Estimating carbon dioxide emissions from gas plants

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The following factors are used to estimate the CO2 emissions from gas-fired power plants:

  • Plant capacity
  • Plant capacity factor
  • Lifecycle emissions factor for a gas-fired power plant
  • Lifetime of a gas plant

Formula

The CO2 emissions from a gas plant can be calculated with the following formula:

Annual CO2 equivalent emissions (in million tonnes/year) = capacity (MW) * capacity factor (%) * lifecycle emissions factor (t CO2/kWh) * 1e6 g/1 t * 1 GW/1000 MW * 8760 hours/year * 1e6 kWh/1 GWh

The total lifetime CO2 emissions from a gas plant can be calculated with the following formula:

Lifetime CO2 equivalent emissions (in million tonnes) = Annual CO2 equivalent emissions (in million tonnes/year) * lifetime of gas plant

Capacity Factor

"Capacity factor" or "load factor," is a measure of the amount of power that a plant produces compared with the amount it would produce if operated at its rated capacity nonstop. A capacity factor of 100% means that a plant is run at its maximum capacity for every hour of the year. Actual capacity factors are lower than 100% because of routine maintenance, fuel availability problems, and variations in demand.

Capacity factor can be calculated as follows:

Capacity Factor (%) = [Generation (GWh) * 1 year/8760 h] / Capacity (GW)

For the Global Oil and Gas Plant Tracker, a country/area-level (or in some cases, regional) capacity factor is used in calculating the CO2 emissions.

The latest gas power generation published by Ember is used for the capacity factor calculation. In some cases, generation data reported is not available for the latest year. For example, for countries where 2021 data is unavailable, 2020 gas power generation is used. Operating capacity at the country/area-level is taken from GEM's latest available Global Oil and Gas Plant Tracker.

Regional Capacity Factor

Regional capacity factors are shown in Table 1 below with the following inputs:


Table 1: Regional Capacity Factors Calculated for Global Oil and Gas Plant Tracker

Region Sub-region GEM Operating Capacity (MW) Ember Power Generation (TWh) Weighted Average Capacity Factor (%)
Africa Northern Africa                  99,995               346 39.5%
Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                  27,191               101 42.3%
Americas Latin America and the Caribbean               137,031               560 46.7%
Americas Northern America               584,090          1,938 37.9%
Asia Central Asia                  25,864               126 55.4%
Asia Eastern Asia               325,402          1,073 37.6%
Asia South-eastern Asia               110,215               383 39.6%
Asia Southern Asia               144,108               563 44.6%
Asia Western Asia               306,067          1,077 40.2%
Europe Eastern Europe               139,985               634 51.7%
Europe Northern Europe                  51,455               137 30.5%
Europe Southern Europe                  95,204               248 29.8%
Europe Western Europe                  70,599               224 36.3%
Oceania Australia and New Zealand                  18,234                  56 35.1%
Oceania Melanesia                         453                     5
Oceania Micronesia                               -                      -  
Total Total          2,135,892          7,472 39.9%

As a comparison, the International Energy Agency (IEA) in their 2021 World Energy Outlook (Table A.3a) reports:

Global gas power production 6,257 TWh
Global gas power capacity 1,822 GW
Global capacity factor 39.20%

Country/Area Level Capacity Factor

Country/area level capacity factors are shown in Table 2 below with the following inputs:

  • GEM's January 2025 Global Oil and Gas Plant Tracker data
  • Ember's yearly electricity data release (downloaded January 2025 version)
  • In cases where country/area level capacity factors were inaccurate (ie: greater than 100% or large variation between regional and country/area level capacity factor) the regional capacity factor was assumed for the CO2 emissions calculation.


