- 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.
South Africa Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy was 425 Million Tonnes in 2023, down 0.2% on 2022. The Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy dataset of South Africa 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.
South Africa Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy moved from 455.3 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 425 Million Tonnes in 2023 (−6.7%), an average of −0.9% a year. The series high was 474.9 Million Tonnes in 2019 and the low 425 Million Tonnes in 2023.
The gap between the series high (2019) and low (2023) is 49.90 Million Tonnes. The sharpest single-year move was −5.5% in 2020.
Among the 38 countries in this dataset, South Africa ranks 13 for 2023, behind China (11,218 Million Tonnes) and U.S. (4,640 Million Tonnes). It accounts for 1.2% 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 | 425 | −0.2% |
| 2022 | 425.7 | −4.3% |
| 2021 | 444.8 | −0.9% |
| 2020 | 448.9 | −5.5% |
| 2019Peak | 474.9 | +5% |
| 2018 | 452.4 | −3.8% |
| 2017 | 470.5 | −0.8% |
| 2016 | 474.4 | +4.2% |
| 2015 | 455.3 | — |
Regional context
Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy by country, 2023, Million Tonnes. South Africa 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.
South Africa recorded 455.3 million tonnes of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2015, increasing to 474.4 million tonnes in 2016 before declining slightly to 470.5 million tonnes in 2017 and 452.4 million tonnes in 2018. Emissions rose again to 474.9 million tonnes in 2019, representing the highest level during the observed period, before falling to 448.9 million tonnes in 2020 due to reduced economic activity and lower energy demand. Emissions continued declining to 444.8 million tonnes in 2021, 425.7 million tonnes in 2022, and 425.0 million tonnes in 2023, the lowest level recorded during the study period.
Overall, the dataset demonstrates a gradual long-term decline in energy-related carbon emissions despite periodic fluctuations before 2020. Following the peak recorded in 2019, emissions decreased consistently over the subsequent years, reflecting lower energy consumption, structural changes in industrial activity, improvements in energy efficiency, and gradual progress toward reducing carbon intensity across the economy.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating South Africa's long-term environmental performance, monitoring emission reduction progress, supporting climate policy assessments, and benchmarking national trends against other emerging economies. It also provides a dependable foundation for forecasting future energy-sector emissions, assessing sustainability initiatives, and understanding the relationship between economic development, energy consumption, and environmental performance over time.
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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.
South Africa Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy was 425 Million Tonnes in 2023, down 0.2% on 2022.
South Africa Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy moved from 455.3 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 425 Million Tonnes in 2023 (−6.7%), an average of −0.9% a year. The series high was 474.9 Million Tonnes in 2019 and the low 425 Million Tonnes in 2023.
The highest value was 474.9 Million Tonnes in 2019 and the lowest was 425 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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