Carbon Intensity of Electricity

Carbon intensity measures how much CO₂ is released per unit of electricity, showing how clean or polluting the grid is at any moment.

What Determines Carbon Intensity
Intensity depends on the generation mix—coal and oil emit most, gas emits less, and renewables and nuclear emit very little. Weather, demand patterns, and grid conditions also influence real-time levels.

Why It Matters
It helps track progress toward cleaner electricity and compare regions. Utilities, policymakers, and consumers use intensity data to find ways to cut emissions or shift use to cleaner hours.

Future Changes
More renewables, storage, and retiring coal will lower carbon intensity over time. Improvements in forecasting, flexible grids, and clean firm power will help make reductions more consistent.