Power sector carbon intensity in the U.S. 2022, by state

West Virginia had the highest power sector carbon intensity amongst all U.S. states in 2022, at 1,947 pounds of carbon dioxide per megawatt hour of electricity produced (lbs CO₂/MWh). Ranking second that year was Kentucky, which generated 1,733 lbs CO₂/MWh. In 2021, total power sector emissions in these two states were 58 and 56 MtCO₂ in 2021, respectively.

What is carbon intensity within the power sector?

The metric carbon intensity refers to the volume of CO₂ released per unit of electricity generated. It is a measure of how carbon-efficient energy generation is and can differ greatly depending on the energy source used. For example, the carbon intensities of fossil fuels – such as coal – is higher than renewable energy sources due the combustion process that releases CO₂.

Carbon intensity of the U.S. power sector

Since the turn of the century, the carbon intensity of the U.S. power sector has been on a mostly downward trend, dropping to a low of 804 lbs CO₂/MWh in 2022. This decline is attributable to several factors, such as the transition from coal to gas and increased power generation from renewables.