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Energy productivity

In 2019-20, the Australian economy contracted by 0.3% to $1.9 trillion. Energy consumption fell by 2.9% in 2019-20 to 6,014 PJ.

Energy productivity (gross domestic product (GDP) divided by energy consumption) improved by 2.7% in 2019-20, and by 21% over the past ten years. Australia now creates $324 million in GDP for every PJ of energy consumed, over $50 million more than a decade ago.

This improvement reflects cumulative improvements in energy efficiency as well as a shift in the economy away from highly energy-intensive industries like manufacturing, towards less energy-intensive industries such as services. Increased use of renewable energy instead of combustion-based generation sources for electricity generation has also had a positive impact on energy productivity.

Australian energy intensity and energy productivity

Line graph of Australian energy intensity and energy productivity. There are 4 lines showing GDP, energy consumption, energy intensity and energy productivity. With an index scale on the y axis and years on the x axis. GDP is dark blue. It increased until this year then dropped slightly. Energy consumption is light blue it was flattening in recent years and declined notably this year. Energy productivity is grey. It is increasing. Energy intensity is teal, it is decreasing.

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