The largest source to the emission of CO₂ is the energy sector, which includes combustion of fossil fuels like oil, coal and natural gas (Figure 2.2). Energy Industries contribute with 49 % of the emissions (excl. LULUCF). About 27 % come from the transport sector. The CO₂ emission (excl. LULUCF) decreased by 5 % from 2008 to 2009. The reason for the yearly fluctuations in the CO₂ emission from the energy sector owe mostly to electricity import/export, but also to variations in the outdoor temperature from year to year. In 2009 the net electricity import was 1 200 TJ. The large electricity export that occur in some years is a result of low rainfall in Norway and Sweden causing insufficient hydropower production in both countries. If the CO₂ emission is adjusted for climatic variations and electricity trade with other countries the CO₂ emission from combustion of fossil fuels has decreased by 19.2 % since 1990. The decrease in CO₂ emissions is observed despite an almost constant gross energy consumption (-0.7 % since 1990) and an increase in the gross national product of 36.6 %. This is due to change of fuel from coal to natural gas and renewable energy. As a result of the lower consumption of coal in recent years, the main part of the CO₂ emission comes from oil combustion. In 2009 the actual CO₂ emission excl. LULUCF was about 8 % lower than the emission in 1990.

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