BOSTON, Nov. 19, 2024 ~ According to a new analysis, the U.S. power sector has seen a significant reduction in carbon emissions in 2023. The report, titled "Benchmarking Air Emissions of the 100 Largest Electric Power Producers in the United States," examines and compares air pollutant emissions based on 2023 power generation, plant ownership, and emissions data.

The analysis, now in its 20th edition, found that the top 100 power producers in the country own approximately 3,900 power plants and account for nearly 80% of the sector's electric generation and reported air emissions. In 2023, these producers saw an 8% decrease in carbon emissions compared to the previous year.

This decrease is a significant improvement over the marginal reduction of less than 1% in carbon emissions seen in 2022. However, it is important to note that despite this improvement, 2023 emissions were only 2% lower than levels seen in 2020. This can be attributed to a surge in natural gas generation.

The report also highlights that the U.S. power sector continued shifting towards pre-COVID trends associated with zero-emitting generation growth and the decline of coal production. However, natural gas was responsible for more electricity generation in 2023 than any preceding year and fossil sources were responsible for nearly 60% of generation. Coal generation declined to its lowest level since 1967.

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The analysis is based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), mercury, and CO2. It found that for the electric sector overall, power plant SO2 and NOx emissions were significantly lower than they were in 1990 when Congress passed major amendments to the Clean Air Act.

One of the key findings of this report is that there has been a significant shift in the generation mix. In 2012, coal accounted for 37% of power production, natural gas 30%, and wind and solar less than 4%. However, in 2023, this mix had shifted to 16% coal, 42% natural gas, and 14% wind and solar.

The report also notes that in 2023, power plant SO2 and NOx emissions were lower than they were in the previous year. Additionally, renewables and other zero-carbon resources generated approximately 41% of U.S. electricity in 2023.

This analysis is a collaborative effort between Ceres, Constellation Energy, and NRDC. It is authored by ERM. Reginald Zimmerman is the media contact for this report.

Overall, the findings of this analysis highlight the progress made by the U.S. power sector in reducing carbon emissions. However, there is still room for improvement as natural gas continues to be a major source of electricity generation. The report serves as a valuable tool for policymakers and industry leaders to make informed decisions towards a cleaner energy future.

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