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Visualized: Per Capita Electricity Emissions, by State

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Per Capita Electricity Emissions by State

The U.S. is the second-largest CO₂ emitter worldwide, with electric power contributing significantly to the country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

In collaboration with the National Public Utilities Council, this graphic uses data from eGrid to showcase per-capita electricity emissions by state and each state’s largest source of power.

U.S. Power Sector: Second in CO₂ Emissions

According to the Global Carbon Atlas, the top three global polluters are China, the U.S., and India—accounting for half of the world’s CO₂ emissions.

The U.S., however, leads by far in terms of CO₂ emissions per capita, with 15.3 metric tons per person, while China and India have lower rates at 7.4 and 1.9, respectively.

A substantial portion of these emissions comes from electricity generation. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the electric power sector is the second-largest source of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, contributing 25% to the total.

Examining emissions per state, Wyoming, North Dakota, and West Virginia top the list of CO₂ emissions per capita, relying primarily on coal as their source of energy.

Here is a table showing emissions by state per capita, from highest to lowest:

StateCO2 emissions in tons per capita (2021)Biggest Source of Electricity (2021)
Wyoming68.77 tCoal
North Dakota37.08 tCoal
West Virginia35.84 tCoal
Kentucky13.40 tCoal
Montana11.78 tCoal
Indiana11.28 tCoal
Arkansas10.97 tCoal
Nebraska10.87 tCoal
Alabama10.61 tNatural Gas
Missouri10.20 tCoal
Utah9.95 tCoal
Mississippi9.57 tNatural Gas
New Mexico9.40 tCoal
Louisiana8.67 tNatural Gas
Iowa8.08 tWind
Kansas8.07 tWind
Oklahoma7.62 tWind
Texas6.96 tNatural Gas
Wisconsin6.92 tCoal
Pennsylvania 6.74 tNatural Gas
Ohio6.45 tNatural Gas
Colorado5.95 tCoal
Michigan 5.76 tCoal
Arizona5.41 tNatural Gas
South Carolina5.36 tNuclear
Nevada4.74 tNatural Gas
Hawaii4.73 tPetroleum
Florida4.70 tNatural Gas
Illinois 4.67 tNuclear
Georgia4.36 tNatural Gas
Minnesota4.28 tCoal
Alaska4.13 tNatural Gas
North Carolina4.11 tNatural Gas
Tennessee3.96 tNuclear
Rhode Island3.54 tNatural Gas
Virginia3.22 tNatural Gas
Connecticut3.13 tNatural Gas
South Dakota2.93 tWind
Oregon2.34 tHydro
Maryland2.16 tNuclear
New Hampshire1.88 tNuclear
Delaware 1.86 tNatural Gas
New Jersey 1.59 tNatural Gas
Washington1.44 tHydro
New York1.42 tNatural Gas
California1.21 tNatural Gas
Idaho1.20 tHydro
Maine1.19 tHydro
Massachusetts 1.18 tNatural Gas
District of Columbia0.09 tNatural Gas
Vermont0.06 tHydro

Interestingly, from the top 10 on our list, only Alabama doesn’t have coal as the main source of electricity.

Conversely, four of the 10 states with the lowest CO₂ emissions per capita rely more heavily on renewables, especially hydropower.

Two of the largest consumers, California and Texas, have natural gas as their main source of electricity, but also maintain a significant share of renewable sources, with 34% and 44%, respectively.

Although coal accounted for 59% of CO₂ emissions from the energy sector, it represented only 23% of the electricity generated in the United States. Natural gas accounted for 37% of electricity generation in 2021.

The Transition to Low-Emission Sources

The U.S. has set a goal to reach 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035.

Transitioning to low-emission energy sources like hydroelectricity, biomass, wind, and solar is essential for meeting U.S. climate goals.

In addition, clean energy stands out as the most significant job creator in America’s energy sector, with over 3 million Americans employed in clean energy jobs during 2021.

By embracing more renewables and nuclear power, U.S. utilities can reduce emissions and contribute to economic development.

Click here to learn more about how electric utilities and the power sector can lead on the path toward decarbonization.

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Emissions

Visualized: Which Countries Capture the Most Carbon?

This voronoi depicts the countries that capture the most carbon globally in 2023, with data from Rystad Energy.

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The preview image for a Voronoi depicting the carbon capture capacity by country.

Visualized: Which Countries Capture the Most Carbon?

In 2023, most carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) capacity came from only two countries, which captured 33 million metric tons combined. However, according to the IEA, we must remove one billion metric tons of carbon annually to reach the net zero target by 2050.

We’ve taken data from The Energy Institute’s 2024 Statistical Review of World Energy to make this voronoi graphic, created in partnership with the National Public Utilities Council, showing which countries had the highest carbon capture capacity in 2023.

