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Emissions Intensity

Carbon emissions from electricity generation by fuel and state

U.S. Average

857

lbs CO₂/MWh

Cleanest State

Vermont

9 lbs CO₂/MWh

Most Carbon-Intensive

Wyoming

1,894 lbs CO₂/MWh

Emissions by Fuel Type

Average CO₂ emissions per megawatt-hour of electricity generated

Coal
2,230lbs/MWh
Petroleum
1,600lbs/MWh
Other Gas
1,200lbs/MWh
Natural Gas
910lbs/MWh
Solar
Zero
Wind
Zero
Hydro
Zero
Nuclear
Zero
Geothermal
Zero
Biomass
Zero

Cleanest Grids

  • 9 lbs/MWh
  • 112 lbs/MWh
  • 287 lbs/MWh
  • 386 lbs/MWh
  • 394 lbs/MWh

Most Carbon-Intensive

  • 50WY
    1,894 lbs/MWhVery High
  • 49WV
    1,776 lbs/MWhVery High
  • 48KY
    1,694 lbs/MWhVery High
  • 47OH
    1,087 lbs/MWhHigh
  • 46FL
    836 lbs/MWhModerate

Calculate Your Carbon Footprint

Estimate the emissions from your electricity usage based on your state's grid mix.

Emissions Calculator →

Methodology

Emissions factors are derived from the EPA eGRID database (2022). State-level rates reflect the weighted average emissions intensity based on each state's generation mix. Renewable and nuclear sources are counted as zero direct emissions. Biomass is considered carbon-neutral under the assumption that CO₂ released was previously absorbed by the plant material.