Table 2: Country/area-level Capacity Factors Calculated for Global Oil and Gas Plant Tracker

Country/Area Region Sub-region GEM Operating Capacity (MW) Ember 2020 Generation (TWh) Ember 2021 Generation (TWh) Ember 2022 Generation (TWh) Ember 2023 Generation (TWh) Ember Generation data used (TWh) Ember Generation data year Country/Area Capacity factor (%) Regional Capacity factor (%) Country/Area or regional level? Capacity factor to use
Afghanistan Asia Southern Asia                105.0                0.1                0.1                0.1                    -                  0.1 2022 10.9% 44.6% regional 44.6%
Albania Europe Southern Europe                          -                      -                      -                      -                      -                      -   0.0% 29.8% regional 29.8%
Algeria Africa Northern Africa         23,915.6             78.5             84.8             87.5                    -               87.5 2022 41.8% 39.5% Country/Area 41.8%
Angola Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                929.0                4.1                4.1                4.2                    -                  4.2 2022 52.0% 42.3% Country/Area 52.0%
Argentina Americas Latin America and the Caribbean         22,810.2             96.4          103.6             93.6             85.7             85.7 2023 42.9% 46.7% Country/Area 42.9%
Armenia Asia Western Asia            1,127.0                3.2                3.4                3.8                    -                  3.8 2022 38.6% 40.2% Country/Area 38.6%
Aruba Americas Latin America and the Caribbean                102.0                0.8                0.8                0.8                    -                  0.8 2022 92.9% 46.7% regional 46.7%
Australia Oceania Australia and New Zealand         16,810.9             57.9             52.8             56.3             52.3             52.3 2023 35.5% 35.1% Country/Area 35.5%
Austria Europe Western Europe            4,756.0             13.1             13.9             14.1             10.8             10.8 2023 26.0% 36.3% Country/Area 26.0%
Azerbaijan Asia Western Asia            5,860.9             24.4             26.3             27.1                    -               27.1 2022 52.8% 40.2% regional 40.2%
Bahamas Americas Latin America and the Caribbean                184.3                2.0                2.0                2.0                    -                  2.0 2022 125.7% 46.7% regional 46.7%
Bahrain Asia Western Asia            8,600.9             33.4             33.9             35.5                    -               35.5 2022 47.2% 40.2% Country/Area 47.2%
Bangladesh Asia Southern Asia         20,001.9             81.1             89.0             95.0             85.8             85.8 2023 48.9% 44.6% Country/Area 48.9%
Barbados Americas Latin America and the Caribbean                   60.0                1.0                1.0                1.0                    -                  1.0 2022 192.2% 46.7% regional 46.7%
Belarus Europe Eastern Europe            9,220.2             36.8             34.2             32.6                    -               32.6 2022 40.4% 51.7% Country/Area 40.4%
Belgium Europe Western Europe            5,364.0             30.4             26.3             26.0             21.8             21.8 2023 46.4% 36.3% Country/Area 46.4%
Benin Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                127.4                1.0                1.1                1.1                    -                  1.1 2022 99.5% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Bermuda Americas Northern America                114.0                0.6                0.6                0.6                    -                  0.6 2022 62.1% 37.9% regional 37.9%
Bolivia Americas Latin America and the Caribbean            1,945.2                6.4                6.7                7.5                8.7                8.7 2023 50.8% 46.7% Country/Area 50.8%
Bosnia and Herzegovina Europe Southern Europe                          -                  0.0                0.0                0.2                0.2                    -   0.0% 29.8% regional 29.8%
Botswana Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                   70.0                0.1                0.1                0.1                    -                  0.1 2022 16.3% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Brazil Americas Latin America and the Caribbean         21,464.1             74.0          109.6             54.5             49.8             49.8 2023 26.5% 46.7% regional 46.7%
Brunei Asia South-eastern Asia                212.0                4.5                4.5                4.5                    -                  4.5 2022 243.9% 39.6% regional 39.6%
Bulgaria Europe Eastern Europe                761.0                2.5                3.3                2.4                2.1                2.1 2023 32.1% 51.7% regional 51.7%
Burkina Faso Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                165.9                0.5                0.5                0.5                    -                  0.5 2022 36.5% 42.3% Country/Area 36.5%
Cambodia Asia South-eastern Asia                800.5                0.4                0.5                0.5                    -                  0.5 2022 7.1% 39.6% regional 39.6%