The Leaders in Capturing Carbon

In 2023, the U.S. and Brazil led the way on carbon capture with 60% of all global capacity combined. Although Brazil’s carbon capture comes from one single plant, the U.S. has more individual plants than any other country.

CountryCapture Capacity, Mt Per Year (2023)Capture Capacity, Share (2023)
🇺🇸 U.S.22.540.9%
🇧🇷 Brazil10.619.3%
🇨🇦 Canada4.07.3%
🇦🇺 Australia4.07.3%
🇨🇳 China3.56.4%
🇶🇦 Qatar2.34.1%
🇳🇴 Norway1.73.1%
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia1.32.4%
🇩🇿 Algeria1.22.2%
🇷🇺 Russia0.40.8%
Rest of the World3.56.2%
Total55100%

The largest growth in carbon capture capacity year-over-year came from China, whose capacity more than tripled from 1.1 to 3.5 Mt.

The Technology

All models for reaching climate targets involve significant amounts of CCUS. The technology is considered a necessity due to the existing amounts of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere and the sectors that won’t soon be electrified, such as air travel.

The primary CCUS technology is post-combustion, which power plants primarily use to separate carbon from the exhaust. Pre-combustion capture refers to removing CO₂ from fossil fuels before combustion is completed.

According to the International Energy Agency, calcium looping is another promising separation technology under development. It removes carbon dioxide from the flue gases of a cement plant using a calcium oxide sorbent and has the potential to decarbonize cement manufacturing.

Reaching Net Zero

The world’s annual CCUS capacity in 2023 amounted to a total of 55 million metric tons. However, that capacity must increase to over one billion metric tons to achieve net zero by 2050.

In 2023, the annual growth of global CCUS capacity was 6.6%. At that pace, we will not reach the net zero target for carbon capture until 2070. To reach the net zero target for carbon capture by 2050, the annual carbon capacity growth rate must almost double to at least 11% per year.

However, some countries will need more than others, as only one-third of CO₂ is projected to come from advanced economies.

The IEA cites cost as the main reason the CCUS industry falls short but insists reaching net zero is nearly impossible without it. Thus, the IEA urges the public sector to step in where private funding falls short.

Learn how the National Public Utilities Council is working toward the future of sustainable electricity.

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Decarbonization

Visualized: Emission Reduction Targets by Country in 2024

This infographic shows the greenhouse gas emissions targets of all countries and their target years with data from Net Zero Tracker.

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The preview image for an infographic showing the greenhouse gas emissions for all countries around the globe and their target years compared to 2021 with data from Net Zero Tracker.

Visualized: Emission Reduction Targets by Country in 2024

Since 2021, another 40 countries have established climate goals for 2030. However, the path to net zero remains uneven.

With average national warming already 1.81°C above pre-industrial levels, the international pressure for countries to cut emissions faster and deeper is mounting. So where do countries stand today on their targets?

We’ve partnered with the National Public Utilities Council to answer just this question, using the latest national emission target data from Net Zero Tracker.

A Spotlight on Major Players

The largest countries and richest economies typically emit the most greenhouse gases and thus have the most crucial targets.

