- Energy & Process GHG Emissions refer to the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated from energy-related activities and industrial processes within a given year.
South Africa Energy & Process GHG Emissions was 478.1 Million Tonnes in 2023, up 3.6% on 2022. The Energy & Process GHG Emissions dataset of South Africa from 2015 to 2023 provides a clear and consistent view of the country’s greenhouse gas emission landscape, highlighting emission trends, industrial activities, and energy-related emission patterns over the observed period.
South Africa Energy & Process GHG Emissions moved from 494.2 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 478.1 Million Tonnes in 2023 (−3.3%), an average of −0.4% a year. The series high was 513.9 Million Tonnes in 2019 and the low 461.7 Million Tonnes in 2022.
The gap between the series high (2019) and low (2022) is 52.20 Million Tonnes. The sharpest single-year move was −5.4% in 2020.
Among the 36 countries in this dataset, South Africa ranks 13 for 2023, behind China (12,604 Million Tonnes) and U.S. (5,130 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 | 478.1 | +3.6% |
| 2022 Trough | 461.7 | −3.8% |
| 2021 | 479.9 | −1.3% |
| 2020 | 486 | −5.4% |
| 2019Peak | 513.9 | +4.6% |
| 2018 | 491.4 | −3.5% |
| 2017 | 509.3 | −0.8% |
| 2016 | 513.5 | +3.9% |
| 2015 | 494.2 | — |
Regional context
Energy & Process GHG Emissions by country, 2023, Million Tonnes. South Africa is highlighted.
Data definition
Energy & Process GHG Emissions — - Energy & Process GHG Emissions refer to the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated from energy-related activities and industrial processes within a given year. The indicator is typically expressed in million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂e) and combines emissions from fossil fuel combustion, industrial energy use, and process-related activities into a single measure using global warming potential (GWP) factors. It provides a comprehensive assessment of emissions associated with energy production, energy consumption, and industrial manufacturing, making it a key indicator for evaluating a country's environmental impact, industrial development, and progress toward climate mitigation objectives.
The data includes greenhouse gas emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas across all major sectors, including electricity and heat generation, manufacturing, transportation, residential, commercial, and other energy-consuming activities. It also includes emissions from industrial processes that are not directly related to fuel combustion, such as cement production, lime manufacturing, chemical production, metal processing, and other process-related industrial activities. The indicator incorporates major greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and, where applicable, fluorinated gases, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) using internationally recognized global warming potential factors. Data is compiled using standardized international methodologies to ensure consistent reporting and comparability across countries and over time.
The data excludes greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, forestry, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF), waste management, and other non-energy sectors unless explicitly included within the reporting methodology. It does not account for carbon removals through forests, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), or other negative emission technologies. The indicator excludes indirect emissions embodied in imported goods and services and does not measure sector-specific emission intensity, per capita emissions, or energy efficiency. Variations in national reporting practices, industrial classifications, emission factors, and estimation methodologies may result in minor differences in reported values across countries.
Energy & Process GHG Emissions — - Energy & Process GHG Emissions refer to the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated from energy-related activities and industrial processes within a given year. The indicator is typically expressed in million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂e) and combines emissions from fossil fuel combustion, industrial energy use, and process-related activities into a single measure using global warming potential (GWP) factors. It provides a comprehensive assessment of emissions associated with energy production, energy consumption, and industrial manufacturing, making it a key indicator for evaluating a country's environmental impact, industrial development, and progress toward climate mitigation objectives.
Measured in million tonnes, the dataset reflects greenhouse gas emissions generated from energy production, fuel combustion, and industrial process activities, making it an important indicator of environmental performance, industrial activity, energy consumption, and progress toward climate objectives.
South Africa recorded 494.20 million tonnes of energy and process greenhouse gas emissions in 2015, rising to 513.50 million tonnes in 2016 before easing slightly to 509.30 million tonnes in 2017. Emissions declined further to 491.40 million tonnes in 2018 but increased again to 513.90 million tonnes in 2019, marking the highest level during the review period. In 2020, emissions fell to 486.00 million tonnes as economic activity and industrial production slowed. The downward trend continued in 2021 and 2022, with emissions reaching 479.90 million tonnes and 461.70 million tonnes, respectively. In 2023, emissions recovered modestly to 478.10 million tonnes, remaining below levels observed before the pandemic and indicating only a partial rebound in energy-related activities.
Overall, the dataset reflects relatively stable greenhouse gas emissions with moderate fluctuations driven by changing industrial activity, electricity generation, and economic conditions. The decline after 2019 followed by a limited recovery suggests gradual improvements in emission intensity alongside evolving energy sector dynamics and operational efficiencies.
The dataset provides valuable insights for monitoring greenhouse gas performance, assessing industrial and energy-sector emissions, and evaluating progress toward decarbonization and sustainability objectives. It also supports environmental planning, regional benchmarking, long-term emission forecasting, and evidence-based policymaking. Researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders can use these data to assess emission reduction measures, evaluate climate strategies, and support South Africa's transition toward a more sustainable and lower-carbon economy.
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Definition- Energy & Process GHG Emissions refer to the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated from energy-related activities and industrial processes within a given year. The indicator is typically expressed in million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂e) and combines emissions from fossil fuel combustion, industrial energy use, and process-related activities into a single measure using global warming potential (GWP) factors. It provides a comprehensive assessment of emissions associated with energy production, energy consumption, and industrial manufacturing, making it a key indicator for evaluating a country's environmental impact, industrial development, and progress toward climate mitigation objectives.
South Africa Energy & Process GHG Emissions was 478.1 Million Tonnes in 2023, up 3.6% on 2022.
South Africa Energy & Process GHG Emissions moved from 494.2 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 478.1 Million Tonnes in 2023 (−3.3%), an average of −0.4% a year. The series high was 513.9 Million Tonnes in 2019 and the low 461.7 Million Tonnes in 2022.
The highest value was 513.9 Million Tonnes in 2019 and the lowest was 461.7 Million Tonnes in 2022.
Included: The data includes greenhouse gas emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas across all major sectors, including electricity and heat generation, manufacturing, transportation, residential, commercial, and other energy-consuming activities. It also includes emissions from industrial processes that are not directly related to fuel combustion, such as cement production, lime manufacturing, chemical production, metal processing, and other process-related industrial activities. The indicator incorporates major greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and, where applicable, fluorinated gases, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) using internationally recognized global warming potential factors. Data is compiled using standardized international methodologies to ensure consistent reporting and comparability across countries and over time. Excluded: The data excludes greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, forestry, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF), waste management, and other non-energy sectors unless explicitly included within the reporting methodology. It does not account for carbon removals through forests, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), or other negative emission technologies. The indicator excludes indirect emissions embodied in imported goods and services and does not measure sector-specific emission intensity, per capita emissions, or energy efficiency. Variations in national reporting practices, industrial classifications, emission factors, and estimation methodologies may result in minor differences in reported values across countries.
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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