China to surpass U.S. in CO2 utility emissions


CSA Z462 Arc Flash Training – Electrical Safety Compliance Course

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 6 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$249
Coupon Price:
$199
Reserve Your Seat Today
Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by Chinese power plants are expected to surpass U.S. utilities' emissions of the main greenhouse gas by 2017, according to the Center for Global Development.

U.S. utilities spew out some 2.8 billion tons of CO2 annually while Chinese power plants are emitting 2.7 billion tons a year, according to the CGD study. The survey ranked individual power plants in different countries according to their CO2 emissions.

"Globally, power generation emits nearly 10 billion tons of CO2 per year. The U.S. with over 8,000 power plants out of more than 50,000 worldwide, accounts for about 25% of that total," the survey found.

The report claimed that the biggest U.S. CO2 emitter is Southern Co. whose power plants belch out 172 million tons of the principal greenhouse gas annually, followed by American Electric Power Company Inc., Duke Energy Corp., and AES Corp. The state with the biggest CO2 emissions from electricity generation is Texas which accounts for 290 million tons of emissions, followed by Florida (157 million tons) and Indiana (137 million tons).

China's largest emitter is Huaneng Power International that accounts for 292 million tons of CO2 emissions.

Researchers said U.S. emissions were high partly due to high living standards, but also differences in energy policy.

"Europeans, with comparable living standards, emit less than half the power sector CO2 of the average American," said CGD president Nancy Birdsall.

Related News

Demise of nuclear plant plans ‘devastating’ to Welsh economy, MP claims

Wylfa Nuclear Project Cancellation reflects Hitachi's withdrawal, pulling £16bn from North Wales, risking jobs, reshaping…
View more

UK low-carbon electricity generation stalls in 2019

UK low-carbon electricity 2019 saw stalled growth as renewables rose slightly, wind expanded, nuclear output…
View more

Reload.Land 2025: Berlin's Premier Electric Motorcycle Festival Returns

Reload.Land 2025 returns to Berlin with electric motorcycles, e-scooters, test rides, a conference on sustainability,…
View more

Ontario announces SMR plans to four reactors at Darlington

Ontario Darlington SMR Expansion advances four GE Hitachi BWRX-300 reactors with OPG, adding 1,200 MW…
View more

Fuel Cell Electric Buses Coming to Mississauga

Mississauga Fuel Cell Electric Buses advance zero-emission public transit, leveraging hydrogen fuel cells, green hydrogen…
View more

Opinion: UK Natural Gas, Rising Prices and Electricity

European Energy Market Crisis drives record natural gas and electricity prices across the EU, as…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Live Online & In-person Group Training

Advantages To Instructor-Led Training – Instructor-Led Course, Customized Training, Multiple Locations, Economical, CEU Credits, Course Discounts.

Request For Quotation

Whether you would prefer Live Online or In-Person instruction, our electrical training courses can be tailored to meet your company's specific requirements and delivered to your employees in one location or at various locations.