Comparing Q4 2016 to Q4 2015

The Power Sector Carbon Index was 1,001 lb CO₂ per MWh in Q4 of 2016, an increase of 1% when compared to Q4 of 2015. Coal returned as the electricity source contributing the largest share of electricity generation in Q4 of 2016, after natural gas held that spot in Q4 of 2015. Electricity generation from renewables and nuclear was higher in Q4 of 2016 when compared to Q4 of 2015, reducing some of the impact on the Power Sector Carbon Index from the increased electricity from coal.

Comparing Annual Performance in 2016 to 2005

The annual Power Sector Carbon Index in 2016 was 24% lower than in 2005, from 1,324 lb CO₂ per MWh to 1,005 lb CO₂ per MWh (or 600 to 456 g CO₂ per kWh).

Highlights of the 2016 Q4 Results

• The Power Sector Carbon Index was up by 1% in Q4 2016 when compared to Q4 2015.
• Coal generation was up by 12% in Q4 2016 (305 million MWh) when compared to Q4 2015 (273 million MWh). Coal represented 31.8% of total generation in Q4 2016.
• Carbon intensity of coal generation was down by 2% in Q4 2016 (2231 lb CO₂ per MWh) when compared to Q4 2015 (2281 lb CO₂ per MWh).
• Natural gas generation was down by 9% in Q4 2016 (294 million MWh) when compared to Q4 2015 (322 million MWh). Natural gas represented 30.6% of total generation in Q4 2016.
• Carbon intensity of natural gas generation was down by 2% in Q4 2016 (916 lb CO₂ per MWh) when compared to Q4 2015 (930 lb CO₂ per MWh).
• Renewable electricity generation was up by 7% in Q4 2016 (154 Million MWh) when compared to Q4 2015 (144 million MWh). Renewables represented 16% of total generation in Q4 2016.
• Nuclear electricity generation was up by 4% in Q4 2016 (198 Million MWh) when compared to Q4 2015 (190 million MWh). Nuclear represented 20.6% of total generation in Q4 2016.