Cameroon Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                364.0                3.5                2.9                3.1                    -                  3.1 2022 96.0% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Canada Americas Northern America         27,730.5             80.0             86.5             92.9             98.5             98.5 2023 40.5% 37.9% Country/Area 40.5%
Cayman Islands Americas Latin America and the Caribbean                114.0                0.7                0.7                0.7                    -                  0.7 2022 68.1% 46.7% regional 46.7%
Central African Republic Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                   50.0                    -                      -                      -                      -                      -   0.0% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Chad Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                   60.0                0.3                0.3                0.3                    -                  0.3 2022 62.8% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Chile Americas Latin America and the Caribbean            7,039.8             14.8             17.0             17.9             16.7             16.7 2023 27.1% 46.7% regional 46.7%
China Asia Eastern Asia      152,791.0          306.0          344.2          347.7          373.7          373.7 2023 27.9% 37.6% Country/Area 27.9%
Colombia Americas Latin America and the Caribbean            4,307.0             17.8             16.6             19.5             20.6             20.6 2023 54.5% 46.7% Country/Area 54.5%
Costa Rica Americas Latin America and the Caribbean                202.4                0.0                    -                      -                  0.5                0.5 2023 28.8% 46.7% regional 46.7%
Croatia Europe Southern Europe            1,420.8                3.5                3.1                3.6                3.9                3.9 2023 31.4% 29.8% Country/Area 31.4%
Cuba Americas Latin America and the Caribbean            2,694.0             18.1             17.0             17.4                    -               17.4 2022 73.7% 46.7% regional 46.7%
Cyprus Asia Western Asia            1,853.0                4.3                4.3                4.4                4.2                4.2 2023 26.1% 40.2% regional 40.2%
Czech Republic Europe Eastern Europe            1,719.0                8.7                8.1                5.1                4.3                4.3 2023 28.6% 51.7% regional 51.7%
Côte d'Ivoire Africa Sub-Saharan Africa            1,279.0                7.8                8.6                7.7                    -                  7.7 2022 68.5% 42.3% regional 42.3%
DR Congo Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                          -                  0.0                    -                      -                      -                      -   0.0% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Denmark Europe Northern Europe            1,203.2                2.1                2.5                2.1                1.9                1.9 2023 17.6% 30.5% regional 30.5%
Djibouti Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                108.0                0.1                0.1                0.1                    -                  0.1 2022 13.7% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Dominican Republic Americas Latin America and the Caribbean            2,993.1             11.2             11.9             12.4             22.6             22.6 2023 86.1% 46.7% regional 46.7%
Ecuador Americas Latin America and the Caribbean            1,332.3                6.4                6.0                6.2                7.6                7.6 2023 64.8% 46.7% regional 46.7%
Egypt Africa Northern Africa         52,267.5          174.0          185.3          192.5          195.3          195.3 2023 42.7% 39.5% Country/Area 42.7%
El Salvador Americas Latin America and the Caribbean                929.5                1.0                1.0                0.6                2.2                2.2 2023 26.9% 46.7% regional 46.7%
Equatorial Guinea Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                154.0                0.9                1.0                1.0                    -                  1.0 2022 73.4% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Eritrea Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                   88.0                0.4                0.4                0.4                    -                  0.4 2022 48.0% 42.3% Country/Area 48.0%
Estonia Europe Northern Europe                458.1                3.1                4.3                6.1                2.9                2.9 2023 73.3% 30.5% regional 30.5%
Eswatini Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                          -                      -                      -                      -                      -                      -   0.0% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Ethiopia Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                          -                  0.0                0.0                0.0                    -                      -   0.0% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Finland Europe Northern Europe            2,774.0                7.6                7.7                4.7                3.4                3.4 2023 13.8% 30.5% regional 30.5%
