Energy consumption
Australia’s energy consumption fell 3.6% in 2020-21 to 5,790 PJ. This compares with average growth of 0.2% a year in the prior decade (2010-11 to 2019-20). The drop in consumption in 2020-21 was 214 PJ.
Fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) accounted for 92% of Australia’s primary energy mix in 2020-21. Oil accounted for the largest share of Australia’s primary energy mix in 2020-21, at 36%, followed by coal (29%) and gas (27%). Renewable energy sources accounted for 8%.
Australian energy consumption - by fuel type
2020–21 PJ |
2020–21 share |
2020–21 growth |
10 year |
|
Oil |
2,097.9 |
36.2 |
-6.7 |
-0.5 |
Coal |
1,661.0 |
28.7 |
-2.7 |
-2.4 |
Gas |
1,568.2 |
27.1 |
-3.7 |
2.0 |
Renewables |
462.4 |
8.0 |
10.4 |
4.6 |
Total |
5,789.6 |
100.0 |
-3.6 |
-0.2 |
Source: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (2022), Australian Energy Statistics, Table C