Repeat Offenders: Coal Power Plants Top the EU Emitters List

May 24, 2023

The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) plays a crucial role in monitoring greenhouse gas pollution and addressing climate challenges. Global Energy think tank Ember recently released the “Repeat offenders: coal power plants top the EU emitters list” report to assess these trends.

The Dominance of Coal Power Plants

According to the report, the ten largest emitters in the EU ETS in 2022 were all coal plants, with Germany and Poland leading the list. These coal plants accounted for a significant portion of power sector emissions, responsible for nearly a quarter of the EU’s total emissions. Among them, Rheinisch-Westfalische Elektrizitatswerk (RGE), Polska Grupa Energetyczna (PGE), and Energeticky a Prumyslovy Holding (EPH) contributed 30% of the power sector emissions.

Decline in Coal Power Emissions

Despite coal power emissions rising by 6% compared to 2021, it is noteworthy that the values in 2022 were 40% lower than a decade ago. This signifies a positive long-term trend in reducing coal-related emissions. The transition away from coal has been a significant factor in achieving this decline, as countries within the EU have been gradually phasing out coal power in favor of cleaner and renewable energy sources.

Challenges and the Need for Faster Transition

While the decline in coal power emissions is encouraging, there is still a need for accelerated action. The report emphasizes the urgency of transitioning away from coal power to further reduce emissions. Harriet Fox, an analyst at Ember, highlights the need to move swiftly from coal power, considering its adverse environmental impact. The report also underlines that a few countries and companies bear a significant responsibility for Europe’s power sector emissions, necessitating a collective effort to address this challenge.

Looking Ahead

Europe’s power sector emissions have shown promising declines over the past decade, but recent increases indicate the need for continued vigilance. As the EU aims to achieve net-zero emissions, it is crucial to prioritize renewable energy sources and invest in clean technologies. By further reducing reliance on coal and transitioning to cleaner alternatives, the EU can continue to make progress in combating climate change.

« Previous Post Next Post »