France Europe Western Europe         11,694.7             45.3             43.4             56.2             40.4             40.4 2023 39.4% 36.3% Country/Area 39.4%
Gabon Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                496.0                1.4                1.3                1.4                    -                  1.4 2022 31.8% 42.3% Country/Area 31.8%
Georgia Asia Western Asia            1,167.0                2.8                2.4                3.4                3.4                3.4 2023 33.6% 40.2% Country/Area 33.6%
Germany Europe Western Europe         33,699.7          116.3          112.6          100.7             99.8             99.8 2023 33.8% 36.3% Country/Area 33.8%
Ghana Africa Sub-Saharan Africa            3,429.0             12.4             14.4             14.9                    -               14.9 2022 49.4% 42.3% Country/Area 49.4%
Greece Europe Southern Europe            7,525.6             23.4             26.8             23.5             20.0             20.0 2023 30.3% 29.8% Country/Area 30.3%
Guadeloupe Americas Latin America and the Caribbean                211.2                1.0                0.9                    -                      -                  0.9 2021 47.0% 46.7% Country/Area 47.0%
Guam Oceania Micronesia                          -                  1.6                1.7                1.7                    -                      -   0.0% Country/Area 0.0%
Guatemala Americas Latin America and the Caribbean                356.0                0.4                0.8                0.8                    -                  0.8 2022 25.7% 46.7% regional 46.7%
Guinea Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                104.0                1.0                1.0                1.0                    -                  1.0 2022 112.0% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Guyana Americas Latin America and the Caribbean                          -                  1.1                1.1                1.1                    -                      -   0.0% 46.7% regional 46.7%
Honduras Americas Latin America and the Caribbean            1,109.8                4.6                4.2                4.4                    -                  4.4 2022 45.0% 46.7% Country/Area 45.0%
Hong Kong Asia Eastern Asia            6,095.5             22.0             22.5             21.7                    -               21.7 2022 40.6% 37.6% Country/Area 40.6%
Hungary Europe Eastern Europe            3,024.5                9.6             10.2                9.3                7.8                7.8 2023 29.3% 51.7% regional 51.7%
India Asia Southern Asia         27,895.7             77.9             63.8             50.2             56.8             56.8 2023 23.2% 44.6% regional 44.6%
Indonesia Asia South-eastern Asia         24,129.0             58.1             63.2             62.8             68.6             68.6 2023 32.5% 39.6% Country/Area 32.5%
Iran Asia Southern Asia         75,021.0          305.2          336.5          343.6          350.5          350.5 2023 53.3% 44.6% Country/Area 53.3%
Iraq Asia Western Asia         47,145.4             81.2             82.8          112.9                    -            112.9 2022 27.3% 40.2% regional 40.2%
Ireland Europe Northern Europe            4,971.1             17.8             17.3             18.2             16.1             16.1 2023 36.9% 30.5% Country/Area 36.9%
Isle of Man Europe Northern Europe                   87.0                    -                      -                      -                      -                      -   0.0% 30.5% regional 30.5%
Israel Asia Western Asia         13,738.0             48.7             51.1             51.6                    -               51.6 2022 42.9% 40.2% Country/Area 42.9%
Italy Europe Southern Europe         48,785.0          146.5          155.1          157.1          131.8          131.8 2023 30.8% 29.8% Country/Area 30.8%
Jamaica Americas Latin America and the Caribbean                713.8                3.7                3.8                4.0                    -                  4.0 2022 63.5% 46.7% regional 46.7%
Japan Asia Eastern Asia         95,571.4          434.8          417.1          424.6          383.2          383.2 2023 45.8% 37.6% Country/Area 45.8%
Jordan Asia Western Asia            4,522.8             16.8             16.5             16.9                    -               16.9 2022 42.6% 40.2% Country/Area 42.6%
Kazakhstan Asia Central Asia            4,182.0             27.5             34.5             35.2             34.7             34.7 2023 94.6% 55.4% regional 55.4%
Kenya Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                565.1                0.7                1.0                1.0                0.7                0.7 2023 14.7% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Kosovo Europe Southern Europe                          -                  0.0                0.0                0.0                0.0                    -   0.0% 29.8% regional 29.8%
Kuwait Asia Western Asia         19,509.5             74.5             80.6             86.2             90.6             90.6 2023 53.0% 40.2% regional 40.2%
Kyrgyzstan Asia Central Asia                          -                  0.1                0.2                0.2                    -                      -   0.0% 55.4% regional 55.4%
