Last year, the emission of greenhouse gases was 37% lower than in 1990, the reference year for the Climate Act. Emissions have decreased across all climate sectors during this period. The industry, for example, emitted less methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. The emissions from the electricity sector are also lower. Especially since 2017, fossil energy carriers are increasingly being replaced by biomass, solar, and wind energy.

The Climate Act states that by 2030, greenhouse gas emissions must be 55% lower than in 1990, equivalent to a reduction of 125 Megaton CO₂-equivalent. Between 1990 and 2023, emissions decreased by an average of 2.5 Megaton per year, in 2024 by 2 Megaton. To meet the Climate Acts target, emissions must decrease by an average of 7 Megaton per year over the next six years.

Less Emissions from Electricity Sector

In 2024, the electricity sector emitted 3% less greenhouse gases than in 2023. The decrease was mainly realized in the first half of the year, when more electricity was generated from solar and wind energy than a year earlier. As a result, less gas and coal were needed. In the last quarter of last year, however, emissions were higher than a year earlier. The electricity sectors emissions must still decrease by 42% to meet the 2030 sector target. Sector targets are indicative; a small reduction in one sector can be compensated by an extra reduction in another sector.

Also Decrease in Emissions by Mobility

The emissions from the mobility sector in 2024 were 6% lower than in 2023. The decrease was particularly strong in the second quarter, as there was a peak in diesel sales in June a year earlier, possibly related to a fuel excise increase on July 1, 2023. Electric traffic has also increased. The 2030 sector target requires a further reduction of 27% over the next six years.

More Emissions by Industry

The industry emitted more greenhouse gases in 2024 than a year earlier. The percentage increase was small (1.5%), but the industry accounts for 33% of total greenhouse gas emissions. The industry especially consumed more residual coal gases, as the blast furnaces were fully operational again after major maintenance in 2023. A reduction of 37% is needed to meet the 2030 sector target.

More information on CO₂ emissions calculated according to the national accounts can be found here.