Power generation emissions from the EU’s three largest emitters fell year on year

Total operational emissions from electricity generation in the EU’s three largest polluting countries—Germany, Poland and Italy—fell 4% year on year in the first three quarters of this year. However, according to a Norwegian consultancy, it was often more economically advantageous to operate coal-fired power plants rather than gas-fired plants, while weaker electricity demand from industry also contributed to the decline.

Total power generation emissions from the countries mentioned reached 148,1 mil. tCO₂e, compared with 154,7 mil. tCO₂e recorded in 2024, as data from international energy portal Montel show.

Germany remains the bloc’s largest emitter, producing 71,4 mil. tCO₂e compared with 69,1 mil. tCO₂e last year. The increase was recorded primarily in the first quarter, when emissions rose by 17% year on year.

"It is no surprise that Germany remains Europe’s largest producer of emissions, given its reliance on coal- and gas-fired generation during periods of lower renewable output, as well as for grid balancing," Bernadett Pappová, head of market analysis at Pact Capital, told Montel on Monday.