US energy-related CO₂ emissions increase 2% in 2025 as electricity demand rises
U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions increased by 2% in 2025, rising by approximately 115 million metric tons (MMmt), according to preliminary data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
The increase was driven primarily by higher electricity demand and greater use of coal-fired power generation compared with 2024. Emissions also increased in the residential and commercial sectors due to colder winter weather, which led to higher demand for heating fuels.
Total U.S. energy-related CO₂ emissions reached approximately 4.9 billion metric tons in 2025, compared with 4.8 billion metric tons in 2024. The largest increase came from the electric power sector, where emissions rose by 4%, or around 58 MMmt.
Electricity generation increased by 3% during the year, supported by stronger demand from data centres, manufacturing facilities, and increased cooling requirements during a hotter summer period. Coal-fired electricity generation increased by 13%, adding approximately 85 terawatt-hours (TWh) and increasing coal-related emissions by around 78 MMmt.
Natural gas-fired electricity generation declined by 4%, reducing emissions from gas generation by approximately 23 MMmt. Renewable energy continued to expand, with wind generation increasing by 3% and solar generation rising by 34%, helping to offset some of the emissions impact from higher electricity consumption.
Colder winter conditions also contributed to increased emissions from buildings. Residential and commercial CO₂ emissions rose by 9% and 7%, respectively, as households and businesses used more natural gas, propane and heating oil for space heating.
The industrial sector saw only a small emissions increase in 2025, with CO₂ emissions rising by less than 1%. Continued reductions in coal use helped balance higher natural gas consumption and modest increases in petroleum use.
Transportation sector emissions remained broadly stable, increasing by less than 1%. Lower emissions from motor gasoline were offset by higher emissions from diesel fuel as freight activity and road transport demand increased. Improvements in vehicle fuel economy and growth in hybrid and electric vehicles helped reduce gasoline-related emissions.
The EIA said the 2025 emissions increase highlights the challenge of meeting climate goals while electricity demand continues to grow. Expanding renewable generation, improving energy efficiency and reducing reliance on higher-carbon fuels will remain key factors in lowering future energy-related emissions.
The assessment is based on preliminary data from the EIA’s Monthly Energy Review and covers CO₂ emissions associated with energy use and fossil fuel combustion. Final figures may be adjusted as additional data becomes available.
