Skip to content
Energy & Power🇩🇰 Denmark

Denmark Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy

- Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels and industrial energy-related processes within a given year.

Denmark Carbon Dioxide Emissions From EnergyMillion Tonnes · 2015–2023

403530252015: 36.702016: 38.00Peak2017: 35.502018: 35.802019: 32.602020: 27.40Trough2021: 28.802022: 29.802023: 28.4020152017201920212023
Source: energyinst.orgLast updated: July 2026

What Denmark Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy shows

Denmark Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy was 28.40 Million Tonnes in 2023, down 4.7% on 2022. The Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy dataset of Denmark from 2015 to 2023 provides a clear and consistent view of the country's energy-related emissions landscape, highlighting carbon emission trends, fossil fuel consumption patterns, and long-term environmental performance.

Trend

Lower over the period

Denmark Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy moved from 36.70 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 28.40 Million Tonnes in 2023 (−22.6%), an average of −3.2% a year. The series high was 38.00 Million Tonnes in 2016 and the low 27.40 Million Tonnes in 2020.

Volatility

A 27.9% peak-to-trough swing

The gap between the series high (2016) and low (2020) is 10.60 Million Tonnes. The sharpest single-year move was −16% in 2020.

Structure

Ranks 38 of 38 countries covered

Among the 38 countries in this dataset, Denmark ranks 38 for 2023, behind China (11,218 Million Tonnes) and U.S. (4,640 Million Tonnes). It accounts for 0.1% of the global total in 2023.

Full series

Denmark Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy by year

Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Million Tonnes.

Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.

Denmark Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy, 2015–2023, Million Tonnes.
YearMillion TonnesChange vs prior year
2023 28.40 −4.7%
2022 29.80 +3.5%
2021 28.80 +5.1%
2020 Trough27.40 −16%
2019 32.60 −8.9%
2018 35.80 +0.8%
2017 35.50 −6.6%
2016Peak 38.00 +3.5%
2015 36.70 —

Regional context

How Denmark compares in Europe

Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy by country, 2023, Million Tonnes. Denmark is highlighted.

1Germany
571.9
2Turkey
411.1
3UK
327.3
4Italy
301.3
5France
254.6
6Spain
246.8
7Netherlands
156.1
10Denmark
28.40

Data definition

Inclusions and exclusions

Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy — - Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels and industrial energy-related processes within a given year. It is typically measured in million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO₂) and reflects emissions generated from the consumption of coal, oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuels for electricity generation, heat production, transportation, industrial activities, and other energy uses. This indicator is widely used to assess a country's contribution to energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, evaluate carbon intensity, and monitor progress toward climate and energy transition goals.

Inclusions

The data includes CO₂ emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas across all major sectors, including electricity and heat generation, manufacturing, construction, transportation, residential, commercial, and other energy-consuming activities. It also includes emissions associated with industrial processes directly related to energy use, following internationally standardized carbon accounting methodologies. The indicator aggregates emissions from all energy-related sources at the national level, enabling consistent comparison of emission trends across countries and over time. Emissions are calculated using standardized fuel consumption data and internationally recognized emission factors to ensure comparability.

Exclusions

The data excludes greenhouse gas emissions other than carbon dioxide, such as methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases. It does not include CO₂ emissions from non-energy industrial processes, agriculture, forestry, land-use change, waste management, or other non-energy sectors unless specifically related to fuel combustion. The indicator excludes carbon removals through carbon capture, utilization, storage (CCUS), or natural carbon sinks such as forests. It also does not measure per capita emissions, carbon intensity, or emissions embodied in international trade. Minor differences may occur due to variations in national energy reporting practices, fuel classifications, and statistical estimation methodologies.

About this indicator

Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy — - Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels and industrial energy-related processes within a given year. It is typically measured in million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO₂) and reflects emissions generated from the consumption of coal, oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuels for electricity generation, heat production, transportation, industrial activities, and other energy uses. This indicator is widely used to assess a country's contribution to energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, evaluate carbon intensity, and monitor progress toward climate and energy transition goals.

