Average specific carbon dioxide emissions of electricity purchase in Finland, National residual mix of electricity, Finland

Background Of The Emission Factor

The residual electricity mix refers to the mix of electricity sources that remains after electricity generated from certified renewable energy sources and nuclear power is subtracted from the total electricity generation mix. The residual mix thus illustrates the average composition of energy sources for electricity other than that sold by electric utilities to their customers with guarantees of origin. The Energy Authority determines the residual electricity mix in Finland annually.

The residual mix indicates the average emissions from electricity for consumers who have not specifically chosen to purchase electricity generated from certain energy sources. The residual mix often contains more fossil fuels and less renewable energy than the average for total electricity generation.

Emission Factor Category

The emission factor for electricity can be reported either as life cycle emissions (cradle-to-grave) or as emissions from the use phase. When calculating the emissions of purchased energy for a company, the use-phase emission factor should be applied. The use-phase emissions of renewable energy are zero, but renewables still have life cycle emissions. However, these are typically much lower than those of electricity generated from fossil fuels.