Accounting carbon emissions from electricity generation: a review and comparison of emission factor-based methods

A review and comparison of emission factor-based methods for accounting direct carbon emissions from electricity generation is presented. Accurate estimation of greenhouse gas (GHG) is essential to meet carbon neutrality targets, particularly through the calculation of direct CO2 emissions from electricity generation. The emission factor approach is widely used worldwide. In this paper, the most common approaches based on emission factors are compared using empirical data from the Italian electricity market. The comparative analysis reveals substantial differences in the CO2 estimates in different market zones, underscoring the need for tailored emission factors to accurately capture regional fuel variations. The findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate estimation methods for reliable emissions accounting, which supports effective regulatory compliance and informed policymaking.