United States of America
Fossil gas expansion keeps US emissions high, even as coal declines
In 2023, the United States relied on fossil fuels for 59% of its electricity and ranked as the second-highest emitter. Its emissions per capita were double the global average.
Nuclear is still the largest source of low-carbon electricity in the US at 18% of the mix. The country’s share of wind and solar has grown to 16% and is above the global average (13%) and its neighbours Mexico (12%) and Canada (7%).
US power sector emissions peaked in 2007 as coal fell and wind and solar grew. However, reliance on fossil gas also grew, accounting for 42% of generation in 2023.
The United States aims for 59% renewable electricity by 2030, while the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions scenario sets out a global target of 60% renewable electricity by 2030.
Last updated: May 2024
Progress towards 1.5C power sector benchmarks
United States of America
2000–2040
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