GLOBAL EMISSIONS
In 2022, the world experienced a new record high in power generation-related emissions, estimated at approximately 13.2 Gt CO2. This marked a 1.3% increase compared to the previous year, largely driven by the growth in fossil-fired generation in the Asia Pacific region, with contributions from Europe and Eurasia as well. While the rise in emissions was lower than the post-pandemic rebound observed in 2021, it remains a concerning trend. However, we project a decline in global electricity generation CO2 emissions in 2023, mainly due to decreased gas- and oil-fired generation.
In 2022, the world experienced a new record high in power generation-related emissions, estimated at approximately 13.2 Gt CO2. This marked a 1.3% increase compared to the previous year, largely driven by the growth in fossil-fired generation in the Asia Pacific region, with contributions from Europe and Eurasia as well. While the rise in emissions was lower than the post-pandemic rebound observed in 2021, it remains a concerning trend. However, we project a decline in global electricity generation CO2 emissions in 2023, mainly due to decreased gas- and oil-fired generation.
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From 2023 to 2025, emissions are expected to plateau, with decreases in regions like Europe and the Americas partially offsetting significant increases in Asia Pacific, primarily led by China and India.
By 2025, Asia Pacific will account for 67% of global power sector emissions. Additionally, the CO2 intensity of global power generation is projected to decline by an average of 3% per year until 2025, with steeper declines in Europe (-12%) and the United States (-4%). In summary, global power generation-related emissions reached a new record high in 2022, driven by fossil-fired generation in the Asia Pacific region. While emissions are projected to decline in 2023 due to decreased gas- and oil-fired generation, they are expected to plateau from 2023 to 2025. By 2025, Asia Pacific will account for 67% of global power sector emissions. However, there is a positive trend in the CO2 intensity of global power generation, with average annual declines of 3% until 2025, particularly in Europe (-12%) and the United States (-4%). Transitioning to cleaner energy sources and implementing effective policies is crucial to address emissions in the power sector. |
Regional evolution of power system CO2 intensity, 2019-2025 |