The formula

kWh × carbon intensity (kg CO₂ per kWh) = kg of CO₂.

The only number you need besides your electricity use is the carbon intensity of the grid you are connected to. For example, 1,000 kWh is about 41 kg of CO₂ in France, 330 kg in Germany and 384 kg in the United States.

Using the result

In a company carbon footprint, purchased electricity is reported as Scope 2. Take the kWh from your bills for the year, convert them here, and you have a first estimate of your Scope 2 emissions. Our business carbon calculator adds heating, fuel and flights, and the guide to Scope 1, 2 and 3 explains where each source belongs.

kg CO₂ per kWh by country

Carbon intensity of electricity generation for every country in our data, latest year available. Select a country to see its full electricity mix.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert kWh to kg of CO₂?

Multiply the kilowatt-hours by the carbon intensity of the electricity, in kg of CO₂ per kWh. On the world average mix of 0.458 kg per kWh, 1,000 kWh is about 458 kg of CO₂.

How much CO₂ does 1 kWh of electricity produce?

It depends on the country. The world average is about 458 g of CO₂ per kWh. It ranges from about 23 g in Ethiopia to about 1306 g in Turkmenistan, depending on how much coal, gas, hydro, nuclear, wind and solar is in the mix.

Can I use these factors for a carbon report?

They are suitable for estimates and comparisons. For a formal Scope 2 report, use the grid factor published by your national energy or environment agency for the reporting year, because official factors can differ from these estimates.

Why does the same kWh have a different footprint in different countries?

Because it is generated differently. A kWh from a coal plant emits many times more CO₂ than a kWh from wind, hydro or nuclear. A country’s factor is the weighted average of everything on its grid.