Latvia Europe Northern Europe            1,087.0                2.1                2.1                1.2                1.4                1.4 2023 14.9% 30.5% regional 30.5%
Lebanon Asia Western Asia            2,684.0             17.0                9.4                9.1                    -                  9.1 2022 38.7% 40.2% Country/Area 38.7%
Libya Africa Northern Africa         13,917.0             29.5             31.0             30.3                    -               30.3 2022 24.8% 39.5% regional 39.5%
Lithuania Europe Northern Europe            1,148.0                2.1                1.7                1.0                0.9                0.9 2023 8.6% 30.5% regional 30.5%
Macao Asia Eastern Asia                407.2                0.4                0.3                0.3                    -                  0.3 2022 8.1% 37.6% regional 37.6%
Madagascar Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                171.0                1.2                1.3                1.4                    -                  1.4 2022 90.8% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Malaysia Asia South-eastern Asia         16,958.0             54.5             62.1             70.1             70.4             70.4 2023 47.4% 39.6% Country/Area 47.4%
Maldives Asia Southern Asia                   50.0                0.8                0.8                0.8                    -                  0.8 2022 180.4% 44.6% regional 44.6%
Mali Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                254.0                2.1                2.2                2.3                    -                  2.3 2022 101.6% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Malta Europe Southern Europe                547.8                1.9                2.0                2.0                2.0                2.0 2023 42.3% 29.8% regional 29.8%
Martinique Americas Latin America and the Caribbean                279.6                1.2                1.1                    -                      -                  1.1 2021 45.7% 46.7% Country/Area 45.7%
Mauritania Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                420.0                1.2                1.1                1.2                    -                  1.2 2022 32.3% 42.3% Country/Area 32.3%
Mauritius Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                          -                  1.1                1.1                1.5                    -                      -   0.0% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Mexico Americas Latin America and the Caribbean         50,464.0          226.2          222.8          224.8          238.3          238.3 2023 53.9% 46.7% Country/Area 53.9%
Moldova Europe Eastern Europe            1,168.0                5.8                6.2                4.8                5.3                5.3 2023 52.0% 51.7% Country/Area 52.0%
Montenegro Europe Southern Europe                          -                      -                      -                      -                      -                      -   0.0% 29.8% regional 29.8%
Morocco Africa Northern Africa            1,901.0                4.2                4.8                4.9                6.2                6.2 2023 37.4% 39.5% Country/Area 37.4%
Mozambique Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                657.6                3.1                3.2                3.4                    -                  3.4 2022 58.2% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Myanmar Asia South-eastern Asia            2,040.7                7.2                8.0                8.2                6.2                6.2 2023 34.6% 39.6% Country/Area 34.6%
Namibia Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                          -                  0.0                    -                      -                      -                      -   0.0% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Netherlands Europe Western Europe         14,985.5             77.5             62.0             52.9             50.3             50.3 2023 38.3% 36.3% Country/Area 38.3%
New Caledonia Oceania Melanesia                395.0                1.2                1.1                1.1                    -                  1.1 2022 32.9% 120.0% regional 120.0%
New Zealand Oceania Australia and New Zealand            1,423.0                6.6                5.4                4.7                3.9                3.9 2023 31.0% 35.1% Country/Area 31.0%
Nicaragua Americas Latin America and the Caribbean                448.0                1.1                1.3                1.4                    -                  1.4 2022 34.4% 46.7% Country/Area 34.4%
Niger Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                189.0                0.4                0.5                0.5                    -                  0.5 2022 32.0% 42.3% Country/Area 32.0%
Nigeria Africa Sub-Saharan Africa         11,008.0             27.3             28.1             29.0             32.3             32.3 2023 33.5% 42.3% Country/Area 33.5%
North Macedonia Europe Southern Europe                418.0                1.2                1.7                1.6                2.2                2.2 2023 59.8% 29.8% regional 29.8%
Norway Europe Northern Europe                523.0                2.3                1.0                1.9                2.2                2.2 2023 48.0% 30.5% regional 30.5%
