According to the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS), the overall carbon emissions of industries covered by the UK ETS fell by 11.5% year-on-year in 2024. Stationary facilities (such as power generation and industrial plants) covered by the UK ETS emitted a total of 76.7 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), down nearly 13% year-on-year.

The main reason for the decline in stationary facility carbon emissions was the power sector, with carbon emissions of 30.6 million tons, a decrease of 18%. The industrial sector, with carbon emissions of 46.1 million tons, showed a decrease of nearly 9%.

However, aviation emissions in 2024 were 8.99 million tons of CO2e, up 2% year-on-year, partially offsetting the overall emission reduction effect. In addition, due to the strong recovery of aviation activity in 2022, emissions increased by 2.5%.

Overall, since the launch of the UK ETS in 2021, emissions covered by the UK ETS have fallen for two consecutive years, with emissions from stationary facilities continuing to fall every year. 

According to preliminary data released by the European Commission in April this year, emissions covered by the EU ETS fell by a projected 4.5% annually in 2024.