energy.gov.au

Energy consumption

Australia’s energy consumption fell by 2.9% in 2019-20 to 6,014 PJ. This compares with average growth of 0.7% a year in the prior decade (2009-10 to 2018-19). The drop in consumption in 2019-20 was 182 PJ.

Fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) accounted for 93% of Australia’s primary energy mix in 2019-20. Oil accounted for the largest share of Australia’s primary energy mix in 2019-20, at 37%, followed by coal (28%) and gas (27%). Renewable energy sources accounted for 7%.

Australian energy consumption - by fuel type

Australian energy consumption - by fuel type
	PJ	share (%)	2019–20 (%)	10 years (%)
	2019-20		Average annual growth
Oil	2,241.2	37.3	-6.9	0.1
Coal	1,706.6	28.4	-5.3	-2.4
Gas	1,647.2	27.4	3.8	2.9
Renewables	418.8	7.0	4.6	4.0
Total	6,013.8	100.0	-2.9	0.2

Source: Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources (2021), Australian Energy Statistics, Table C

Australian energy consumption - by fuel type - chart

This figure shows Australian energy consumption, by fuel type in PJ from 1974-75 to 2019-20. Energy consumption fell by 3% in 2019-20 to reach 6,014 PJ. This compares with average growth of 0.2% a year over the past 10 years. Fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) accounted for 93% of Australia’s primary energy mix in 2019-20.

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