The Australian economy grew by 2.8 per cent in 2017–18 to reach $1.8 trillion GDP. Australia’s energy consumption rose by 0.9 per cent in 2017–18 to reach 6,172PJ.
Energy productivity (gross domestic product (GDP) divided by energy consumption) improved by 2 per cent in 2017–18, and by 20 per cent over the past 10 years. Australia now creates $294 million in GDP for every petajoule of energy consumed, nearly $50 million more than 10 years ago.
This improvement reflects cumulative improvements in energy efficiency as well as a shift in the economy away from highly energy-intensive industries (such as manufacturing) towards less energy-intensive industries (such as services). Increased use of renewable energy instead of fossil fuels for electricity generation has also had a positive impact on energy productivity.
Australian energy intensity and energy productivity
Source: Department of the Environment and Energy (2019) Australian Energy Statistics, Table B
