (coal, natural gas, petroleum) and sector; includes biomass and biofuel emissions
- Electricity Sector Emissions (Webpage), Environmental Protection Agency
Introductory information for electricity-related emissions, electricity emission trends, and how emissions can be reduced
- Life Cycle Assessment Harmonization (Website), National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Report on the total greenhouse gas emissions involved in generating electricity from a wide range of sources, including coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear, wind, hydropower, geothermal, biofuels, and different types of solar power
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