The updated UK Government Emissions Factors 2023 Briefing is here.
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The latest UK Government Emissions factors were published on 2nd June 2021. These figures can be used for accurately reporting the carbon impact of business energy use.
We have provided a summary of the main points in relation to grid electricity and natural gas emission factors.
- Note that the electricity grid factors are based on 2019 grid mix data. This lag is standard and the 2021 factors should be used for calendar year 2021 emissions reporting.
- The transmission and generation (T&D) emissions factor for grid electricity has reduced from 2020 figure of 0.02005kg CO2e per kWh to 0.01879 kg CO2e per kWh.
- The generation emissions factor for grid electricity has reduced from 2020 figure, 0.23314kg CO2e per kWh, to 0.21233 kg CO2e per kWh.
- This means that the combined factor that most companies use has reduced from 2020 figure of 0.25319 kg CO2e per kWh to 0.23112 kg CO2e per kWh (a year on year reduction of 9%).
On this current path (noting that more solar PV and onshore wind /offshore wind has been added since 2019) there are challenges ahead for gas fired combined heat and power as a carbon reducing technology. The increase in gas related emissions from CHP engines is unlikely to be offset by the reduction in imported grid electricity related emissions. However, CHP is commercially attractive at the moment due to the cost of natural gas relative to grid electricity.
The natural gas emissions factor has changed slightly from 2020 figure of 0.18387 kg CO2e per kWh to 0.18316 kg CO2e per kWh. This is due to a small increase in biogas injection to the gas grid.
The reduction in grid carbon intensity is good news again for companies who have carbon reduction targets. It should be noted that UK electricity end users have all contributed to this success. Commercial and industrial users will be able to see on their bills that they pay a financial contribution to this.
UK energy efficiency consultants ITPEnergised are proud of our contribution. The grid continues to decarbonise and many of our projects are very much based on achieving that outcome. We can help you with all aspects of your journey to net zero, from carbon footprinting to cradle-to-grave solutions for all renewable energy generation technologies.
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