Oman Asia Western Asia         13,625.3             38.3             41.0             42.8             45.2             45.2 2023 37.9% 40.2% Country/Area 37.9%
Pakistan Asia Southern Asia         19,858.7             66.7             73.0             75.3             65.6             65.6 2023 37.7% 44.6% Country/Area 37.7%
Palestine Asia Western Asia                140.0                0.7                0.7                0.7                    -                  0.7 2022 58.7% 40.2% regional 40.2%
Panama Americas Latin America and the Caribbean            1,440.4                2.1                2.1                2.4                    -                  2.4 2022 18.7% 46.7% regional 46.7%
Papua New Guinea Oceania Melanesia                   58.0                3.0                3.4                3.6                    -                  3.6 2022 712.5% 120.0% regional 120.0%
Peru Americas Latin America and the Caribbean            7,122.4             19.0             21.5             22.1             24.6             24.6 2023 39.4% 46.7% Country/Area 39.4%
Philippines Asia South-eastern Asia            5,946.8             22.0             20.3             21.6             19.4             19.4 2023 37.3% 39.6% Country/Area 37.3%
Poland Europe Eastern Europe            4,951.5             21.5             20.7             16.2             20.8             20.8 2023 48.0% 51.7% Country/Area 48.0%
Portugal Europe Southern Europe            4,651.5             18.9             16.9             18.7             11.8             11.8 2023 28.9% 29.8% Country/Area 28.9%
Puerto Rico Americas Latin America and the Caribbean            1,742.0             15.3             15.3             15.6             15.3             15.3 2023 100.2% 46.7% regional 46.7%
Qatar Asia Western Asia         12,577.5             49.3             51.6             53.9             54.2             54.2 2023 49.2% 40.2% Country/Area 49.2%
Republic of the Congo Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                534.0                2.9                3.0                3.1                    -                  3.1 2022 66.3% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Romania Europe Eastern Europe            3,069.8                9.8             10.3                9.7                9.3                9.3 2023 34.7% 51.7% regional 51.7%
Russia Europe Eastern Europe      111,896.6          478.3          527.3          539.5          540.6          540.6 2023 55.2% 51.7% Country/Area 55.2%
Rwanda Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                   56.0                0.3                0.4                0.4                    -                  0.4 2022 81.5% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Réunion Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                219.6                1.0                1.3                    -                      -                  1.3 2021 67.1% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Saudi Arabia Asia Western Asia         97,285.4          380.7          392.1          399.0          417.1          417.1 2023 48.9% 40.2% Country/Area 48.9%
Senegal Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                713.5                4.9                4.9                5.3                    -                  5.3 2022 84.6% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Serbia Europe Southern Europe                549.0                0.6                1.1                1.5                1.3                1.3 2023 27.4% 29.8% Country/Area 27.4%
Seychelles Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                   58.0                0.5                0.5                0.5                    -                  0.5 2022 104.3% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Sierra Leone Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                162.0                0.0                0.0                0.0                    -                  0.0 2022 0.7% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Singapore Asia South-eastern Asia         13,914.0             51.1             53.5             54.0             54.2             54.2 2023 44.4% 39.6% Country/Area 44.4%
Slovakia Europe Eastern Europe            1,075.9                4.4                5.5                3.2                3.3                3.3 2023 34.7% 51.7% regional 51.7%
Slovenia Europe Southern Europe                535.0                0.6                0.6                0.6                0.5                0.5 2023 10.9% 29.8% regional 29.8%
Somalia Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                   65.0                0.3                0.3                0.3                    -                  0.3 2022 59.7% 42.3% regional 42.3%
South Africa Africa Sub-Saharan Africa            3,705.3                1.5                3.3                3.7                4.9                4.9 2023 15.1% 42.3% regional 42.3%
South Korea Asia Eastern Asia         50,358.4          169.6          189.6          184.7          176.6          176.6 2023 40.0% 37.6% Country/Area 40.0%
South Sudan Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                   85.0                0.6                0.6                0.6                    -                  0.6 2022 80.6% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Spain Europe Southern Europe         30,771.0             81.9             83.6             97.8             74.8             74.8 2023 27.8% 29.8% Country/Area 27.8%
