Rajan Wilcox
The amount of CO2 emitted per gallon of fuel varies depending on the type of fuel and the conditions under which it is produced. For example, the EPA has calculated that diesel fuel emits 10,180 grams of CO2 per gallon, while gasoline emits 8.89 grams of CO2 per gallon. Other sources give emissions of gasoline as 10.9 kg of CO2 per gallon, or 20 pounds of CO2 per gallon. Additionally, it is important to consider the CO2 emissions associated with the production and transportation of fuel, which can add a further 3.35-6.7 pounds of CO2 per gallon. Overall, the use of fossil fuels for transport contributes significantly to CO2 emissions, with an estimated 26 million tonnes of CO2 per year arising from fossil fuel use in motor vehicle production in the UK alone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| CO2 emissions from petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel | 0.245 tonnes/MWh |
| CO2 emissions from using oil as energy | 3.67 tonnes per person |
| CO2 emissions from oil extraction | 0.14 tonnes |
| CO2 emissions from oil refining | 0.43 tonnes |
| Total energy wasted in oil exploration and refining | 0.57 tonnes |
| CO2 emissions from fossil fuel used in motor vehicle production | 0.43 tonnes CO2 per person |
| CO2 emissions per gallon of gasoline | 8.89 x 10^-3 metric tons CO2/gallon |
| CO2 emissions per gallon of diesel | 10,180 grams of CO2/gallon |
| CO2 emissions from gasoline per mile traveled by a typical passenger vehicle | 3.93 x 10^-4 metric tons CO2e/mile |
| CO2 emissions from burning a gallon of gasoline | 20 pounds of CO2 |
| Range of "upstream" CO2 emissions from well to gas pump | 3.35-6.7 pounds per gallon |
| CO2 emissions from gasoline per gallon | 14.3 kg CO2 per gallon |
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What You'll Learn
CO2 emissions from petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel
Petrol and diesel fuels are commonly used in internal combustion engines, and their CO2 emissions are well documented. On average, emissions of 10.9 kg of CO2 are produced per gallon of fuel. However, when scaling up to include emissions from oil extraction and refining, the value increases to 14.3 kg of CO2 per gallon of fuel. These emissions contribute to the overall carbon footprint of individuals and organisations that utilise vehicles powered by petrol or diesel engines.
Aviation fuel, on the other hand, has a different impact on CO2 emissions. While commercial aviation currently accounts for less than 3% of global CO2 emissions, the impact of air travel on an individual's carbon footprint can be significant. A transatlantic round-trip economy flight can add almost 1 metric tonne of CO2 to an individual's carbon footprint due to their share of the combusted fossil fuel. Additionally, the emissions from aviation fuel are estimated at 3.15 grams of CO2 emitted per gram of fuel burned. This results in a considerable amount of CO2 generated for each flight, especially when considering return trips.
Furthermore, the overall climate impact of aircraft extends beyond just CO2 emissions from fuel combustion. Aircraft emissions, including nitrous oxides and ozone, have additional climate effects. These emissions can enhance cirrus cloudiness, impact tropospheric ozone levels, and contribute to methane and water vapour concentrations. As a result, the CO2 emissions from aviation are often adjusted upwards by a factor of 2.00 or more to account for these additional impacts.
It is worth noting that the production and maintenance of vehicles, including aircraft, also contribute to CO2 emissions. For example, motor vehicle production results in significant CO2 emissions, adding to the overall carbon footprint of transportation. Similarly, the construction and maintenance of airports, as well as airport operations, contribute to the carbon intensity of air travel. Therefore, when considering CO2 emissions from petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel, it is essential to look at the broader context of their usage and associated activities.
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CO2 emissions per gallon of gasoline
The amount of CO2 emitted per gallon of gasoline burned is dependent on several factors, including the type of fuel, the efficiency of the engine, and the upstream emissions produced during the extraction, refinement, and transportation of the fuel.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average carbon dioxide emissions per gallon of gasoline are 8.89 x 10^-3 metric tons of CO2 per gallon. This figure is used to calculate annual greenhouse gas emissions per mile by dividing it by the average fuel economy of vehicles. However, these calculations can vary due to rounding.
Another source suggests that for each gallon of gasoline burned, about 20 pounds (lbs) of carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere. This figure does not include upstream emissions, which can add an additional 3.35 lbs to 6.7 lbs of CO2 per gallon, according to a Stanford University study.
When considering the broader context of fuel production and transportation, the carbon footprint of gasoline increases. For example, fossil fuel use in motor vehicle production contributes approximately 0.43 tons of CO2 per person. Additionally, the extraction, refinement, and transportation of oil can result in significant upstream emissions, further increasing the overall carbon footprint of gasoline.
To put these numbers into perspective, the EPA provides a greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator that allows for comparisons between different fuels. For example, the EPA states that the initial National Program fuel economy standards for model years 2012-2016 used a conversion factor of 10,180 grams of CO2 emissions per gallon of diesel consumed. This is equivalent to 10.18 x 10^-3 metric tons of CO2 per gallon of diesel.
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CO2 emissions from fossil fuel use in motor vehicle production
The transport sector accounts for a significant proportion of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, with road transportation being the primary contributor. In 2016, transport accounted for 21% of global emissions, or 7.9 billion tonnes of CO2. More recent data from 2019 shows that transport was responsible for about a quarter of the EU's total CO2 emissions, with 71.7% coming from road transportation.
