How much of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions are associated with electricity generation?

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A coal-fired power plant in Westport, Kentucky on the Ohio River. Image Copyright © Michael Collier. http://www.earthscienceworld.org/images
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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:

  • 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