Sri Lanka Asia Southern Asia            1,175.4                4.2                2.7                3.9                3.2                3.2 2023 30.6% 44.6% regional 44.6%
Sudan Africa Northern Africa            2,150.9                6.1                6.6                6.7                    -                  6.7 2022 35.6% 39.5% Country/Area 35.6%
Suriname Americas Latin America and the Caribbean                   63.0                1.0                1.1                1.1                    -                  1.1 2022 195.7% 46.7% regional 46.7%
Sweden Europe Northern Europe            2,619.0                2.4                3.1                2.9                2.3                2.3 2023 10.2% 30.5% regional 30.5%
Switzerland Europe Western Europe                   98.8                1.9                1.7                1.2                1.2                1.2 2023 141.0% 36.3% regional 36.3%
Syria Asia Western Asia            7,384.5             15.6             16.2             16.1                    -               16.1 2022 24.9% 40.2% regional 40.2%
Taiwan Asia Eastern Asia         20,178.0          106.5          116.0          118.8          117.7          117.7 2023 66.6% 37.6% regional 37.6%
Tajikistan Asia Central Asia                206.0                0.3                0.3                0.3                    -                  0.3 2022 18.3% 55.4% regional 55.4%
Tanzania Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                445.0                4.6                5.5                6.1                    -                  6.1 2022 156.0% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Thailand Asia South-eastern Asia         37,812.7          114.6          113.8          116.4          130.3          130.3 2023 39.3% 39.6% Country/Area 39.3%
Timor-Leste Asia South-eastern Asia                255.0                0.5                0.5                0.5                    -                  0.5 2022 22.8% 39.6% regional 39.6%
Togo Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                165.0                0.5                0.6                0.7                    -                  0.7 2022 45.7% 42.3% Country/Area 45.7%
Trinidad and Tobago Americas Latin America and the Caribbean            2,056.6                9.2                9.3                9.4                    -                  9.4 2022 52.2% 46.7% Country/Area 52.2%
Tunisia Africa Northern Africa            5,771.0             20.5             21.0             20.6             20.4             20.4 2023 40.3% 39.5% Country/Area 40.3%
Turkmenistan Asia Central Asia            7,087.0             22.5             22.5             23.1                    -               23.1 2022 37.1% 55.4% regional 55.4%
Türkiye Asia Western Asia         26,065.3             68.4          107.7             72.6             67.4             67.4 2023 29.5% 40.2% Country/Area 29.5%
Uganda Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                189.0                0.1                0.1                0.1                    -                  0.1 2022 3.6% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Ukraine Europe Eastern Europe            3,098.9             14.4             11.1                7.7                    -                  7.7 2022 28.4% 51.7% regional 51.7%
United Arab Emirates Asia Western Asia         41,655.1          129.8          129.2          125.5          118.9          118.9 2023 32.6% 40.2% Country/Area 32.6%
United Kingdom Europe Northern Europe         36,584.9          124.6          134.3          133.7          106.4          106.4 2023 33.2% 30.5% Country/Area 33.2%
United States Americas Northern America      556,245.3      1,658.5      1,614.4      1,725.7      1,839.2      1,839.2 2023 37.7% 37.9% Country/Area 37.7%
Uruguay Americas Latin America and the Caribbean            1,132.0                0.8                2.5                1.4                1.4                1.4 2023 13.6% 46.7% regional 46.7%
Uzbekistan Asia Central Asia         14,388.8             58.9             64.3             67.6                    -               67.6 2022 53.6% 55.4% Country/Area 53.6%
Venezuela Americas Latin America and the Caribbean            3,714.6             17.3             16.8             18.9                    -               18.9 2022 58.0% 46.7% Country/Area 58.0%
Vietnam Asia South-eastern Asia            8,146.0             36.5             27.1             29.9             28.0             28.0 2023 39.3% 39.6% Country/Area 39.3%
Western Sahara Africa Northern Africa                   72.0                    -                      -                      -                      -                      -   0.0% 39.5% regional 39.5%
Yemen Asia Western Asia            1,125.0                2.5                2.4                2.4                    -                  2.4 2022 23.8% 40.2% regional 40.2%
Zambia Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                105.0                0.3                0.1                    -                      -                  0.1 2021 13.0% 42.3% regional 42.3%
Zimbabwe Africa Sub-Saharan Africa                          -                  0.0                    -                      -                      -                      -   0.0% 42.3% regional 42.3%

