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.