Europe set for sharp decline in electricity-related carbon emissions

Europe’s electricity-related carbon dioxide emissions are projected to fall by nearly half, from 842 Mt CO2 in 2023 to 470 Mt CO2 by 2030, according to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA).

This reflects a compound annual decline of 9.1% between 2026 and 2030, CE Report informs.

The region’s total electricity generation is expected to rise modestly, from 3,820 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2023 to 4,333 TWh in 2030, a 2% annual growth rate. Renewables will lead the expansion, increasing from 1,766 TWh to 2,713 TWh, with a strong 7.3% growth rate.

In contrast, coal-fired generation is set to plunge from 537 TWh to 238 TWh, a 12.3% annual decline, while gas generation is also expected to contract from 679 TWh to 509 TWh. Other nonrenewable sources will see smaller reductions.

Nuclear power is projected to grow slightly, from 748 TWh in 2023 to 812 TWh in 2030, rising at 0.9% per year.

The data underscores Europe’s accelerating energy transition, with renewables and nuclear displacing fossil fuels, helping drive sharp cuts in the region’s power-sector emissions.

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