Lifecycle emissions factor

The Global Oil and Gas Plant Tracker assumes the median lifecycle emissions as reported in the IPCC 5th Assessment Report Annex 3 (2014)[1] of 490 g CO2eq/kWh for a Combined Cycle (CC) gas-fired power plant.

This lifecycle emissions estimate is in line with other reported values, such as:

  • A natural gas combined cycle plant can emit 403–513 g CO2 eq/kWh from a life cycle perspective, 2021 UNECE Report, Carbon Neutrality in the UNECE Region: Integrated Life-cycle Assessment of Electricity Sources.[2]
  • A natural gas combined cycle plant has a life cycle emissions range of 410-650 g CO2 eq/kWh.[3]
  • A natural gas combined cycle life cycle emissions range of 306 - 681 g CO2 eq/kWh.[4]
  • A natural gas combustion turbine life cycle emissions range of 487 - 987 g CO2 eq/kWh.[5]
  • A natural gas combined cycle life cycle emissions of 499.1 g CO2 eq/kWh.[6]

Lifetime of Gas Plant

Lifetime CO2 estimates by GEM's Global Oil and Gas Plant Tracker assume gas plants operate over a 30 year lifetime[7], and 5 years for plants older than 30 years.

Limitations

The following are limitations with the CO2 emissions estimates calculated in GEM's Global Oil and Gas Plant Tracker:

  • Generation data (from Ember) used to calculate country/area-level capacity factor often lags GEM's Global Oil and Gas Plant Tracker data, which is updated twice yearly. For example, the latest generation for a country/area may be for 2022, but the operating capacity is taken from GEM's February 2024 data release.
  • Lifecycle emissions factor assumes constant value for all gas plant technologies. An older gas turbine or steam turbine gas plant may have higher lifecycle emissions than a newer combined cycle gas plant.
  • Capacity factor is applied at the country/area level, not asset level. Depending on the use of the gas plant (ie: peaker vs. baseload) the actual capacity factor at the asset level may vary.

Articles and Resources

References

  1. "IPCC 5th Assessment Report, Annex III, Technology-specific Cost and Performance Parameters" (PDF). Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Retrieved August 25, 2022. {{cite web}}: line feed character in |title= at position 68 (help)CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. "Carbon Neutrality in the UNECE Region: Integrated Life-cycle Assessment of Electricity Sources" (PDF). United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. 2021. {{cite web}}: line feed character in |title= at position 39 (help)CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. "Climate Change 2014: Mitigation of Climate Change. Contribution of Working Group III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change" (PDF). {{cite web}}: line feed character in |title= at position 92 (help)CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. "The role of natural gas and its infrastructure in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, improving regional air quality, and renewable resource integration". Progress in Energy and Combustion Science. 64. 2018-01-01. doi:10.1016/j.pecs.2017.10.002. ISSN 0360-1285.
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