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The Bełchatów lignite-fired power plant in Poland was the biggest carbon polluter in the European Union in 2023, having released ** million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MtCO₂). Bełchatów has remained the biggest emitter in the EU for more than a decade.

Europe’s largest polluters are coal power plants

The EU's 10 biggest emitters in 2023 were all coal-fired power plants. These facilities were spread across just three countries, with the majority located in Germany. The most polluting power plant in Germany in 2023 was the RWE operated Neurath lignite power plant. Combined, the 10 biggest emitters in the EU produced almost *** MtCO₂ in 2023. 

Coal power emissions in the EU

Coal is by far the largest contributor to EU power sector emissions. Nevertheless, EU coal power emissions have been on a declining trajectory over the years as more and more countries shut down coal plants.