In 2022, emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) by the U.S. electric power sector were 1,539 million metric tons (MMmt), or about 31% of total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions of about 4,964 (MMmt).
Source | Million metric tons | Share of total |
---|---|---|
Coal | 847 | 55% |
Natural gas | 661 | 43% |
Petroleum | 20 | 1% |
Other1 | 11 | <1% |
1 Includes CO2 emissions from the combustion of waste materials made from fossil fuels and by some types of geothermal power plants. Source: Monthly Energy Review, April 2023; preliminary data |
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Articles on CO2 emissions
How do I convert between short tons and metric tons?
Monthly Energy Review, Tables 11.1 and 11.6 contain the most recent estimates of monthly and annual U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions, total and by the electric power sector.
U.S. CO2 emissions from energy consumption by source and sector (diagram)
U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions
State-level carbon dioxide emissions data
Energy Explained: Where Greenhouse Gases Come From
Last updated: May 1, 2023, with most recent data available.