CountryEnd TargetEnd Target YearNew Commitment
BeninNet zero2000Achieved
BhutanCarbon negative2030Achieved
ComorosNet zero2050Achieved
GabonCarbon neutral(ity)2050Achieved
GuyanaNet zero2050Achieved
SurinameNet zero2050Achieved
AlbaniaEmissions reduction target2030Not legally binding
AlgeriaReduction v. business-as-usual (BAU)2030Not legally binding
BarbadosCarbon neutral(ity)2030Not legally binding
BelarusEmissions reduction target2030Not legally binding
BotswanaEmissions reduction target2030Not legally binding
BruneiEmissions reduction target2030Not legally binding
CameroonReduction v. BAU2030Not legally binding
CongoReduction v. BAU2030Not legally binding
Côte d'IvoireReduction v. BAU2030Not legally binding
CubaOther2030Not legally binding
Czech RepublicEmissions reduction target2030In law
DominicaCarbon neutral(ity)2030Not legally binding
EgyptOther2030Not legally binding
El SalvadorAbsolute emissions target2030Not legally binding
EswatiniReduction v. BAU2030Not legally binding
GuatemalaEmissions reduction target2030In law
HondurasReduction v. BAU2030Not legally binding
IranOther2030In law
IraqOther2030Not legally binding
JamaicaEmissions reduction target2030Not legally binding
JordanReduction v. BAU2030Not legally binding
KenyaReduction v. BAU2030Not legally binding
LiechtensteinEmissions reduction target2030Not legally binding
MacedoniaEmissions reduction target2030Not legally binding
MaldivesNet zero2030In law
MauritaniaCarbon neutral(ity)2030Not legally binding
MexicoReduction v. BAU2030Not legally binding
MoldovaEmissions reduction target2030Not legally binding
MongoliaEmissions reduction target2030Not legally binding
MontenegroEmissions reduction target2030Not legally binding
MoroccoReduction v. BAU2030Not legally binding
North KoreaReduction v. BAU2030Not legally binding
ParaguayReduction v. BAU2030Not legally binding
PhilippinesReduction v. BAU2030Not legally binding
PolandEmissions reduction target2030Not legally binding
QatarEmissions reduction target2030Not legally binding
San MarinoEmissions reduction target2030Not legally binding
SerbiaEmissions reduction target2030In law
TajikistanEmissions reduction target2030Not legally binding
TurkmenistanEmissions reduction target2030Not legally binding
UzbekistanEmissions intensity target2030Not legally binding
VenezuelaEmissions reduction target2030Not legally binding
ZimbabweEmissions reduction target2030Not legally binding
BermudaOther2035Not legally binding
FinlandClimate neutral2035In law
Antigua and BarbudaNet zero2040Not legally binding
AustriaClimate neutral2040In law
Cayman IslandsOther2040Not legally binding
IcelandCarbon neutral(ity)2040In law
MyanmarNet zero2040Not legally binding
PalestineOther2040Not legally binding
DenmarkNet zero2045Not legally binding
GermanyClimate neutral2045In law
NepalNet zero2045Not legally binding
SwedenNet zero2045In law
AfghanistanNet zero2050Not legally binding
AndorraCarbon neutral(ity)2050Not legally binding
AngolaNet zero2050Not legally binding
ArgentinaNet zero2050Not legally binding
ArmeniaClimate neutral2050Not legally binding
AustraliaNet zero2050In law
AzerbaijanEmissions reduction target2050Not legally binding
BangladeshNet zero2050Not legally binding
BelgiumCarbon neutral(ity)2050Not legally binding
BelizeNet zero2050Not legally binding
Bosnia and HerzegovinaEmissions reduction target2050Not legally binding
BrazilCarbon neutral(ity)2050Not legally binding
BulgariaNet zero2050Not legally binding
Burkina FasoNet zero2050Not legally binding
BurundiNet zero2050Not legally binding
CambodiaCarbon neutral(ity)2050Not legally binding
CanadaNet zero2050In law
Cape VerdeNet zero2050Not legally binding
Central African RepublicNet zero2050Not legally binding
ChadNet zero2050Not legally binding
ChileCarbon neutral(ity)2050In law
ColombiaCarbon neutral(ity)2050In law
Cook IslandsCarbon neutral2050Not legally binding
Costa RicaNet zero2050Not legally binding
CroatiaClimate neutral2050In law
CyprusClimate neutral2050In law
Democratic Republic of the CongoNet zero2050Not legally binding
DjiboutiNet zero2050Not legally binding
Dominican RepublicNet zero2050Not legally binding
EcuadorZero carbon2050Not legally binding
Equatorial GuineaEmissions reduction target2050Not legally binding
EritreaNet zero2050Not legally binding
EstoniaZero emissions2050Not legally binding
EthiopiaNet zero2050Not legally binding
European UnionClimate neutral2050In law
FijiNet zero2050In law
FranceNet zero2050In law
GeorgiaClimate neutral2050Not legally binding
GreeceClimate neutral2050In law
GrenadaNet zero2050Not legally binding
GuineaNet zero2050Not legally binding
Guinea-BissauNet zero2050Not legally binding
HaitiNet zero2050Not legally binding
HungaryNet zero2050In law
IrelandClimate neutral2050In law
IsraelNet zero2050Not legally binding
ItalyCarbon neutral(ity)2050Not legally binding
JapanCarbon neutral(ity)2050In law
KiribatiNet zero2050Not legally binding
KyrgyzstanCarbon neutral(ity)2050Not legally binding
LaosNet zero2050Not legally binding
LatviaCarbon neutral(ity)2050Not legally binding
LebanonNet zero2050Not legally binding
LesothoNet zero2050Not legally binding
LiberiaNet zero2050Not legally binding
LithuaniaNet zero2050Not legally binding
LuxembourgNet zero2050In law
MadagascarNet zero2050Not legally binding
MalawiNet zero2050Not legally binding
MalaysiaNet zero2050Not legally binding
MaliNet zero2050Not legally binding
MaltaClimate neutral2050Not legally binding
Marshall IslandsNet zero2050Not legally binding
MauritiusNet zero2050Not legally binding
MicronesiaNet zero2050Not legally binding
MonacoCarbon neutral(ity)2050Not legally binding
MozambiqueNet zero2050Not legally binding
NamibiaNet zero2050Not legally binding
NauruNet zero2050Not legally binding
NetherlandsEmissions reduction target2050In law
New ZealandNet zero2050In law
NicaraguaNet zero2050Not legally binding
NigerNet zero2050Not legally binding
NiueNet zero2050Not legally binding
NorwayEmissions reduction target2050In law
OmanNet zero2050Not legally binding
PakistanNet zero2050Not legally binding
PalauNet zero2050Not legally binding
PanamaNet zero2050Not legally binding
Papua New GuineaNet zero2050Not legally binding
PeruNet zero2050Not legally binding
PortugalCarbon neutral(ity)2050In law
RomaniaNet zero2050Not legally binding
RwandaNet zero2050Not legally binding
Saint Kitts and NevisNet zero2050Not legally binding
Saint LuciaNet zero2050Not legally binding
Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesNet zero2050Not legally binding
SamoaNet zero2050Not legally binding
Sao Tome and PrincipeNet zero2050Not legally binding
SenegalNet zero2050Not legally binding
SeychellesNet zero2050Not legally binding
Sierra LeoneNet zero2050Not legally binding
SingaporeNet zero2050Not legally binding
SlovakiaNet zero2050In law
SloveniaNet zero2050Not legally binding
Solomon IslandsNet zero2050Not legally binding
SomaliaNet zero2050Not legally binding
South AfricaNet zero2050Not legally binding
South KoreaNet zero2050In law
South SudanNet zero2050Not legally binding
SpainClimate neutral2050In law
Sri LankaCarbon neutral(ity)2050Not legally binding
SudanNet zero2050Not legally binding
SwitzerlandNet zero2050In law
TanzaniaNet zero2050Not legally binding
The BahamasNet zero2050Not legally binding
The GambiaNet zero2050Not legally binding
Timor-LesteNet zero2050Not legally binding
TogoNet zero2050Not legally binding
TongaNet zero2050Not legally binding
Trinidad and TobagoNet zero2050Not legally binding
TunisiaCarbon neutral(ity)2050Not legally binding
TuvaluNet zero2050Not legally binding
UgandaNet zero2050Not legally binding
United Arab EmiratesNet zero2050Not legally binding
United KingdomNet zero2050In law
United States of AmericaNet zero2050In law
UruguayNet zero2050Not legally binding
VanuatuNet zero2050Not legally binding
Vatican CityCarbon Neutral2050Not legally binding
VietnamNet zero2050Not legally binding
YemenNet zero2050Not legally binding
ZambiaNet zero2050Not legally binding
BahrainNet zero2060Not legally binding
ChinaCarbon neutral(ity)2060Not legally binding
IndonesiaNet zero2060Not legally binding
KazakhstanCarbon neutral(ity)2060Not legally binding
KuwaitCarbon neutral(ity)2060Not legally binding
Russian FederationCarbon neutral(ity)2060Not legally binding
Saudi ArabiaNet zero2060Not legally binding
TürkiyeNet zero2053Not legally binding
UkraineCarbon neutral(ity)2060Not legally binding
GhanaNet zero2070Not legally binding
IndiaNet zero2070Not legally binding
NigeriaNet zero2070In law
ThailandNet zero2065Not legally binding
BoliviaNo targetN/ANone
LibyaNo targetN/ANone
Syrian Arab RepublicNo targetN/ANone

