Determination the contribution of factors affecting on CO2 emissions from thermal power plants using the STIRPAT model

Carbon dioxide as the most important greenhouse gas caused global warming and climate change. Considering that the most important source of carbon dioxide emissions is thermal power plants, this study illustrates the factors including population, affluence and technology influencing on carbon dioxide emissions from Iran’s power plants over the period of 1980-2012. The STIRPAT model and cointegration regression were used to determine the contribution of factors affecting on carbon dioxide emissions. Population, GDP per capita, household consumption ratio are the contributors to carbon dioxide emissions increments, while energy efficiency, energy structure in power plants, ratio of electrical energy produced from renewable energy, ratio of electricity added value to total electricity value plays negative effect on carbon dioxide emissions.