Germany Achieves 29.6% Decarbonization in Energy Sector Since 2010, Traffic Emissions Stabilize Since 2020

Germany has seen a significant reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the energy sector, achieving a decarbonization rate of 29.6% since 2010. This achievement contrasts sharply with the road traffic sector, where emissions have remained largely unchanged since 2020.

According to recent statistics from the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), total CO2 emissions from the economy and households in 2023 amounted to 738.7 million tons, down from 986.6 million tons in 2010. This marks a notable decline of 25.1% over the period. The energy sector remains the largest contributor to CO2 emissions in Germany, accounting for 73.5% of the total emissions in 2023, primarily from the combustion of fossil fuels and biomass.

In 2023, the energy supply sector was responsible for 38.4% of these emissions, followed by manufacturing at 27.0%, and private households contributing 18.6%. Together, these three sectors represented 84.0% of energy-related CO2 emissions. The decrease in emissions is largely attributed to a 40.3% reduction in the energy supply sector, which emitted 208.6 million tons in 2023, compared to 349.6 million tons in 2010.

A major factor in this reduction was the significant decrease in coal usage, which has dropped by 52.0% in power generation. The household sector also made strides, with emissions decreasing by 23.1% from 2010 to 2023, down to 101.0 million tons. The majority of household emissions are derived from heating and hot water provision using natural gas, mineral oils, and biomass.

In the manufacturing sector, CO2 emissions totaled 146.7 million tons in 2023, reflecting an 11.8% decrease since 2010. These emissions primarily result from the combustion of natural gas, byproducts from industrial processes, and mineral oils. While emissions from mineral oils and natural gas have seen significant reductions, those from derived gases have increased by 5.1% since 2010.

In stark contrast, the transportation sector has struggled to reduce emissions, maintaining levels that have stagnated since 2020. In 2023, road traffic emissions were recorded at 154.7 million tons, just a slight decrease from 164.7 million tons in 2010, reflecting a 6.1% reduction. The emissions spiked between 2010 and 2019 before witnessing a sharp decline of 12.2% in 2020, primarily due to restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, emissions have remained stable, with only a marginal increase of 0.1% from 2020 to 2023.

The majority of emissions from road traffic in 2023 originated from private households, which accounted for 57.5% of the total traffic emissions. This share has remained relatively constant over the years, hovering around the 60% mark.

As Germany continues to navigate its energy transition, the focus remains on enhancing the decarbonization efforts across various sectors, particularly in transportation, to meet future climate targets.