The United States has an interim goal of a 50-52% reduction in emissions below 2005 levels by 2030, with a net zero target set for 2050.

Their primary economic rival, China, is focused on peaking its CO₂ emissions by 2030 instead of reducing them. Their net zero target, on the other hand, is currently set for 2060.

The European Union requires all 27 member states to reduce emissions 55% by 2030, with a net-zero goal for 2050.

Australia, which is among the top emitters per capita because of its fossil fuel usage, aims to reduce emissions by 43% from 2005 levels by 2030, while their net zero target is set for 2050.

Ambitious Climate Leaders and Laggards

While Comoros, Bhutan, Gabon, Suriname, and Guyana claim to have already achieved net zero, several major countries lack commitment.

Russia, one of the world’s largest polluters, has a net zero target set for 2060. Several other top-emitting countries, such as India and Indonesia, have net zero targets that also do not meet the Paris Climate Accord timeline of net zero by 2050. Their net-zero commitments are targeted at 2070 and 2060, respectively.

Iran is the only one of the top 10 largest emitting nations without a net zero target. However, it has an interim target of reducing emissions 3.45% by 2030.

Finland leads all countries with a legally binding net zero target set for the ambitious year 2035. Germany, a more populous nation, is also topping the Paris Climate Accord timeline, enshrining its net zero target into law for 2045.

The global race to net zero is ongoing, with countries at various stages of commitment. While significant progress has been made, many of the world’s largest emitters have yet to commit to net zero emission goals aligned with the Paris Climate Accord.

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