How much of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions are associated with electricity generation?
In 2021, emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) by the U.S. electric power sector were 1,551 million metric tons (MMmt), or about 32% of total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions of 4,903 (MMmt).
| Source | Million metric tons | Share of total |
|---|---|---|
| Coal | 909 | 59% |
| Natural gas | 613 | 40% |
| Petroleum | 18 | 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, December 2022 | ||
Learn more:
U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions rose 6% in 2021
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: December 23, 2022, with most recent data available at the time of update.
Other FAQs about Natural Gas
- How much coal, natural gas, or petroleum is used to generate a kilowatthour of electricity?
- How much shale gas is produced in the United States?
- What is the outlook for home heating fuel prices this winter?
- How much does it cost to generate electricity with different types of power plants?
- Does EIA have information on U.S. natural gas and oil pipelines?
- What types and amounts of energy are produced in each state?
- What can I expect to pay for heating this winter?
- How much of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions are associated with electricity generation?
- Does EIA publish energy consumption and price data for cities, counties, or by zip code?
- What are the major factors affecting natural gas prices?
- What are Ccf, Mcf, Btu, and therms? How do I convert natural gas prices in dollars per Ccf or Mcf to dollars per Btu or therm?
- Which states consume and produce the most natural gas?
- What is the volume of world natural gas reserves?
- How does EIA calculate the year-ago and five-year averages in the Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report?
- How much natural gas does the United States have, and how long will it last?
- Does EIA publish shale gas and coalbed methane production and reserves data?
- Does EIA have forecasts or projections for energy production, consumption, and prices for individual states?
- How many alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles are there in the United States?
- What is U.S. electricity generation by energy source?
- Why am I being charged more for heating oil or propane than the price on EIA's website?
- What is the price or cost of natural gas for U.S. electric power producers?
- Does EIA have county-level energy production data?
- How much natural gas is consumed in the United States?
- Does EIA have information on unplanned outages or shutdowns of U.S. energy infrastructure?