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Emissions trading: greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 13.3% in 2020

12.05.21 07:46

Greenhouse gas emissions from operators covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) fell by 13.3% in 2020 compared to 2019 levels. This reduction resulted from an 11.2% decrease in emissions from stationary installations and a 64.1% decrease in emissions from aviation.

As one of the sectors most vulnerable to the Covid-19 pandemic, aviation saw the steepest reduction in emissions (-64.1%). The power sector witnessed a 14.9% decrease, reflecting both reduced electricity consumption due to the pandemic and previously identified decarbonisation trends. These include both the switch from coal to natural gas-fired power generation, and the replacement of fossil fuels by renewable energy sources.

Emissions from industry decreased by an average of 7%, with reductions observed in most sectors, including iron and steel (-11.7%), cement (-5.1%), chemicals (-4%) and refineries (-8.1%). However, with current data, it is not yet possible to determine what proportion of these reductions is due to increased emissions efficiency.