Within the transport sector, passenger vehicles, including cars and buses, are the dominant source of emissions, contributing 45.1%. The impact of these emissions is particularly significant due to the higher global warming potential of other gases emitted, such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O).
To reduce CO2 emissions from cars, two main strategies can be employed: improving vehicle efficiency and transitioning to alternative fuels. Electric vehicles (EVs), for instance, have gained popularity and now represent a significant portion of new car registrations. While EVs do not produce tailpipe emissions, it is important to consider the emissions generated during the production and distribution of the electricity they consume.
In addition to the emissions produced during vehicle operation, the production and disposal of motor vehicles also contribute to CO2 emissions. Fossil fuel use in motor vehicle production results in significant emissions. For example, in the UK, 26 million tonnes of CO2 per year (7.1 million tonnes of carbon) are attributed to fossil fuel use in motor vehicle manufacturing. This equates to approximately 0.43 tonnes of CO2 per person and highlights the environmental impact of the vehicle manufacturing process.
To summarize, reducing CO2 emissions from the transport sector is a complex task that involves not only improving vehicle efficiency and transitioning to alternative fuels but also addressing the emissions associated with vehicle production and disposal. By implementing a range of measures, such as improving fuel efficiency, adopting electric vehicles, and reducing emissions in the manufacturing process, significant progress can be made toward achieving climate neutrality and net-zero emission targets.
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CO2 emissions from diesel: common conversion factors
The amount of CO2 emitted per gallon of fuel depends on the type of fuel and the conditions under which it is burnt. According to Which? magazine, the CO2 emissions from petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel are around 10.9 kg per gallon, which, when scaled up to account for emissions from oil extraction and refining, becomes 14.3 kg of CO2 per gallon of fuel.
SEAI provides a table of emission factors for CO2 produced from the combustion of fuels. These factors are for statistical purposes and are based on direct CO2 emissions from fuel combustion, excluding indirect emissions from extraction, cultivation, transportation, or processing. The factors are expressed in common units of energy or emissions to facilitate comparisons between different fuels and energy sources.
The EPA provides a Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator that allows users to convert greenhouse gas emission numbers into different types of equivalent units. This calculator uses emission factors from the Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) to enable users to map their residential or commercial zip codes to their region. The calculator also includes global warming potentials (GWPs) from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) and the Waste Reduction Model (WARM).
CO2 emissions from diesel fuel can be calculated using various conversion factors, depending on the specific requirements and context. These factors consider the type of fuel, combustion process, and energy units involved. By applying these conversion factors, it becomes possible to quantify and compare the CO2 emissions associated with diesel fuel combustion, contributing to a better understanding of its environmental impact.
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Calculating annual greenhouse gas emissions per mile
The amount of carbon dioxide emitted per gallon of fuel burned is 8.89 x 10^-3 metric tons, or 8.89 grams. This figure can be used to calculate the annual greenhouse gas emissions per mile traveled by a typical passenger vehicle.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a methodology to determine annual greenhouse gas emissions per mile. This methodology involves dividing carbon dioxide emissions per gallon of gasoline by the average fuel economy of vehicles to determine the carbon dioxide emitted per mile traveled by a typical passenger vehicle.
The average fuel economy of vehicles is given as 22.8 miles per gallon. By dividing the carbon dioxide emissions per gallon (8.89 x 10^-3 metric tons) by the average fuel economy, we can calculate the carbon dioxide emitted per mile, which is approximately 3.93 x 10^-4 metric tons of carbon dioxide per mile.
To get the total annual greenhouse gas emissions per mile, we need to consider not only carbon dioxide but also other greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide. The EPA provides a ratio of carbon dioxide emissions to total greenhouse gas emissions, which is 0.994 for gasoline passenger vehicles. By dividing the carbon dioxide emitted per mile by this ratio, we can account for these other greenhouse gases. This gives us the annual greenhouse gas emissions per mile for a typical passenger vehicle.
It is important to note that these calculations provide an estimate, and there are other factors that can impact the actual greenhouse gas emissions, such as the vehicle's fuel, fuel economy, and the number of miles driven per year. Additionally, the calculations may vary based on the specific fuel type and vehicle characteristics.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of CO2 emitted per gallon of fuel burned varies depending on the type of fuel. For gasoline, the carbon dioxide emitted is 8.89 x 10^-3 metric tons CO2 per gallon. For diesel, the EPA has established a common conversion factor of 10,180 grams of CO2 per gallon.
Upstream emissions refer to the CO2 emitted during the production and transportation of gasoline. According to a Stanford University study, upstream emissions for gasoline can range from 3.35 to 6.7 pounds of CO2 per gallon.
To calculate the annual greenhouse gas emissions of your vehicle, you need to determine the carbon dioxide emissions per gallon of fuel and divide it by the average fuel economy of your vehicle. This will give you the carbon dioxide emitted per mile traveled. You can then multiply this by the number of miles driven in a year to get your annual emissions.
Yes, the production and maintenance of vehicles also contribute to their overall carbon footprint. The manufacture of motor vehicles can result in significant CO2 emissions, and these emissions are separate from the direct emissions from fuel combustion.
