CO2 emission factors
This page publishes the annually updated emission factors for district heat and average electricity production in Finland. Emission factors are usually available from the local energy supplier for more detailed site-specific calculations.
The CO2 factors for electricity and district heat production from different sources differ depending on, among other things, whether the calculation is based on the commodity or energy method and whether the emission factor for a given year or a rolling average for previous years is used. There is also a difference in whether only energy produced in Finland is taken into account or whether purchased electricity is also taken into account.
The coefficients published on this page do not take into account the life-cycle emissions of energy production.
District heating – average emission factor for district heating
Statistics Finland publishes coefficients for CO2 emissions from average district heat production in Finland. The average of these for the last three statistical years (2021-2023), where cogeneration is split by the energy method, is 130 kg CO2/MWh.
(link updated 5.3.2025)
Note! In 2021 and earlier, we have published the average of the last three statistical years in which cogeneration has been allocated using the benefit-sharing method. From now on, we have switched to the more commonly used energy method emission factor.
If you needthe CO2 coefficient for district heating for a specific site, you can ask the district heating supplier for that site.
District heating – emission factor for separate production
The attached appendix shows the locations of separate district heat production and their three-year (2021-2023) moving average CO2 emission factors (Energy Industry Association, District Heating Statistics). The localities are grouped into 13 categories according to their emission factors.
Erillistuotannon paikkakunnat – keskiarvo 2021-2023
Municipality-specific district heat data can also be found in the attached Local Power District Heat Emissions Calculator. The calculator gives the emission factor and emissions of district heat production per network. In the future, a separate list of emissions from separate district heat production will no longer be published on this page.
(Local Power)
Electricity – average emission factor for electricity generation
Statistics Finland publishes coefficientsfor CO2 emissions from average electricity production in Finland. The average of these for the last three statistical years (2021-2023), where cogeneration is split by the energy method, is 60 kg CO2/MWh.
(link updated 5.3.2025)
Only domestic energy production is taken into account in the emission factor, i.e. imported electricity is not included.
Note: In 2021 and earlier, we have published the average of the last three statistical years in which cogeneration has been allocated using the benefit-sharing method. From now on, we have switched to the more commonly used emission factor calculated using the energy method.
Electricity – marginal emission factor
When assessing the impact of the change in consumption of an energy saving measure on CO2 emissions, a marginal emission factor can be used for electricity in addition to the average CO2 emission factor for electricity supply in Finland. The marginal electricity factor is mainly used in Finland’s international reporting. It is not really suitable for climate impact assessments of individual electricity generation projects, where the average emission factor for electricity generation or an appropriate emission factor for an individual electricity producer should be used.
The margin-based assessment of CO2 emission reductions is based on the assumption that the electricity saving measures taken are targeted at marginal electricity production, i.e. the most expensive form of electricity production at the time and whose production is adjusted according to consumption.
The marginal CO2 emission factor is 600 kg CO2/MWh.
Source: used in international reporting, including to the UN, p. 172 Finland’s Seventh National Communication under the United Nations Framework Convention on CLIMATE CHANGE
Emission factors for fuels
Updated emission factors for different fuels can be found in the Fuel Classification table on Statistics Finland’s website.
Emission screening of the impact assessment
This study has examined the suitability of emission factors used in the impact assessment of Finnish policy measures, especially electricity and heat, for national and international policy impact assessment, taking into account in particular the development of a low-carbon electricity system. The study focuses on the examination of policy measures aimed at energy saving, energy efficiency and increasing renewable energy. The review also includes an international overview and the report has been prepared in consultation with experts from different organisations. The report has been funded by the Energy Agency.
Vaikuttavuusarvioinnin päästökerrointarkastelu 06-2025
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