Determining the carbon dioxide emitted for each kilowatt-hour of electricity generated is a crucial process in evaluating the environmental impact of different energy sources and electricity generation methods. This calculation quantifies the greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing a specific unit of electrical energy. As an example, a power plant burning coal will have a significantly higher CO2 output per unit of electricity generated than a solar farm.
The importance of ascertaining this metric lies in its ability to inform policy decisions, guide investment in cleaner energy technologies, and enable consumers to make more environmentally conscious choices. Understanding the carbon intensity of electricity production allows for informed comparisons between different energy sources, facilitating the transition to a lower-carbon energy system. Historically, a lack of awareness regarding the environmental consequences of energy production led to a reliance on carbon-intensive fossil fuels. Establishing methods for accurately measuring emissions is a key step toward mitigating climate change.
