Germany has seen a significant reduction in energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions across various sectors of the economy and within private households over the past decade. Official statistics released Tuesday indicate a 29.6% decrease in energy-related CO2 emissions since 2010, falling from 770.9 million tons in 2010 to 543.0 million tons in 2023.
These energy-related emissions account for the majority – 73.5% – of total CO2 emissions generated by businesses and individuals operating within Germany. Total CO2 emissions from these entities reached 738.7 million tons in 2023, representing a 25.1% decrease from 986.6 million tons in 2010.
The energy supply sector, encompassing electricity and district heating providers, was the largest contributor to these energy-related emissions in 2023, accounting for 38.4%. The manufacturing sector contributed 27.0%, while private households accounted for 18.6%, collectively representing 84.0% of the total.
The most substantial reductions have been observed within the energy supply sector, where emissions have fallen by 40.3% since 2010, largely due to a 52.0% decline in coal usage within power plants generating electricity and heat.
Private households also contributed significantly to energy-related emissions, primarily through heating and hot water production. These emissions totaled 101.0 million tons in 2023, a 23.1% decrease from 131.3 million tons in 2010. Natural gas (including methane) remains the primary source, followed by mineral oil and biomass. Emissions from mineral oil applications have decreased by 33.0% since 2010, while natural gas emissions have declined by 18.3%.
The manufacturing sector was the second-largest contributor, emitting 146.7 million tons of CO2, a 11.8% reduction compared to 2010. Emissions from mineral oils and natural gas within this sector have fallen, but those linked to derived gases (coke oven, blast furnace and converter gas) saw a 5.1% increase since 2010.
The service sector has also experienced a notable decrease of 31.1% in energy-related CO2 emissions.
Beyond energy-related emissions, road transportation accounts for the second-largest source of CO2, representing 20.9% of the total. Process emissions, stemming from industrial production and agriculture, accounted for 5.5%. Road transportation emissions totaled 154.7 million tons in 2023, a 6.1% decrease from 164.7 million tons in 2010. A significant drop was seen in 2020 due to pandemic-related restrictions; however, emissions have since stabilized. Roughly 60% of these road transportation emissions originate from private households.