Measured in million tonnes, the dataset reflects the volume of carbon dioxide released from energy production and consumption activities and serves as an important indicator of economic activity, energy demand, and progress toward emission reduction objectives. Denmark recorded 36.7 million tonnes of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2015, increasing slightly to 38.0 million tonnes in 2016, the highest level during the observed period. Emissions declined to 35.5 million tonnes in 2017 before edging up marginally to 35.8 million tonnes in 2018. The downward trend continued with emissions falling to 32.6 million tonnes in 2019 and reaching 27.4 million tonnes in 2020, reflecting reduced economic activity and lower energy demand. As economic conditions improved, emissions increased modestly to 28.8 million tonnes in 2021 and 29.8 million tonnes in 2022. In 2023, emissions declined again to 28.4 million tonnes, remaining substantially below pre-pandemic levels. Overall, the dataset demonstrates a clear long-term decline in energy-related carbon emissions despite minor year-to-year fluctuations. Although emissions recovered slightly following the sharp decline in 2020, they remained well below the levels recorded during the first half of the observed period. The sustained downward trend reflects continued improvements in energy efficiency, growing reliance on renewable energy sources, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and ongoing progress toward national climate and decarbonization objectives. The dataset is valuable for evaluating Denmark's long-term environmental performance, monitoring emission reduction progress, supporting climate policy assessments, and benchmarking national trends against other European economies. It also provides a reliable forecasting future energy-sector emissions, assessing sustainability initiatives, and examining the relationship between energy consumption, and environmental performance over time.

Indicator
Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy
Country
Denmark
Region
Europe
Unit
Million Tonnes
Coverage
2015–2023, annual
Category
Energy & Power
Last updated
July 2026
Source
energyinst.org

Cite this dataset

Using this data in a report, paper or presentation? Copy a formatted citation.

Copied

Frequently asked questions

What is Denmark Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy?

Definition- Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels and industrial energy-related processes within a given year. It is typically measured in million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO₂) and reflects emissions generated from the consumption of coal, oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuels for electricity generation, heat production, transportation, industrial activities, and other energy uses. This indicator is widely used to assess a country's contribution to energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, evaluate carbon intensity, and monitor progress toward climate and energy transition goals.

What was Denmark Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy in 2023?

Denmark Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy was 28.40 Million Tonnes in 2023, down 4.7% on 2022.

How has Denmark Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy changed between 2015 and 2023?

Denmark Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy moved from 36.70 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 28.40 Million Tonnes in 2023 (−22.6%), an average of −3.2% a year. The series high was 38.00 Million Tonnes in 2016 and the low 27.40 Million Tonnes in 2020.

Which year had the highest and lowest Denmark Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy?

The highest value was 38.00 Million Tonnes in 2016 and the lowest was 27.40 Million Tonnes in 2020.

What does the Denmark Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy data include and exclude?

Included: The data includes CO₂ emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas across all major sectors, including electricity and heat generation, manufacturing, construction, transportation, residential, commercial, and other energy-consuming activities. It also includes emissions associated with industrial processes directly related to energy use, following internationally standardized carbon accounting methodologies. The indicator aggregates emissions from all energy-related sources at the national level, enabling consistent comparison of emission trends across countries and over time. Emissions are calculated using standardized fuel consumption data and internationally recognized emission factors to ensure comparability. Excluded: The data excludes greenhouse gas emissions other than carbon dioxide, such as methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases. It does not include CO₂ emissions from non-energy industrial processes, agriculture, forestry, land-use change, waste management, or other non-energy sectors unless specifically related to fuel combustion. The indicator excludes carbon removals through carbon capture, utilization, storage (CCUS), or natural carbon sinks such as forests. It also does not measure per capita emissions, carbon intensity, or emissions embodied in international trade. Minor differences may occur due to variations in national energy reporting practices, fuel classifications, and statistical estimation methodologies.

Where does the Denmark Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy data come from?

The series is sourced from energyinst.org (https://www.energyinst.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1542714/684_EI_Stat_Review_V16_DIGITAL.pdf). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Million Tonnes.

Need more data?

Get in touch with our research team

Need a longer historical series, a custom country set, additional dimensions, or a tailored dataset? Send us your requirement.

Get In Touch

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

✖