- 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.
Germany Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy was 571.9 Million Tonnes in 2023, down 9.5% on 2022. The Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy dataset of Germany 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.
Germany Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy moved from 755.6 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 571.9 Million Tonnes in 2023 (−24.3%), an average of −3.4% a year. The series high was 767.4 Million Tonnes in 2016 and the low 571.9 Million Tonnes in 2023.
The gap between the series high (2016) and low (2023) is 195.5 Million Tonnes. The sharpest single-year move was −11.1% in 2020.
Among the 38 countries in this dataset, Germany ranks 8 for 2023, behind China (11,218 Million Tonnes) and U.S. (4,640 Million Tonnes). It accounts for 1.6% of the global total in 2023.
Full series
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Million Tonnes.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Million Tonnes | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Trough | 571.9 | −9.5% |
| 2022 | 631.8 | −1.3% |
| 2021 | 640.2 | +6.2% |
| 2020 | 603 | −11.1% |
| 2019 | 678.4 | −7.2% |
| 2018 | 731 | −3.6% |
| 2017 | 758.2 | −1.2% |
| 2016Peak | 767.4 | +1.6% |
| 2015 | 755.6 | — |
Regional context
Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy by country, 2023, Million Tonnes. Germany is highlighted.
Data definition
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.
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.
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.
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.
Germany recorded 755.6 million tonnes of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2015, increasing slightly to 767.4 million tonnes in 2016 before declining to 758.2 million tonnes in 2017 and 731.0 million tonnes in 2018. Emissions continued falling to 678.4 million tonnes in 2019 and reached 603.0 million tonnes in 2020, reflecting reduced industrial activity and lower energy consumption. Economic recovery contributed to a temporary increase to 640.2 million tonnes in 2021, followed by a slight decline to 631.8 million tonnes in 2022. In 2023, emissions decreased significantly to 571.9 million tonnes, marking the lowest level during the observed period.
Overall, the dataset demonstrates a substantial long-term decline in energy-related carbon emissions despite short-term fluctuations. While emissions briefly increased during the post-pandemic recovery, the broader trend reflects ongoing improvements in energy efficiency, increased adoption of renewable energy, structural changes in electricity generation, and continued efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependence. The sustained reduction highlights Germany's progress toward achieving its climate and decarbonization objectives.
The dataset is valuable for assessing Germany's long-term environmental performance, monitoring emission reduction progress, supporting climate policy evaluation, and benchmarking national emissions against other major economies. It also provides a reliable foundation for forecasting future energy-related emissions, evaluating sustainability initiatives, and understanding the relationship between economic growth, energy demand, and carbon emission trends.
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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.
Germany Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy was 571.9 Million Tonnes in 2023, down 9.5% on 2022.
Germany Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy moved from 755.6 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 571.9 Million Tonnes in 2023 (−24.3%), an average of −3.4% a year. The series high was 767.4 Million Tonnes in 2016 and the low 571.9 Million Tonnes in 2023.
The highest value was 767.4 Million Tonnes in 2016 and the lowest was 571.9 Million Tonnes in 2023.
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.
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.
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